How to Install Windows 8 from USB

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Install a free burning program.

   There are a number of free burning utilities available online.
   
   You need one that can create ISO files.
   
   If you received your copy of Windows 8 as a downloadable ISO file from Microsoft, you can skip to the next section.
2. 2

   Step 2: Insert your Windows 8 DVD.

   Open your new burning program.
   
   Look for an option such as “Copy to Image” or “Create Image.” If prompted, select your DVD drive as the source. , Choose an easy to remember name and location for the file.
   
   The ISO you make will be equal in size to the disc you are copying.
   
   This means it can take up several gigabytes of space on your hard drive.
   
   Be sure you have enough storage available.
   
   Creating the ISO can take a long time, depending on the speed of your computer and DVD drive. , This is available for free from Microsoft.
   
   Despite its name, this tool works with Windows 8 ISOs as well.
   
   You can run this tool on virtually any version of Windows. , This is the ISO that you created or downloaded in the first section.
   
   Click browse to navigate to the file.
   
   Once you’ve selected it, click Next. , The download tool will allow you to create either a DVD or USB install.
   
   Click the USB Device. , Make sure that your flash drive is connected correctly.
   
   You will need at least 4GB space on your flash drive to copy over the Windows installation.
   
   Click Begin Copying. , The program will format the USB drive to boot and then copy the ISO file onto the drive.
   
   The copying process can take up to 15 minutes to complete, depending on the speed of your machine., To boot from the USB drive, you will have to set the BIOS to boot from USB first instead of the hard drive.
   
   To open the BIOS, reset your computer and hit the displayed key to enter Setup.
   
   The key varies by manufacturer, but is usually F2, F10, F12, or Del. , Change the 1st Boot Device to your USB drive.
   
   Be sure that it is inserted, or you may not be given an option to choose it.
   
   Depending on your manufacturer, it may say Removable Device or list your flash drive’s model. , If you set the boot order correctly, your Windows 8 installation will load after the manufacturer’s logo disappears. , Once the Windows 8 installation begins, you will be prompted to select a language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout.
   
   Once you select these, click Next. , This will begin the installation process.
   
   The other option is for repairing an existing Windows installation. , This is the 25 character key that came with your purchased copy of Windows
   8.
   
   It may be located on a sticker on your computer or underneath your laptop.
   
   You do not need to enter the dashes between the groups of characters.
   
   This is not an optional step.
   
   Previous versions of Windows allowed you to register your product up to 60 days after installing.
   
   You must now enter the key before installation begins. , Once you have read the agreement, check the box signifying that you accept the agreement and click next. , You will have two options to install windows.
   
   Picking Custom will allow you to do a complete installation of Windows
   8.
   
   Selecting upgrade can cause performance problems in the long run.
   
   It is highly recommended that you do a clean Custom Install. , A window will open asking where you would like to install Windows
   8.
   
   In order to perform a clean install, you need to delete the old partition and start with a clean slate.
   
   Click “Drive options (advanced).” This will give you the ability to delete and create partitions.
   
   Select the partition of your existing operating system and click the Delete button.
   
   If you are installing an operating system for the first time on this hard drive, then there will be no partitions to delete.
   
   If your hard drive has multiple partitions, be sure to delete the correct one.
   
   Any data on a deleted partition is lost for good.
   
   Confirm the deletion process., There is no need to create a partition before you install Windows 8, this is done automatically. , The percentage next to Expanding Windows files will steadily increase.
   
   This part of the process can take up to 30 minutes.
   
   Windows will automatically restart your computer when finished. , After the computer reboots, you will see the Windows 8 logo.
   
   Beneath it will be the text “Getting devices ready” followed by a percentage.
   
   Windows is collecting information on the hardware installed in your computer.
   
   When this is done, the text will change to “Getting ready”.
   
   Your computer will restart one more time. , Once the computer finishes rebooting, you will be asked to pick the color scheme for your installation of Windows
   8.
   
   You can change the color at any time in the Windows 8 settings. , This is the name that the computer displays on the network.
   
   Any other device on the network will see your computer listed with this name. , If you have a wireless-enable computer or device, you will see a menu asking you to choose a network.
   
   If you haven’t installed the driver for your wireless card yet, this step will automatically be skipped., The most common option is Express Settings, which will enable automatic updates, Windows Defender, and error reporting to Microsoft, among other things.If you’d rather set these yourself, choose Customize instead of Express Settings. , To log in to Windows, you will need an account.
   
   Microsoft recommends using a Microsoft account, so that you can make purchases in the Windows store.
   
   If you don’t have a Microsoft account, entering a valid email address will create one for free.
   
   If you don’t have an email address, click the “Sign up for a new email address” link to create one.
   
   This requires an internet connection.
   
   If you’d rather sign in the old way, without using a Microsoft account, click the bottom link.
   
   This will create a login similar to previous versions of Windows. , After choosing all of your settings, Windows goes through one final setup process.
   
   You will see several screens explaining how to use the new Windows.
   
   Once the loading is complete, you’ll be presented with your Start screen.
   
   You’re ready to begin using Windows
   8.
3. 3

   Step 3: Save your ISO file.

4. 4

   Step 4: Download the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool.

5. 5

   Step 5: Select the Source File.

6. 6

   Step 6: Select USB Device.

7. 7

   Step 7: Choose your USB drive from the list of attached devices.

8. 8

   Step 8: Wait while program works.

9. 9

   Step 9: Open the BIOS.

10. 10

    Step 10: Navigate to the Boot menu in your BIOS.

11. 11

    Step 11: Save changes and reboot.

12. 12

    Step 12: Select your language.

13. 13

    Step 13: Click Install Now.

14. 14

    Step 14: Enter your product key.

15. 15

    Step 15: Accept the license agreement.

16. 16

    Step 16: Click Custom Install.

17. 17

    Step 17: Delete the partition.

18. 18

    Step 18: Select the Unallocated Space and click Next.

19. 19

    Step 19: Wait while Windows installs files.

20. 20

    Step 20: Wait while Windows gathers information.

21. 21

    Step 21: Personalize your Windows 8.

22. 22

    Step 22: Enter a computer name.

23. 23

    Step 23: Choose your wireless network.

24. 24

    Step 24: Choose your settings.

25. 25

    Step 25: Create an account.

26. 26

    Step 26: Watch the tutorial while Windows loads.

Detailed Guide

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