Important: Microsoft support ended 10 January 2023
Windows 8.1 no longer receives Microsoft security updates, software updates, bug fixes or technical support. It is not recommended for a new general-purpose or internet-facing PC. Purchase it only for a compatible legacy system, specialist application, test environment or other clearly assessed need. Read Microsoft’s lifecycle notice.
Start with the use case
Who should—and should not—buy Windows 8.1 Pro?
A considered fit
- Maintaining a legacy PC already designed for Windows 8.1
- Running specialist software validated only on Windows 8.1
- Testing, lab or virtual-machine environments with controlled exposure
- Restoring a compatible point-of-sale, production or offline workstation
Choose a supported Windows release instead
- A new everyday home, study or business computer
- A device used for banking or sensitive online work
- A PC without confirmed Windows 8.1 drivers
- A business that requires current Microsoft security servicing
Professional edition
Business features retained for legacy environments
Connect compatible PCs to an organisation’s Windows domain.
Allow authorised remote connections to the PC.
Encrypt compatible drives to help protect stored data.
Run compatible virtual machines on supported 64-bit hardware.
Group Policy and Encrypting File System are also included. Hardware, firmware and edition prerequisites can apply to individual features.
Architecture choice
32-bit or 64-bit: match the PC and its drivers
| Decision point | 32-bit | 64-bit |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Older 32-bit hardware or drivers | Compatible 64-bit processor and drivers |
| Memory | Approximately 4 GB address space; usable RAM is usually lower | Appropriate when the PC has more than 4 GB RAM |
| Software | Runs compatible 32-bit applications | Runs compatible 64-bit and many 32-bit applications |
Check first: changing architecture normally requires a clean installation; it is not an in-place switch.
Pre-purchase checklist
Confirm compatibility before placing the order
- Drivers: verify Windows 8.1 drivers for the motherboard, storage, graphics, network and specialist peripherals.
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with PAE, NX and SSE2 support.
- RAM: at least 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit; more may be needed by your applications.
- Storage: at least 16 GB for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit, plus working space and backups.
- Graphics/display: DirectX 9 device with a WDDM driver and 1024 × 768 for Store-style apps.
- Installation: have compatible installation media, a current backup and your recovery plan ready.
Minimum specifications do not guarantee driver availability or acceptable performance for your software.
Know what you are ordering
Licence selection, fulfilment and support
| Product | Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro |
|---|---|
| PC quantity | Select a licence for 1, 2 or 5 compatible Windows PCs |
| Architecture | 32-bit or 64-bit installation on compatible hardware |
| Delivery | Digital fulfilment after order verification; no boxed disc is advertised |
| Store assistance | Installation and activation guidance is available from Software Mart Australia |
| Microsoft support | Ended 10 January 2023 |
Those details are not stated in the current catalogue record. Ask Software Mart before payment so the supplied licence terms can be confirmed for your use case.
A clearer way to buy legacy software
Order in AUD from Software Mart Australia.
Digital fulfilment follows the store’s verification process.
Contact the team if you need help with installation or activation.
The end-of-support risk is disclosed before purchase.
Answers before checkout
Windows 8.1 Pro FAQ
Is Windows 8.1 still supported by Microsoft?
No. Microsoft support ended on 10 January 2023. The operating system no longer receives Microsoft security updates, bug fixes or technical support.
Who is this product intended for?
It is intended for assessed legacy needs such as compatible older hardware, specialist applications, controlled test environments and restoration of an existing Windows 8.1 deployment.
Can I install it on a new PC?
Do not assume so. Many newer systems do not provide Windows 8.1 chipset, storage, graphics, network or USB drivers. Confirm the manufacturer’s driver support before ordering.
Should I choose 32-bit or 64-bit?
Use 32-bit only when older hardware, drivers or applications require it. Use 64-bit when the processor and all required drivers support it, especially when the PC has more than 4 GB RAM.
Does the quantity selector mean one licence for each PC?
Yes. Choose the 1-PC, 2-PC or 5-PC option according to the number of compatible PCs you intend to license.
Is this a physical boxed product?
No boxed disc is advertised. The product is fulfilled digitally after order verification.
Is installation media included?
The current catalogue record does not specify installation media. Contact Software Mart before ordering if you need a particular installer, recovery image, language or media format.
Is the licence Retail or OEM, and can it be transferred?
The current catalogue record does not state the channel or transfer rights. Ask Software Mart before payment if these terms are material to your purchase.
Does Software Mart provide support?
Software Mart Australia can provide store-level installation and activation guidance. This is separate from Microsoft product support, which has ended.
Can Windows 8.1 be upgraded later?
A later upgrade depends on hardware compatibility, available drivers and the licence terms of the newer Windows release. Plan the migration before using Windows 8.1 in a business workflow.
Confirmed a Windows 8.1 requirement?
Choose the number of compatible PCs, review the support notice and complete your order. If any licence or media detail is important, ask before payment.
Choose 1, 2 or 5 PCs Ask a compatibility question
