Use the command bcdboot [VHD_Drive_Letter]:\Windows to add the new OS to your startup options [1, 33]. 4. Alternative: VirtualBox/VMware
If you're looking for a newer version of Windows, consider downloading Windows 10 or Windows 11 from official Microsoft sources. windows 81 vhd download link
Official Microsoft download links for a pre-configured Windows 8.1 Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) are , as Microsoft has retired the official downloads for Windows 8.1 ISOs and evaluation virtual machines. Because Windows 8.1 reached its end of support on January 10, 2023 , Microsoft no longer provides active download links or updates for this version. Current Status and Alternatives . While this is an ISO
Microsoft still provides official , which you can use to install Windows 8.1 directly onto a virtual machine (which then creates its own VHD/VHDX file). windows 81 vhd download link
. While this is an ISO, it can be mounted as a virtual disk or used to install Windows onto a VHD. Internet Archive
While direct Microsoft VHD downloads are unavailable for the unsupported Windows 8.1, users can create a custom VHD by applying installation media via command-line tools like DISM. ISO installation files for the necessary setup are available through official evaluation channels and archival sites. For a full guide on creating a VHD and installing Windows, watch this YouTube tutorial . Windows 8.1-Create a VHD and Install Windows On It