How to Install Windows 8

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: March 29, 2024 Tested

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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1
Buy an old version of Windows 8. 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.
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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3
Insert the Windows 8 CD into your computer. 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.
Open Start
, click Power
, and click Restart in the pop-up menu. Your computer will begin to restart.
5
Begin rapidly pressing the BIOS key. 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.
6
Find the "Boot Order" section. 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.
7
Select your computer's CD drive. 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.
8
Move the drive to the top of the boot list. 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.
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.

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.
This option is in the middle of the window.
4
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.
It's near the bottom of the window.
6
Click Accept. This option is in the bottom-right corner of the window.
- You may instead click have to click Next here.
It's an option on the "Which Type of Installation do you Want" screen.
You should see this option near the middle of the page.
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.
This should be the only option in the window near the top of the page.
It's near the bottom of the page.
Both buttons are at the bottom of the page. Doing so will confirm your installation location and begin installing Windows 8 onto your computer.
13
Wait for Windows 8 to finish installing. 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?

Community Answer

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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My PC was bought with Windows XP on it. Will I have any problem installing Windows 8 on it and do I need to back up my data then reinstall it?

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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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Tips

You can preserve your settings and preferences across computers by signing into Windows 8 with a Microsoft account.

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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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