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Backup Your Important Data
Be sure to back up any data you want to keep before you begin. Backing up your
actual programs isn't usually possible, so locate all the installation media and
downloaded installation files that you used to install the programs so they're
available to reinstall once the Windows 8 or 8.1 clean install is done.
Disconnect Unnecessary Hardware
Windows 8 should install fine with all of your hardware connected, both internal
and external, but if have had trouble installing Windows on your computer
before, removing unnecessary internal components (if you have a desktop) and
disconnecting USB and other external devices should help. Once the Windows 8
clean install is complete, you can reinstall and connect those devices one at a
time.
To perform a clean installation using a DVD or USB flash drive
Turn on your PC to start Windows normally, insert the DVD or USB flash drive,
and then shut down your PC.
Restart your PC, and then press any key to boot from the DVD or USB flash
drive.
If you restart your PC and your current version of Windows starts, you might
have to open a boot menu or change the boot order in your PC's BIOS or UEFI
settings so that your PC boots from the media. To open a boot menu or
change the boot order, you'll typically need to press a combination of keys
(such as Delete, F2, Esc, F12 .) immediately after you turn on your PC. For
instructions on changing the boot order for your PC, check the documentation
that came with your PC or go to the manufacturer's website.
If your current version of Windows still starts, try again by waiting until
Windows asks you to sign in, shutdown completely, and then restart your PC
again.
On the Install Windows page, enter your language and other preferences, and
then click Next.
Click on Install Windows.
On the Enter the product key to activate Windows page, enter your product key.
This 25-digit alphanumeric code is required during the Windows 8 clean install
process. If you've purchased Windows 8 yourself, the product key should be
included with the DVD media you received or in the email confirmation you
received when you purchased Windows 8 or 8.1 for download. If Windows 8
came preinstalled on your computer, look for a sticker with the product key
somewhere on your desktop, tablet, or laptop device. The product key looks
like this: PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.
On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click
I accept the license terms, and then tap or click Next.
On the Which type of installation do you want? page, tap or click Custom.
On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, do one of the
following:
In Windows 8, tap or click Drive options (advanced), tap or click the partition
that you want to change, tap or click the formatting option you want to perform
if needed, and then follow the instructions.
In Windows 8.1, tap or click the partition that you want, tap or click the
formatting option you want to perform if needed, and then follow the
instructions.
When you've finished formatting, tap or click Next.
Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows.
Be sure to back up any data you want to keep before you begin. Backing up your
actual programs isn't usually possible, so locate all the installation media and
downloaded installation files that you used to install the programs so they're
available to reinstall once the Windows 8 or 8.1 clean install is done.
Disconnect Unnecessary Hardware
Windows 8 should install fine with all of your hardware connected, both internal
and external, but if have had trouble installing Windows on your computer
before, removing unnecessary internal components (if you have a desktop) and
disconnecting USB and other external devices should help. Once the Windows 8
clean install is complete, you can reinstall and connect those devices one at a
time.
To perform a clean installation using a DVD or USB flash drive
Turn on your PC to start Windows normally, insert the DVD or USB flash drive,
and then shut down your PC.
Restart your PC, and then press any key to boot from the DVD or USB flash
drive.
If you restart your PC and your current version of Windows starts, you might
have to open a boot menu or change the boot order in your PC's BIOS or UEFI
settings so that your PC boots from the media. To open a boot menu or
change the boot order, you'll typically need to press a combination of keys
(such as Delete, F2, Esc, F12 .) immediately after you turn on your PC. For
instructions on changing the boot order for your PC, check the documentation
that came with your PC or go to the manufacturer's website.
If your current version of Windows still starts, try again by waiting until
Windows asks you to sign in, shutdown completely, and then restart your PC
again.
On the Install Windows page, enter your language and other preferences, and
then click Next.
Click on Install Windows.
On the Enter the product key to activate Windows page, enter your product key.
This 25-digit alphanumeric code is required during the Windows 8 clean install
process. If you've purchased Windows 8 yourself, the product key should be
included with the DVD media you received or in the email confirmation you
received when you purchased Windows 8 or 8.1 for download. If Windows 8
came preinstalled on your computer, look for a sticker with the product key
somewhere on your desktop, tablet, or laptop device. The product key looks
like this: PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.
On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click
I accept the license terms, and then tap or click Next.
On the Which type of installation do you want? page, tap or click Custom.
On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, do one of the
following:
In Windows 8, tap or click Drive options (advanced), tap or click the partition
that you want to change, tap or click the formatting option you want to perform
if needed, and then follow the instructions.
In Windows 8.1, tap or click the partition that you want, tap or click the
formatting option you want to perform if needed, and then follow the
instructions.
When you've finished formatting, tap or click Next.
Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows.
