Microsoft discontinued hosting the SDK 8.1 payload on the VS2019 channel in mid-2020. The standalone installer is now the only guaranteed method.
Locate (or Windows 8.1 Software Development Kit). Download the standalone installer. Step 2: Install the SDK Run the downloaded installer ( sdksetup.exe ). Keep all default components checked. Ensure that "Windows Software Development Kit" is selected. windows sdk version 8.1 visual studio 2019 download
This article provides a complete guide to downloading, installing, and configuring Windows SDK 8.1 for Visual Studio 2019. Why Windows SDK 8.1 in VS 2019? Microsoft discontinued hosting the SDK 8
: The SDK footprint is approximately 505 MB . If installing on an actual Windows 8.1 OS, ensure the Universal C Runtime (UCRT) update is installed via Windows Update first. windows sdk version 8.1 visual studio 2019 download