Windows 8.1 Pro x64 Activated: What You Need to Know Before You Install
Introduction
Windows 8.1 Pro is an operating system designed by Microsoft that offers a range of features and benefits for personal and professional use. Whether you are using a desktop PC, a laptop, or a tablet, Windows 8.1 Pro can help you work more efficiently, stay connected, and enjoy your digital life.
WINDOWS 8.1 PRO x64-ACTIVATED
Windows 8.1 Pro is an update to Windows 8, which was released in 2012. Windows 8 introduced a new interface that was optimized for touchscreens and cloud services, but also caused some confusion and frustration among users who were used to the traditional desktop and Start menu. Windows 8.1 Pro addresses some of these issues by bringing back the Start button, improving the mouse and keyboard usability, and adding more customization options.
In this article, you will learn about the features and benefits of Windows 8.1 Pro, as well as how to download, install, and activate it on your PC. You will also discover some tips and tricks that will help you make the most of this operating system.
Features and benefits
Windows 8.1 Pro offers a variety of features that make it a powerful and versatile operating system for different types of users and devices. Here are some of the main features and benefits that you can enjoy with Windows 8.1 Pro:
Interface changes
The first thing you will notice about Windows 8.1 Pro is that it looks different from previous versions of Windows. The interface has been redesigned to suit both touchscreens and traditional input devices, such as mouse and keyboard. Here are some of the interface changes that you will encounter in Windows 8.1 Pro:
Start button: The Start button is back on the lower left corner of the screen, allowing you to access the Start screen or the desktop with a single click or tap.
Start screen: The Start screen is the main screen that displays all of your apps as tiles. You can personalize your Start screen by changing the color scheme, choosing a background image, and rearranging your tiles.
Live tiles: Some apps use live tiles, which show updated information without opening the app. For example, the Weather app shows the current weather on its tile, and you can click or tap on it to see more details.
Hot corners: You can navigate through Windows 8.1 Pro by using hot corners. To use a hot corner, just hover the mouse in the corner of the screen or swipe from the edge of the screen if you are using a touchscreen.
Charms bar: The charms bar is a toolbar that appears on the right side of the screen when you use a hot corner. It contains five icons that let you access different functions: Search, Share, Start, Devices, and Settings.
App switcher: The app switcher appears on the left side of the screen when you use a hot corner. It shows a list of your recently used apps and allows you to switch between them or close them.
Desktop: The desktop is the familiar interface that you may have used in previous versions of Windows. It contains the taskbar, the icons, and the windows. You can access the desktop from the Start screen or the Start button.
These interface changes may take some time to get used to, but they are designed to make your experience more fluid and intuitive. You can also customize them to suit your preferences and needs.
Online features
Windows 8.1 Pro is also designed to connect you to the online world and enhance your productivity and entertainment. Here are some of the online features that you can use with Windows 8.1 Pro:
Microsoft account integration: You can sign in to Windows 8.1 Pro with your Microsoft account, which is a free account that gives you access to various online services, such as Outlook.com, Skype, Xbox Live, and more. By signing in with your Microsoft account, you can sync your settings, preferences, files, and apps across your devices.
OneDrive: OneDrive is a cloud storage service that lets you store and access your files online. You can use OneDrive to backup your important data, share your files with others, and access them from any device. Windows 8.1 Pro comes with 15 GB of free OneDrive storage space.
Windows Store: Windows Store is an online marketplace where you can download and install apps for Windows 8.1 Pro. You can find apps for various categories, such as games, social media, education, news, and more. Some apps are free, while others require payment.
These online features can help you stay connected and productive with Windows 8.1 Pro. You can also use other online services, such as web browsers, email clients, and social networks with Windows 8.1 Pro.
Security features
Windows 8.1 Pro also provides a number of security features that protect your PC and your data from various threats and risks. Here are some of the security features that you can use with Windows 8.1 Pro:
Windows Defender: Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus and anti-malware program that scans your PC for viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It also updates itself automatically to keep up with the latest threats.
BitLocker: BitLocker is a feature that encrypts your hard drive or removable drive to prevent unauthorized access to your data. BitLocker requires a password or a recovery key to unlock your drive.
SmartScreen: SmartScreen is a feature that warns you about potentially unsafe websites, downloads, and apps. It checks the reputation of the items you encounter online and blocks them if they are known to be harmful.
These security features can help you keep your PC and your data safe from harm with Windows 8.1 Pro. You can also use other security tools, such as firewalls, VPNs, and password managers with Windows 8.1 Pro.
Other features
Besides the features mentioned above, Windows 8.1 Pro also offers some other features that enhance your experience and functionality with this operating system. Here are some of the other features that you can use with Windows 8.1 Pro:
3D printing support: Windows 8.1 Pro supports 3D printing devices and allows you to print 3D models from compatible apps.
Reading view in IE11: Internet Explorer 11 is the default web browser in Windows 8.1 Pro. It has a reading view feature that removes distractions from web pages and displays them in a clean and simple format.
Lock screen slideshow: You can turn your lock screen into a slideshow that displays your favorite photos from your PC or OneDrive.
These are just some of the many features that Windows 8.1 Pro offers to make your life easier and more enjoyable with this operating system.
System requirements and compatibility
If you want to use Windows 8.1 Pro on your PC, you need to make sure that your PC meets the minimum hardware and software requirements for this operating system. Here are the system requirements and compatibility information for Windows 8.1 Pro:
Hardware requirements
The hardware requirements for Windows 8.1 Pro are the same as for Windows 8. You need to have the following components on your PC:
Component
Requirement
Processor
1 GHz or faster with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2
RAM
1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
Disk space
16 GB for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit
Graphics card
DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
Display
800 x 600 resolution or higher
Input device
Keyboard and mouse or compatible pointing device (touchscreen optional)
Internet connection
Required for some features and updates (fees may apply)
If your PC meets these requirements, you should be able to run Windows 8.1 Pro smoothly and efficiently. However, if you want to enjoy the best performance and experience, you may want to upgrade your hardware to meet the recommended specifications, which are higher than the minimum ones.
Software requirements
The software requirements for Windows 8.1 Pro depend on the edition and processor type of your current operating system. You need to have a valid product key for Windows 8.1 Pro, which is a 25-character code that verifies your license to use this operating system. You can find your product key on the packaging of your Windows DVD, on a sticker on your PC, or in an email confirmation if you bought it online.
You also need to check the compatibility of your current operating system with Windows 8.1 Pro. Here are the supported editions and processors for upgrading to Windows 8.1 Pro:
Current operating system
Editions supported for upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro
Processors supported for upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro
Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, or Enterprise
All editions except Enterprise can be upgraded to Windows 8.1 Pro.
All processors except Itanium can be upgraded to Windows 8.1 Pro.
Windows Vista Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise (with Service Pack 1 or later)
All editions except Enterprise can be upgraded to Windows 8.1 Pro.
All processors except Itanium can be upgraded to Windows 8.1 Pro.
Windows XP Home, Professional, Media Center, or Tablet PC (with Service Pack 3 or later)
All editions can be upgraded to Windows 8.1 Pro.
All processors except Itanium can be upgraded to Windows 8.1 Pro.
Windows 8 Core or Pro
All editions can be upgraded to Windows 8.1 Pro.
All processors can be upgraded to Windows 8.1 Pro.
If your current operating system is not listed in the table, you cannot upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro directly. You may need to perform a clean installation, which means that you will lose all your files and settings on your PC. You should backup your data before performing a clean installation.
If your current operating system is listed in the table, you can upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro using the media creation tool, which will guide you through the process. You will need to have a reliable internet connection and enough disk space for the download and installation.
Download and installation guide
To download and install Windows 8.1 Pro on your PC, you will need to use the media creation tool, which is a free program that allows you to create a bootable USB or DVD from the Windows 8.1 ISO file. The ISO file is an image file that contains all the files and instructions for installing Windows 8.1 Pro on your PC.
Here are the steps to download and install Windows 8.1 Pro using the media creation tool:
How to use the media creation tool to download Windows 8.1 ISO file
Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8ISO and select the edition and language of Windows 8.1 that you want to download.
Click on Confirm and then select the architecture of your processor (32-bit or 64-bit).
Click on Confirm again and then click on the link that appears under Download Link to download the media creation tool.
Run the media creation tool and accept the license terms.
Select Create installation media for another PC and click on Next.
Select the language, edition, and architecture of Windows 8.1 that match your product key and click on Next.
Select ISO file as the media type and click on Next.
Choose a location to save the ISO file and click on Save.
Wait for the download to complete and then click on Finish.
You have now downloaded the Windows 8.1 ISO file to your PC. You can use it to create a bootable USB or DVD that you can use to install Windows 8.1 Pro on your PC.
How to create a bootable USB or DVD from the ISO file
Insert a blank USB flash drive or DVD into your PC. Make sure that it has at least 4 GB of free space.
Run the media creation tool again and accept the license terms.
Select Create installation media for another PC and click on Next.
Select the language, edition, and architecture of Windows 8.1 that match your product key and click on Next.
Select USB flash drive or DVD as the media type and click on Next.
Select the drive that you want to use as the bootable media and click on Next.
Wait for the tool to format and copy the files from the ISO file to your USB or DVD and then click on Finish.
You have now created a bootable USB or DVD that contains the Windows 8.1 installation files. You can use it to install Windows 8.1 Pro on your PC.
How to install Windows 8.1 from the USB or DVD
Insert the bootable USB or DVD into your PC and restart it.
Press any key when prompted to boot from the USB or DVD.
Select your language, time, currency, keyboard, and input method and click on Next.
Click on Install now and enter your product key when prompted.
Accept the license terms and click on Next.
Select Upgrade if you want to keep your files and settings from your current operating system or Custom if you want to perform a clean installation.
Select the drive where you want to install Windows 8.1 Pro and click on Next.
Wait for the installation to complete and then follow the instructions to personalize your settings and sign in with your Microsoft account.
You have now installed Windows 8.1 Pro on your PC. You can start using it and enjoy its features and benefits.
Activation methods and tools
To use Windows 8.1 Pro fully and legally, you need to activate it with a valid product key. Activation is a process that verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine and not used on more devices than the license allows. Activation also helps prevent software piracy and protect your rights as a customer.
There are two main methods to activate Windows 8.1 Pro: using a product key or using a KMS client or online KMS activation. Here are the steps to activate Windows 8.1 Pro using these methods:
How to activate Windows 8.1 using a product key
Go to the Start screen and type Activate Windows.
Select Activate Windows from the search results.
Enter your product key and click on Next.
Wait for the activation to complete and then click on Close.
You have now activated Windows 8.1 Pro using a product key. You can check the activation status by going to the PC settings and selecting Activate Windows.
How to activate Windows 8.1 using KMS client or online KMS activation
KMS stands for Key Management Service, which is a technology that allows organizations to activate multiple devices with a single product key. KMS activation requires a KMS host, which is a server that runs the KMS service and issues activation requests to the devices.
If you do not have a product key or you want to activate Windows 8.1 Pro without using one, you can use a KMS client or online KMS activation. A KMS client is a program that mimics the KMS host and activates your device with a generic product key. Online KMS activation is a service that connects your device to an online KMS host and activates it with a generic product key.
Here are the steps to activate Windows 8.1 Pro using KMS client or online KMS activation:
Download a KMS client or an online KMS activation tool from a reputable source.
Run the tool as an administrator and follow the instructions.
Select Windows 8.1 Pro as the edition and click on Activate.
Wait for the activation to complete and then restart your PC.
You have now activated Windows 8.1 Pro using KMS client or online KMS activation. You can check the activation status by going to the PC settings and selecting Activate Windows.
Tips and tricks
To make the most of Windows 8.1 Pro, you may want to learn some tips and tricks that will help you use this operating system more efficiently and effectively. Here are some of the tips and tricks that you can use with Windows 8.1 Pro:
How to boot to the desktop instead of the Start screen
If you prefer to use the desktop interface instead of the Start screen, you can configure Windows 8.1 Pro to boot directly to the desktop when you start your PC. Here are the steps to boot to the desktop instead of the Start screen:
Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar and select Properties.
Select the Navigation tab and check the box that says When I sign in or close all apps on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start.
Click on OK and restart your PC.
You have now configured Windows 8.1 Pro to boot to the desktop instead of the Start screen. You can still access the Start screen by clicking on the Start button or using a hot corner.
How to customize the Start screen tiles and background
If you want to personalize your Start screen, you can customize the tiles and background of this interface. You can change the size, color, position, and grouping of your tiles, as well as choose a background image or color for your Start screen. Here are the steps to customize the Start screen tiles and background:
How to change the size and color of the tiles
Go to the Start screen and right-click or press and hold on a tile that you want to change.
Select Resize from the menu that appears and choose from Small, Medium, Large, or Wide.
Repeat the steps for other tiles that you want to resize.
To change the color of a tile, right-click or press and hold on it and select Turn live tile off. This will make the tile display a solid color instead of showing updated information.
Repeat the steps for other tiles that you want to change the color.
You have now changed the size and color of the tiles on your Start screen. You can also turn live tile on if you want to see updated information on a tile.
How to move and group the tiles
Go to the Start screen and drag a tile to a new position. You can also use the arrow keys to move a tile.
To create a new group of tiles, drag a tile to an empty space between two existing groups. A vertical bar will appear to indicate the new group.
To name a group of tiles, zoom out by clicking on the minus sign on the lower right corner of the screen or using Ctrl + mouse wheel. Right-click or press and hold on a group and select Name group. Enter a name for the group and click on Name.
Repeat the steps for other groups that you want to name.
You have now moved and grouped the tiles on your Start screen. You can also zoom in by clicking on the plus sign on the lower right corner of the screen or using Ctrl + mouse wheel.
How to change the background image or color
Go to the Start screen and open the charms bar by using a hot corner or pressing Windows + C.
Select Settings and then Personalize.
Select a background image from the list or click on Browse to choose an image from your PC or OneDrive.
Select a c