Despite the fact that the Windows operating system, the eighth version of such a wild popularity, as the seventh and tenth modifications, did not win, they nevertheless install it on computers, laptops and mobile devices quite often. About how to install Windows 8 for free, upgrade it to version 8.1 and register, then it will be discussed. As for the update, you can immediately install the modification 8.1. But we will proceed from the fact that the user requires the installation of a “clean” eighth version. In the end, we pay a little attention to some other installation options, which may also be related to Windows 8. But first things first.
Should I install Windows 8?
First, let's see how appropriate it is to use the eighth version of the Windows operating system on computer devices. Apparently, many users noticed that the system has undergone quite strong changes regarding the organization of the interface (Metro) and ways to access certain functions of the system. Unfortunately, it was in the eighth modification that the Start button disappeared, but then it appeared in version 8.1. What was the reason for this? Yes, only with the fact that the new Metro interface was originally focused exclusively on working with a touchscreen like the way it is controlled on modern smartphones and tablets.
Thus, if you are seriously thinking about how to install Windows 8 on a laptop, first make sure that its screen supports the above mode of operation. However, this is not the most important thing, since you can work with the system using the classical method, using the mouse and keyboard shortcuts or shortcuts for quick access to certain functions, tools, settings and programs.
System requirements
Just before you start the installation, you need to check whether the hardware configuration of your computer device meets the minimum system requirements. For normal operation of the installed OS, the following conditions must be met:
- x86 or x64 processor with a clock frequency of 1 GHz;
- 1 or 2 GB of RAM (depending on the bit version of the OS);
- at least 16 or 20 GB of free disk space for 32 and 64 bit architectures, respectively;
- integrated or discrete graphics adapter with a minimum of 128 MB of dedicated memory and support for DirectX 9 (to enable the launch of the Aero interface);
- the presence of an optical drive and a USB port for using the drive from which the installation will be made.
How to install Windows 8: options
The “clean” version of this operating system has one important feature that many users do not pay attention to at all, and then complain that the system cannot be installed. Why it happens? The fact is that in order to install Windows 8, an earlier system must be installed on the computer. If it was deleted, and the user has a clean hard drive, the G8 will not stand on it. In this case, it is better to immediately install version 8.1. In this case, we take into account the fact that there is an old OS, but we need to install version 8, not 8.1.
Create bootable media
Now you need to consider some of the nuances regarding how to install Windows 8 from a USB flash drive or an optical DVD. First you need to create bootable media on which the installation files of the system will be recorded. How to do it?
We assume that the image of the installation disk (distribution) is downloaded and saved on the hard disk. To work with optical discs, you can use your own disc burning tool, and third-party programs like UltraISO, Alcohol 120%, Nero Burning ROM, etc.
The same utilities are also suitable for USB-drives, but it is with reference to flash drives that it is easiest to create such bootable media using the Rufus application.
BIOS Setup
Now directly on how to install Windows 8. First we need to boot from removable media. To do this, in the order of boot devices, it should be the first from which boot records will be read.
Immediately after turning on the stationary computer or laptop, you need to enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key, button, or using keyboard shortcuts, go to the section labeled somehow like Boot Sequence or Boot Priority, and install the optical drive or flash drive first in the list.
Note: The USB flash drive must be inserted into the appropriate port, before turning on the computer or laptop. If this is not done, it may not be defined in boot devices.
Start of the installer and initial selection of parameters
So, all preliminary steps are completed, and after turning on the computer device to start from removable media, you pressed any key, as suggested on the black screen, after which the installer window (“Installation Wizard”) appeared.
How to install windows 8? First you need to select the basic parameters of the language, time, date, currency and input method. This should not cause difficulties for users.
How to install Windows 8 on a laptop or desktop PC after completing all the presets? In the window that appears, as many have already guessed, you just need to click the start button for the installation process.
Next, you will need to enter a key or postpone activation and agree with the agreement, after which you should select a custom installation in a new window (if there is no old system on the hard drive, only this item will be available).
If the past system of a rank lower on the computer is present, you can use the first item with saving user data. In this case, the installation is simplified.
Partitioning Stage
Now let's see how to install Windows 8 on a computer , if a custom installation is used. At this stage, we will need to indicate to the system the partition in which the installed system will be located. If there is an old system, you just need to select the partition where it was originally located. In the case of a clean hard drive with an unbroken area, you must first create the necessary partitions using the disk settings button to access the tools.
After that, the "Create" button is used, and then the size of the system partition is indicated (110 GB is enough). Then there will be a proposal to create additional logical partitions. If necessary, agree and make drive D out of unallocated space using the same create button. The size can be left unchanged, since it will be equal to the remainder after creating the system disk and the space reserved by the system. After clicking the “Next” button, the installation process starts with copying files and several reboots.
Note: when the reboot starts, the removable device needs to be removed or set to the priority of loading the primary system BIOS first hard disk (HDD) otherwise the installer will start again.
Create Microsoft Account
Finally, when most of the processes are completed, after the restart, you will need to configure the personalization options, wireless communications and standard parameters (if necessary, use the settings button, but they can be left unchanged).
How to install Windows 8, figured out.
The next step involves entering Microsoft registration data or creating a new “account”, which boils down to filling out a small questionnaire followed by checking the email address.
Note: you will need to enter captcha to confirm the registration, but the creation of such a record is not required, and you can skip this step.
Installation complete
Next, after notifications about the setup and preparation of the computer for the first start of the system, you will receive a stationary terminal or laptop with Windows 8 installed.
You can view the main characteristics and make sure that you have installed the exact system that is required through the properties of the computer (though for this you will have to call "Explorer" - Win + E).
Driver Installation Issues
As for the drivers, most of them are installed directly during the installation of the operating system. An exception may be only some non-standard devices for which the necessary drivers are not in the Windows directory. You can view unidentified or incorrectly working devices in the appropriate dispatcher by calling it from the Run console (Win + R) with the devmgmt.msc command. If they are found, you can not even try to update the driver (the system will still report that the most suitable software is installed).
Therefore, it is better to immediately install programs like Driver Booster or the online version of DriverPack Solution on your computer, use them to scan devices, and at the same time install the most current driver versions for absolutely all components installed on the computer.
If these programs do not find the necessary drivers, in the device properties in the manager on the information tab you will need to display the equipment ID, copy the longest line with the VEN and DEV identifiers from the information block, search the Internet for them, download the necessary drivers and install them yourself .
Update to version 8.1
Finally, let's see how to install Windows 8.1. We will not consider the option of initial installation of this version, since the whole process is absolutely identical to that described above. In this case, we will focus on updating version 8 to 8.1.
The first thing to do is enter the “Update Center”, set a manual search for available updates and install everything that will be found (without this update to 8.1 will not work).
Upon completion, you need to go to the "Shop" by clicking on the appropriate tile on the start screen, select a free upgrade to Windows 8.1 and start downloading, during which the computer can be used to work. When the download is complete, you will be prompted to reboot the system. After the restart, the update will start, which will take about half an hour. In the process of installing the new version, as well as the “clean” eighth, you will need to configure Microsoft personalization and registration (or enter it).
Activation
Finally, the most important problem is system activation, if this step was skipped during installation or the user simply does not have a key. The proposed method is semi-legal and should be used only at your own peril and risk, with a full understanding of the entire measure of responsibility for violating international norms on the protection of intellectual property rights.
Probably, many have already guessed that we are talking about the portable utility KMSAuto Net and its analogues. Before starting, it is advisable to place the executable file in the logical partition and not delete it.
After starting on behalf of the administrator, you should select Windows activation, agree to the task being added to the Scheduler’s schedule, and wait for the process to complete. Permanent re-activation will be performed every ten days (which is why the file cannot be deleted). If problems arise, it will need to be added to the Windows antivirus and firewall exception lists.
Other system installation options
Finally, we will consider some other options (for example, installing a lower rank system on top of Windows 8 or installing a newer system on top of Windows 8).
So how to install Windows 7 on Windows 8? In principle, nothing is impossible. Options for action may be as follows:
- installing version 7 over 8;
- installation of modification 7 as a second OS;
- Install version 7 on a virtual machine.
By the way, the same thing will have to be done when it comes to how to install Windows 8 on Windows 10. The only thing you should pay attention to is that when installing over an existing OS, the system partition will have to be fully formatted, since the system a lower rank on top of a newer OS cannot be installed without this (unless, returning to Windows 8 after upgrading to Windows 10 within thirty days).