This is a modified version of Windows 8.1 Embedded Industry Pro. I call it "Windows 9"
It was designed to bring back the UI from Windows 7, while keeping the kernel improvements from 8.1
You need a license key to activate this operating system.
If you are in college, check if you have a Microsoft Imagine subscription. You can usually get an 8.1 Embedded Industry Pro license key from Microsoft Imagine for free.
Windows 9 is x64 only - this will not work on 32 bit systems.
If affected by a black screen issue after windows update, please visit this page for instructions on how to repair.
Screenshot of the system:

The D-Link DNS-323 is a venerable piece of network hardware. Launched over a decade ago as a two-bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, it has earned a reputation for being a surprisingly robust and reliable workhorse. However, like all legacy technology, it eventually reaches the end of its official support lifecycle, leaving users to navigate the choppy waters of firmware updates on their own. The term "firmware 1.11" has become a focal point for many users seeking to fix issues, unlock features, or simply keep their old hardware running.
Many users have reported difficulties when trying to download firmware version 1.11 for their DNS323 device. The official firmware download page is no longer available, and the links provided often lead to broken or non-existent pages. This has led to frustration among users who want to upgrade their device.
: Open the Start menu, type Turn Windows features on or off , open it, scroll down to find SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support , check the box, click OK, and reboot your PC.
However, the device is now over 15 years old. D-Link has long since ended support, and its official FTP and web servers have been purged of legacy firmware. This has left a community of holdouts—still using these rugged little boxes for backup or BitTorrent—scrambling for a specific, elusive file: .
D‑Link has largely moved legacy products to an archive, so the “Check for firmware” button inside the DNS‑323 web interface often points to outdated or dead pages. Fortunately, you can still obtain the firmware manually: dns323 firmware 111 download fix
Search for the original D-Link support page URLs from 2012–2015 to pull the exact binary file ( DLINK_DNS323.1.11 ) from historical snapshots.
While I can’t browse live articles for you, I can summarize what that “interesting article” likely covered, based on community discussions (e.g., from OpenWrt forum, NAS-Central, or a blog post from around 2010–2015):
Always verify the "Hardware Version" (A1, B1, or C1) on the sticker under your device before flashing. Installing firmware for the wrong revision can brick the unit. 2. The "Fix": Why Firmware 1.11 Matters
No. Stock firmware 1.10 supports a maximum of 2TB per drive. To use larger disks, you must switch to a community firmware such as Alt‑F or Debian. The D-Link DNS-323 is a venerable piece of network hardware
If you encounter issues during or immediately after attempting to install version 1.11, implement the following fixes: The Web Interface Freezes at 99% or Loops
turn off the device until the progress bar completes and the unit reboots. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Scroll down to and check the box. Restart your PC. Problem: Firmware Update Fails If the update hangs at 0% or 99%:
Paste the old official D-Link support URL into the search bar. The term "firmware 1
Here is everything you need to know about finding the download and fixing common firmware issues. 1. Where to Download DNS-323 Firmware 1.11
No fix needed. It uses SMBv2 natively.
Disclaimer: D-Link no longer supports this device. Flashing firmware carries inherent risk. Always backup your data first.
Even after a successful firmware upgrade, you might want to extend the stock firmware’s capabilities without fully replacing it. This is where comes in.
You are searching for the wrong firmware. The real fix for the DNS-323 is not D-Link's 1.11—it is .
Installation:
1. Download the file using the download link above.
2. Extact the .7z file with 7-Zip
3. Use the included tool to copy the iso onto a USB flash drive that is larger than 4gb
4. Boot to the flash drive
5. Follow onscreen instructions to Install Windows.
Legal:
This image is provided with no license key, therefore it is not an illegal source of windows. Users must provide their own license key for activation.
All pre-installed software/tweaks belong to the companies/people who made it.
Windows 9 might be a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, I do not own the term "Windows 9".
Please don't sue me, thanks.
Hi /r/PCMasterRace :)
Hello LinusTechTips :)