Despite the fact that the Windows operating system of the eighth version has not won such wild popularity as the seventh and tenth modifications, it is nevertheless installed on computers, laptops and mobile devices quite often. How to install Windows 8 for free, upgrade it to version 8.1 and register, will be discussed further. As for the update, you can immediately install modification 8.1. But we will proceed from the fact that the user needs to install a "clean" eighth version. In the end, we will pay a little attention to some other installation options that may also be related to Windows 8. But first things first.
Do you want to install Windows 8?
First, let's see how expedient it is to use the eighth version of the Windows operating system on computer devices. Apparently, many users have noticed that the system has undergone quite strong changes regarding the organization of the interface (Metro) and ways to access certainsystem functions. Unfortunately, it was in the eighth modification that the Start button disappeared, but then appeared in version 8.1. What was it about? Yes, only with the fact that the new Metro interface was initially focused exclusively on working with a touchscreen, similar to how modern smartphones and tablets are controlled.
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 also work with the system in the classical way, using the mouse and hot keys or shortcuts for quick access to certain functions, tools, settings and programs.
System Requirements
Immediately before proceeding with 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 1 GHz processor;
- 1 or 2 GB of RAM (depending on the bitness of the OS version);
- minimum 16 or 20 GB free disk space for 32 and 64 bit architectures respectively;
- Integrated or discrete graphics adapter with a minimum dedicated memory of 128 MB and support for DirectX 9 (to be able to run the Aero interface);
- availability of optical drive and USB port for usedrive to install from.
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 is this happening? The fact is that in order to install Windows 8, some earlier system must be installed on the computer. If it has been removed and the user has a clean hard drive, the G8 will not fit on it. In this case, it is better to immediately install modification 8.1. In this case, we take into account that there is an old OS, and we need to install version 8, not 8.1.
Creating bootable media
Now we need to consider some of the nuances regarding how to install Windows 8 from a USB flash drive or from an optical DVD. First you need to create bootable media on which the installation files of the system will be written. How to do it?
We assume that the image of the installation disk (distribution kit) is loaded and saved on the hard disk. To work with optical discs, you can use both your own disc burner and third-party programs such as UltraISO, Alcohol 120%, Nero Burning ROM, etc.
These utilities are also suitable for USB drives, but for flash drives, the easiest way to create such a bootable media using the Rufus application.
Setting BIOS parameters
Now directlyon how to install Windows 8. First we need to boot from removable media. To do this, in the order of boot devices, it must be the first from which boot records will be read.
Immediately after turning on a desktop computer or laptop, you must enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key, button or using keyboard shortcuts, go to the section marked something like Boot Sequence or Boot Priority, and install an optical drive or USB flash drive first on the list.
Note: the 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 installer and initial selection of parameters
So, all the preliminary steps are over, 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 settings for 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 preliminary settings? In the window that appears, as many have already guessed, you just need to click the button to start the installation process.
Nextyou will need to enter the key or postpone activation and agree to the agreement, after which you should select custom installation in the new window (if there is no old system on the hard drive, only this item will be available).
If the previous system with a lower rank is present on the computer, you can use the first item with saving user data. In this case, the installation is simplified.
Disk partitioning stage
Now let's see how to install Windows 8 on a computer if using a custom installation. At this stage, we 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 blank hard drive with an unpartitioned area, you first need to create the necessary partitions using the disk settings button to access the toolkit.
After that, the "Create" button is used, and then the size of the system partition is indicated (110 GB is enough). This is followed by a suggestion to create additional logical partitions. If necessary, agree and make drive D from unallocated space using the same create button. The size can be left unchanged, since it will be equal to the remaining after the creation of 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 willreboot, the removable device must be removed or prioritized to boot the primary BIOS to the hard disk drive (HDD) first, otherwise the installer will start again.
Create a Microsoft account
Finally, when most of the processes are completed, after the restart, you will need to configure the personalization options, wireless communication and standard settings (if required, the setup button is used, but these 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 comes down to filling out a short questionnaire and then verifying the email address.
Note: to confirm registration, you will need to enter a captcha, but creating such an entry is not required, and this step can be skipped.
Completing installation
Further after notifications about setting up and preparing 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 exactly the system that you need, through the properties of the computer (however, 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, inThe required drivers are missing from the Windows directory. You can view unidentified or malfunctioning devices in the appropriate manager by calling it from the Run console (Win + R) with the devmgmt.msc command. If any are found, you can not even try to update the drivers (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 up-to-date driver versions for absolutely all components installed on your computer.
If these programs don't find the drivers you need, in the properties of the devices in the manager on the details tab, you will need to display the hardware ID, copy the longest line with the VEN and DEV identifiers from the information block, search for them on the Internet, download the necessary drivers and install them yourself.
Upgrade to version 8.1
Finally, let's see how to install Windows 8.1. We will not consider the initial installation option for this version, since the whole process is absolutely identical to that described above. In this case, we will talk about updating version 8 to 8.1.
The first thing to do is to enter the "Update Center", set a manual search for available updates and install everything that is found (upgrading to 8.1 will not work without this).
When finished, go to the "Store" by clicking on the appropriate tile on the start screen, selectfree upgrade to Windows 8.1 and start downloading, during which the computer can be used for work. When the download is complete, you will be prompted to reboot the system. After the restart, the update will begin, which will take about half an hour. During the installation process of the new version, like the "clean" eighth, you will need to set up personalization and Microsoft registration (or sign in).
Activation
Finally, the main problem is the activation of the system, 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 full understanding of the full 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 desirable to place the executable file in the logical partition and not delete it.
After starting as an administrator, you should select Windows activation, agree with adding the task to the Scheduler schedule and wait for the process to complete. Permanent reactivation 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 exclusion lists.
Other system installation options
Finally, let's look at some other options (for example, installing a lower rank system on top of Windows 8or installing Windows 8 on top of a newer system).
So, how to install Windows 7 on Windows 8? Basically, nothing is impossible. Options for action can be:
- installing version 7 over 8;
- installing modification 7 as a second OS;
- installing version 7 on a virtual machine.
By the way, the same 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 completely format, since a lower-ranking system on top of a newer OS cannot be installed without this (unless you return to Windows 8 after upgrading to Windows 10 within thirty days).
