How to install windows 8 from bootable USB flash drive tutorial

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Introdcution

Installing an operating system from a bootable USB flash drive is a convenient and fast way to set up a new computer or reinstall an existing one. As an entry-level computer user, you may wonder how to install Windows 8 from a bootable USB flash drive.

This tutorial will walk you through the process step by step, explaining each step in simple and easy-to-follow terms. Whether setting up a new computer or upgrading an existing one, these instructions will help you install Windows 8 from a bootable USB flash drive confidently. So keep reading if you want to know why it might be beneficial for you to install your OS from a USB key and every step you need to take to do it.

Reasons why you might install Windows 8 from a USB key

There are a bunch of different reasons why you might want to install Windows 8 from a bootable USB flash drive:

  1. Convenience: Installing an operating system from a bootable USB flash drive is often faster and more convenient than installing it from a DVD or CD. It allows you to easily create a bootable USB drive that you can use to install Windows 8 on multiple computers.
  2. Speed: Installing an operating system from a bootable USB flash drive is generally faster than installing a DVD or CD. This is because USB drives have faster read and write speeds than optical drives, so the installation process can be completed more quickly.
  3. Portability: A bootable USB flash drive is easy to carry and use on different computers. This can be useful if you need to install Windows 8 on a computer that does not have an optical drive or if you want to install the operating system on a laptop or tablet.
  4. Compatibility: Some older computers may not have a DVD or CD drive or may have difficulty booting from a DVD or CD. In these cases, installing Windows 8 from a bootable USB flash drive may be the only option.
  5. Upgrading: If you want to upgrade an existing installation of Windows to Windows 8, you may need to use a bootable USB flash drive to boot from and perform the upgrade. This can be more convenient than using a DVD or CD, especially if the computer does not have an optical drive.
cartoon boot screen
cartoon boot screen

How to install Windows 8 from a USB step by step

Here are the steps for installing Windows 8 from a bootable USB flash drive:

Step 1-Create a bootable USB flash drive

To create a bootable USB flash drive, you will need a Windows 8 installation ISO file and a USB flash drive with at least 4GB of storage. You can use a tool such as the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool to create the bootable USB drive.

Step 2 – Restart your computer

To start the installation process, restart your computer and press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS or UEFI setup. This key is usually displayed on the screen during the boot process and may be a function key (F1, F2, F3, etc.) or a key such as DEL or Esc.

Step 3 – Change the boot order

In the BIOS or UEFI setup, change the boot order so that the USB flash drive is the first boot device. This will allow the computer to boot from the USB flash drive and start the Windows 8 installation process.

Step 4 -Save the changes and exit

Save the changes you made to the boot order and exit the BIOS or UEFI setup. The computer will now boot from the USB flash drive and start the Windows 8 installation process.

Step 5 – Follow the prompts

The Windows 8 installation process will guide you through the rest of the installation process. You will need to accept the license terms, choose a partition or drive to install Windows 8 on and set up your user account.

Step 6 -Wait for the installation to complete

The installation process may take some time to complete, depending on your computer’s speed and the installation’s size.

Step 7 – Configure your Windows 8 settings

Once the installation is complete, you will want to configure Windows 8 by setting your time zone, network settings, and other preferences.

Step 8 – Activate your Windows 8 install

To use Windows 8, you will need to activate it using a valid product key. You will be prompted to enter the product key during or after the installation.

Step 9 – Install and update drivers

After installing Windows 8, you will need to install any necessary drivers for your hardware and any available updates to ensure that your system is fully up to date.

Step 10 – Create a backup point – Better safe than Sorry!

It is a good idea to create a recovery drive to restore your system in case of any problems. To create a recovery drive, insert a USB flash drive and search for “Create a recovery drive” in the Start menu. Follow the prompts to create the recovery drive.

windows key
Windows key on black keyboard

Troubleshooting: Issues & Fixes

Troubleshooting can be frustrating, but with a few key steps, you can solve most issues that arise when installing Windows 8 from a bootable USB flash drive. This tutorial will guide you through the process of troubleshooting common problems and provide solutions for fixing them quickly.

When installing Windows 8 from a bootable USB flash drive, the first thing to check is whether your computer is set up correctly to boot off of it. Ensure your BIOS is set to recognize the flash drive as an install source and that all connections are secure. Also, make sure you have downloaded the correct version of Windows 8 for your system and that it has been extracted onto the USB drive properly. If these basic steps don’t fix the issue, try reinstalling Windows 8 or running system diagnostics tests on your machine.

Conclusion

Installing an operating system from a bootable USB flash drive is a useful skill for entry-level computer users. It allows you to set up a new computer or upgrade an existing one quickly and easily. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can successfully install Windows 8 from a bootable USB flash drive and be up and running in no time. Whether you are a novice or an experienced user, these instructions will help you install Windows 8 confidently and get the most out of your computer.

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