I've tried this 2 times and each time after first starting the windows 8 download and cancelling the download once it starts I then clicked on windows 8.1. Both times I was prompted for a windows 8.1 product key. It would appear that this "loophole" has been closed.
Are you aware of any other solutions?
Mike
The Windows 8.1 downloader got updated and you need to use the original Windows 8.1 downloader for that trick.
Luckily it got updated again, now Microsoft have a Windows 8.1 with Update 1 Media Creation Tool, this tool does not require a product key:
Just ensure you select the correct edition. The downloaded .iso will accept both Windows 8 and 8.1 retail keys. It will also automatically input Windows 8 and 8.1 OEM keys. My updated guide focuses on the OEM install but covers the retail install also.


