How to Install Windows 8

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This wikiHow teaches you how to clean-install Windows 8 on your PC, which means that Windows 8 will be the only operating system on your computer.

Warning: Windows 8 is no longer supported as of January 12, 2016. It will no longer receive updates and support. It is recommended to move on to Windows 10 , or if your PC meets the system requirements, you can also move on to Windows 11 .

Installing Windows 8 on Your PC

  • If you haven't already, you'll need to buy Windows 8 from a second-hand source, as it's no longer available from Microsoft.
  • Boot from the Windows 8 DVD to access the setup wizard. If your PC doesn't boot from the DVD, you'll need to change the boot order in the BIOS.
  • Complete the setup wizard, which includes entering the product key to activate Windows 8.
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Preparing to Install

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    The most recent version of Windows 8 is Windows 8.1, which is the only version of Windows 8 on the Microsoft Website. You can find versions of Windows 8 Pro on Amazon and in some tech stores.
    • If you already have a CD version of Windows 8, skip this step.
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    Back up your computer's files. Since you'll be replacing whatever operating system and files you currently have with Windows 8, make sure that you have a backup copy of everything that you want to keep before you proceed.
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    The CD should go logo side-up.
    • If your computer doesn't have a CD slot, you'll need to buy a USB CD reader and attach it to your computer.
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    Open Start
    Windows Start
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    , click Power
    Windows Power
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    , and click Restart in the pop-up menu. Your computer will begin to restart.
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    This key is usually either an F key (e.g., F2 ), the Esc key, or the Del key. You'll need to do so immediately after the screen goes black.
    • The key that you're supposed to press may briefly be listed at the bottom of the screen.
    • You can check your computer's manual or online documentation to see which key opens the BIOS .
    • If you see the startup screen, you'll need to restart the computer and try again.
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    On most computers, you'll use the arrow keys to select the "Advanced" or "Boot" tab to do this.
    • Some BIOS models have the boot order options on the initial page on which you arrive.
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    It should be labeled "CD Drive" or "Disk Drive" (or something similar). Again, use the arrow keys to select the appropriate option.
    • If you're using a USB CD drive, you may instead have to select "Removable Storage" (or similar) here. Make sure that you don't have any other USB items (e.g., a flash drive) plugged in if you do this.
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    With the "CD Drive" (or similar) option selected, press the + key until the selected option is at the top of the boot list.
    • If this doesn't work, check the key legend on the right side (or bottom) of the screen to see which key you should press to move the selected option.
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    For most BIOS pages, you'll press a key to do this; check the on-screen key legend to see which key you need to press. Once you've saved and exited, your computer should begin booting into Windows 8.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Installing Windows 8

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    In most cases, the information on this window should already be correct; if you see incorrect information (e.g., the wrong time/region), click the item's drop-down box and select the correct information in the drop-down menu. [1]
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    It's in the bottom-right corner of the window.
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    This option is in the middle of the window.
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    Enter your Windows 8 product key . Type in the 25-character code that's listed on the Windows 8 CD case, box, or manual, then click Next to proceed.
    • If you bought your Windows 8 CD back when Windows 8 came out, you may have a copy of the code in an email in your Microsoft-registered email account.
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    It's near the bottom of the window.
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    This option is in the bottom-right corner of the window.
    • You may instead click have to click Next here.
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    It's an option on the "Which Type of Installation do you Want" screen.
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    You should see this option near the middle of the page.
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    In the window near the top of the page, click a drive name, then click Delete and confirm the decision if prompted. Repeat this process for all drives listed.
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    This should be the only option in the window near the top of the page.
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    It's near the bottom of the page.
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    Both buttons are at the bottom of the page. Doing so will confirm your installation location and begin installing Windows 8 onto your computer.
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    Your computer will restart multiple times during the installation process. Once Windows 8 is done installing, you should be at the login screen.
    • You may be prompted to do some personalization work (e.g., selecting a theme and color) before you can continue to use Windows 8.
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  • Question
    How do I back up my laptop without using external storage?
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    To me, backup means another copy that's not on the same computer (i.e. you can't back up your computer without an external hard drive). External hard drives are inexpensive and a really good idea. You just drag and drop into folders you create. Even a one terrabite external is affordable.
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    How can I downgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 8?
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    If you’ve upgraded a PC to Windows 10 — not performed a clean install, but an upgrade — you’ll have an easy option that lets you revert to the last version of Windows. To access this, open the Start menu and select "settings." Click the “Update & Security” icon, then select “Recovery.”
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    You're unlikely to have a problem. You may not have the fastest computer, but it should still be usable. You will need to reinstall programs as well as restore files, so definitely do a back up of data.
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      Warnings

      • Once you've erased your computer and installed Windows 8, you won't be able to get your data back. Make sure that you have a backup before installing Windows 8.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000146961/windows-8-8-1-upgrade-and-installation-instructions#Clean_Install

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