Fortunately, the ubiquitous and inexpensiveflash drive, or any otherUSB-based drive, is a perfect solution.
While many computers don’t have optical drives,they all have USB ports… thankfully.
I created this step-by-step walkthrough in addition to our originalHow to Install Windows 8 From a USB Deviceguide.
Requirements for Installing Windows 8 from a Flash Drive.SanDisk, Microsoft, and ASUS
Otherwise, I recommend continuing through this tutorial, which is considerably more detailed.
Justburn the ISO to a discand theninstall Windows 8.
Either is fine, but there’s an extra step to take if you have a real DVD.
Build an ISO Image File With the Disc.
We’ll get to all of that in a bit.
If you bought Windows 8 from a retailer other than Microsoft, you probably have a DVD.
So, if you have a DVD, find it.
Save As Screen for the USB/DVD Tool (Chrome in Windows 8).
If you downloaded an ISO image, locate it on your machine.
Be sure you find theproduct keythat accompanied that purchase as wellyou’ll need it later on.
SeeA Brief History of Microsoft Windowsfor the latest on the newest versions of Microsoft’s Windows OS.
Installing the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool.
Access to a Computer
The last thing you’ll need is access to a working computer.
It can be running Windows XP or newer.
Get Started!
Don’t let this side-project scare you off.
Creating an ISO image isn’t hard, especially if you follow the instructions I just linked to.
All it involves is installing some free software, clicking a few buttons, and waiting several minutes.
Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool.
Don’t worry thatWindows 7is in the name.
The name of the file you’ll be downloading isWindows7-USB-DVD-Download-Tool-Installer-en-US.exe.
Once complete, you’ll be able to use this flash drive to install Windows 8.
Choosing the Windows 8 ISO File.
It’s a little more complicated than that, thus the existence of this tool.
The program itself runs on Windows XP and newer.
To get started, locate the file you downloaded, and run it.
Windows 8 ISO Loaded & Ready.
Wait while the installation occurs (as shown above); this will only take a few seconds.
It’s a small program.
Having trouble finding the shortcut?
Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool “Choose Media Type” Option.
The icon it uses looks like a folder with a download arrow and shield, as shown above.
If you’re presented with a User Account Control prompt after opening, selectYesto continue.
Another way is to useEverythingto search the whole computer for the ISO file.
Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool “Insert USB Device” Screen.
Once the ISO file is selected, chooseOpen.
Confirm that this is the right ISO file and then selectNextto continue.
Besides, it would be much easier to use an image burner to do that.
USB Device Must be Erased Message.
SeeHow to Burn an ISO Image to a DVDfor more on that if you’re interested.
Find the USB unit in the drop-down box and then choose the greenBegin copyingbutton.
Give the tool a few seconds, and then it should show up as an option.
Confirmation of the USB Device Erasure.
Reattach it, refresh again, and then choose that drive.
Move things off now if you gotta.
ChooseYesto confirm that you want to erase the USB drive.
Formatting the USB Drive.
Wait While the USB equipment Is Formatted
Finally, we’re getting somewhere!
You’ll see theFormattingstatus for several seconds, maybe longer.
This is normal, so don’t cancel the procedure and start over, thinking something is wrong.
Copying Windows Installation Files to the USB Drive.
What Next?
Technically, you’re done.
If you run in to any problems, see ourHow to Boot From a USB Devicetutorial for help.
Confirmation of Successful USB Device Creation.
If eventhatdoesn’t help, you may need to take some extra steps.
SeeHow to Install Windows 8 or 8.1 From USB, the condensed version of this tutorial.
Continue on to the next step, and we’ll get you started with that.
Boot From External Device Prompt.
Installing Windows 8/8.1 is a fairly simple process.
However, there are certainly a few places where you may have questions as to what to do next.
SeeHow to Clean Install Windows 8 or 8.1for a complete walkthrough of the process.
Windows 8 Setup.
