Is it possible to install Windows 8 onto a newer laptop to run software that requires this operating system?

Can you upload the iso file on like Google drive or mega.nz

It's not likely that Windows 8.1 would have drivers for your Windows 11 hardware, but ...

... there's a better way. With Hyper-V, you can create a virtual machine in Windows 11, and you will be able to install Windows 8.1 in the VM. It will be like having a Windows 8.1 computer.

Unfortunately, there is a sticking point. Windows 8.1 is not free software. For the purposes of licensing, a virtual machine is just like a physical computer, so to use Windows 8.1 in a virtual machine you should actually pay for it, which is not possible because Microsoft no longer sells it.

I am not attorney nor am I familiar with Microsoft's policy about this. If you have, or can get your hands on, a Retail Windows 8.1 install DVD, I think you'll be in the clear.

Can you upload the iso file on like Google drive or mega.nz

Do NOT request that in this Community again, or you will be suspended.

ALL files are to only come from official sources.

I have my original Windows 8.1 installation disk. From an earlier computer.

I need to run old software for some equipment that only seems compatible with Windows 8. Given this, I need have a laptop with Windows 11 that I would like to install Windows 8.1 onto - is this possible?

Windows 8.1 does not have the Drivers. as such

The Computer Manufacturer are the ones who supply the Drivers for the operating systems.

They are the ones who pass on their Drivers to Microsoft

If the Computer came with Windows 11, it will not have backwards compatibility to install Windows 8.1..

As Microsoft no longer sells 8.1 we can NOT recommend anywhere safe or reliable to buy Windows 8.1 from.