Let’s start this Windows 8.1 upgrade tutorial with a few preparatory steps that you may not see Microsoft or other websites recommend.
Before You Start
The following is an ordered list of tasks you should considering completing prior to starting the update process. These suggestions are based on years of experience troubleshooting and solving various problems seen during software installations, Windows updates, and service pack installs - all very similar to this Windows 8.1 update. Once you’ve done all the prep work, it’s time to move on to Step 1 to start the Windows 8.1 upgrade. Visit the Windows 8.1 download page and choose your Windows version from the drop-down menu, followed by Confirm. On the same page, select your language and then choose Confirm again. Finally, select the version you want to run, either 64-bit Download or 32-bit Download. The ISO file will start downloading to your computer or you’ll be prompted to choose where to save it. Pick a location that’s easily accessible later, and feel free to keep the file name as it is by default. Windows 8 has a built-in method for doing this, but there are also third-party programs like WinCDEmu that will work. Select Next. Enter the key you recovered earlier and then press Next. Select Next. The steps include choosing a region and language setting, entering a name for the computer, customizing settings, setting up user accounts, and opting in to online services.
