Windows 8 1 installation from a flash drive. Returning a combined search
Install OS Microsoft Windows 8.1 to a laptop or computer, or from a disk or flash drive. Today we’ll talk not about updates, but about a clean installation of Windows 8.1 via BIOS. For this we need the Windows 8.1 distribution.
Step by step installation guide operating system from Microsoft Windows 8.1 from a disk or flash drive.
If you have already purchased a licensed disk, then you can proceed with the installation; if you do not have it, then you will need to use the tools to create your own installation media using a USB flash drive or DVD.
How to do this, read the instructions -.
Now that you have installation media, namely a DVD or with the original Windows 8.1 operating system, you can begin installation. Another important step is the key to the Windows 8.1 distribution, we hope you have it. We remind you that keys from Windows 8 will not fit Windows 8.1, especially since the keys differ from each other depending on the operating editions Windows systems 8.1. For example, the keys for Windows 8.1 Professional are different from the keys for the Home editions, and especially Enterprise.
Comparison of Windows 8.1 editions
- optimized for home use Windows 8.1 version will mostly be installed on the laptop when you purchase it. Available for retail sale.
— an enhanced version of Windows 8.1, will be available on expensive laptops/netbooks and available for retail sale.
Windows 8.1 Enterprise- Windows 8.1 version for large enterprises corporate license(Volume License), with all available options.
Windows 8.1 Enterprise repeats the functionality of Windows 8.1 Pro, supplementing it with some add-ons for IT management and high-quality organization of work in unified network. So, there was a function to start the system with external media information – Windows To Go, as well as the ability to filter application launches from using AppLocker. Windows license 8.1 Enterprise is only available for corporate clients by subscription Software Assurance. Most users will be completely satisfied with Windows 8.1 Pro because special functions it is rarely used.
- intended for mobile devices on the base ARM processors, its functionality is limited technical capabilities platforms.
Attention! Be sure to carefully read these instructions before installing the operating system! Pay attention to paragraphs 28 and 30 of this manual.
1
— Before installing any operating system on a computer/laptop, it is important to know the basic rules — Three important steps before starting to install all versions of operating systems.
2
— We insert the disk with the Windows 8.1 distribution into the DVD drive or a prepared bootable flash drive into the USB port.
3
- Let's go to BIOS. If you don’t know how to do this, read the instructions - How to enter the BIOS.
4
— Our task is to ensure that after a reboot, the computer does not boot from hard drive as usual, but with boot device which one you're in this moment you are using.
5
— First window after loading Windows installer 8.1 (Fig. 1). You will need to select the installation and system language and click the " Further».
Fig.1 6 Install(Fig.2)
Fig.2 7 — Start of installation (Fig. 3)
Fig.3 8 - If License key from previous version does not fit and the installation asks for a key, and you have it - Enter (Fig. 4). The key must be entered without spaces or hyphens; the system will insert all the hyphens. ( The key is in picture 4, this is an example). When the key is entered, press - Further.
Fig.4 9 — Read the terms and conditions license agreement and check the box - . (Fig.5)
Fig.5 10 - In our instructions, we consider a clean installation of Windows 8.1, since this option is more preferable, allowing us to avoid transferring problems and errors from the previous operating system to the new one, which is why it is called - Clean installation . Select point 2 (Fig. 6). .
Fig.6 11
— The next step is to select the disk and partition for installation. In our example, we get absolutely clean HDD(100 GB) not yet partitioned (Fig. 7). On your computer, everything will probably look different, because you already had a previous system, and as a rule there will be three partitions (Possibly four, if in addition to drive D, there were additional partitions).
Section 1 - System Reserved. (System)
Partition 2 - Drive C (Main)
Partition 3 - Drive D (Main)
To avoid confusion, you can determine it by the size of the partitions themselves.
Fig.7 12 - Let's focus on our example. Mark the unallocated space on the disk (Fig. 8)
Fig.8 13 - In the window " Size:"- we allocate 60 Gigabytes to our future drive C (Fig. 9). This is quite enough for a Windows 8.1 system for a hard drive of the size we have. You can have a hard drive of a different size, but do not assign it to partition C, less than 25 GB. If you have a HDD of 500 gigabytes or more, the best option will allocate a partition for C - 90-100 GB, no more, this is not necessary, but you shouldn’t do exactly 25 GB. This size is needed only for the system itself, but in addition to the system, you will install other programs you need, for example Office, on drive C in the future. Therefore, do not skimp, and allocate at least 60 GB for the C-Disk. And allocate the remaining gigabytes to drive D.
We remind you! In our example, we are considering the option when you don’t have partitions yet, and the disk is empty (let’s say a new one), or you don’t have important information there, and you decide to completely redistribute the partition areas, then mark the partition, then click - Delete
, and so on all the partitions so that they become one unallocated space, as in our example (Fig. 8) Another option - If you already had a system, simply delete the first and second partition so that you are left with a 3-partition, which is the D drive. Deleted partitions 1 and 2 are converted to unallocated space, then select, and without changing the values in the area - Size, click.
Create 
Fig.9 15 Fig.10
— As we see (Fig. 11), we have created sections 1 and 2. Partition 1 is Reserved by the system, and Partition Two is our C drive, where we will install Windows 8.1. 16 Fig.11
— You can also see the remaining unoccupied space that we allocate (Fig. 12). 17 Fig.12 Another option - If you already had a system, simply delete the first and second partition so that you are left with a 3-partition, which is the D drive. Deleted partitions 1 and 2 are converted to unallocated space, then select, and without changing the values in the area - Size, click— Without changing the values in the “Size” area, click “
"(Fig. 13). 18 Fig.13
— Section 3 has been created (Fig. 14). In the future, this section will be our D drive, where, as a rule, we will store photos, videos, games, etc. You can format it right away, or you can format it when we install the system, it makes no difference. 19 Fig.14 Further.
— Select Section 2 (Fig. 15), where we will have the operating system, click — 20 Fig.15
— The installation of Windows 8.1 has begun (Fig. 16, 17, 18), you can leave for 10-15 minutes while the process takes place. Installation time depends on the power of your computer. 
Fig.16 
Fig.17 21 Fig.18 — Happening automatic reboot
systems (Fig. 19). 22 Fig.19
— We are just watching, the computer will turn on itself (Fig. 20) 23 Fig.20
— Continue installation. The process of preparing devices for operation (Fig. 21) 24 Fig.21
— Now the “Personalization” page has appeared (Fig. 22), where we need to give a name to our computer. You can name your animal whatever you want, depending on your imagination. 25 Fig.22 — Selected Name (Fig. 23), then you can select color scheme
(Fig.24) by simply moving the slider. 
Fig.23 26 — The next stage is “Parameters” (Fig. 25). If you use these instructions to install the OS, then, without any problems, you should select the item ““. The “Customize” item is for more experienced users.
Fig.25 27 - After we clicked “” (Fig. 25), we will be prompted to set up our account (Fig. 27)
Fig.26 
Fig.27 28 — If your computer is connected to the Internet, then by default you will be prompted to create an account Microsoft Live ID or enter the data of an existing one - address Email and password (Fig.27)
Fig.28 29 - Here we select the first item - “” (Fig. 28).
Fig.29 30 — If you are not connected to the Internet (for example, your cable from network card, or are not connected to Wi-Fi), then instead of a Microsoft account, you create a familiar local account(Fig.29). Account from Microsoft can be created later, after the final Windows installations(you can also connect to the Internet after the installation of the system is completed).
Fig.30 31 — Come up with a username and password (Fig. 30), (of course, remember the password) and click — Ready.
Fig.31 32 — For example, like here (Fig. 31).
Fig.32 33 — Completing the parameter settings (Fig. 32).
Fig.33 34 — The first Welcome window and final settings. We wait a little (Fig. 33, 34, 35, 36).
Fig.34 
Fig.35 
Fig.36 35 - Well, here is the first login. Enter your account password local recording and (Fig. 37).
Fig.37 36 — Password check and login (Fig. 38).
Fig.38 37 — Our operating room was loaded for the first time Windows systems 8.1 (Fig.39)
Fig.39 38 — (Fig. 39) On the desktop we have one shortcut “Trash”. Read how to set up other shortcuts (Icons).
Fig.40 
Fig.41 40 — In paragraph 18 of our instructions, we wrote that drive D can be formatted after installing the system, which is what we are doing now (Fig. 41). Login to “This Computer” right key mouse click on " Local disk(D)", further in context menu select “Format”.
Fig.42 41 — Click - “Format disk” (Fig. 42). Now disk-D is ready to work.
42 — So we looked at the basic system settings. Of course you still have to install drivers, necessary programs, which you can download from our website, and get a little comfortable and get used to the new Windows interface 8.1 (Fig.43, 44,45).
Fig.43 
Fig.44 
Fig.45 43 — Of course, as we see (Fig. 46), if the system is not activated, then some basic functions will be inactive for settings, which is very inconvenient.
Fig.46 44 — Activation in this window (Fig. 47)
Fig.47 45 — You can enter the activation window through the system properties (Fig. 48)
To install Windows 8 from a flash drive we will need:
- Distribution Windows 8 as an ISO image. The testing version is available here: link;
- A flash drive or memory card with a capacity of 4 gigabytes or more. It is recommended to use a flash drive. Not all laptops allow you to boot from a card reader with a memory card inserted;
- Set of utilities:(gcontent)download WinToFlashWinToFlash (/gcontent)
- During the installation of a new operating system on the hard drive, the system partition will be formatted. It means that all information that you had on the C:\ drive will be deleted. To avoid losing important information, you need to copy it to another partition of your hard drive, to regular disks, on external drives or to other computers.
The flash drive on which you will write the Windows 8 distribution will also be formatted. All information from the flash drive will also be deleted. Important information You also need to copy it from the flash drive.
One more small nuance. To be able to return later previous system with everyone installed drivers, applications and settings, check out the guide: Restoring Windows on a laptop with using Acronis True Image.
We're done with the preparations. Now you can proceed to creating bootable flash drive with Windows 8.
Preparing a flash drive for installing Windows 8
Now you need to somehow transfer the Windows 8 installation files to a USB flash drive. If you just copy them, then nothing will work, it will be impossible to boot from the flash drive, the flash drive will not be bootable.
There are several ways to create a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 8. The procedure is actually very similar to preparing a USB flash drive with Windows 7, which is shown in the guides: Installing Windows 7 from a USB flash drive.
Let's look at the simplest method first.
Preparing a flash drive using Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool
First, let’s unpack the archive with utilities that you downloaded from the links above. Install and run the utility Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool. It is located in the corresponding folder in the archive. The main window of the utility is quite simple. Click on the button Browse and indicate where you saved it iso-image with Windows 8:
After you have selected the desired image, click on the button Next:
A window should appear where you are asked to choose which media to burn Windows 8 to. Insert the USB flash drive and click on USB device:
In the window, select your flash drive and click on Begin copying to start the preparation process:
Confirm cleaning the flash drive:
After this, the process of copying files to the flash drive should begin:
In a couple of minutes the process will be completed:
The flash drive with the Windows 8 distribution is ready. If you were unable to create a flash drive in this way or Windows does not want to install from it, then you can try other methods. About them below.
Preparation using the WinToFlash utility
This utility you can find it in the WinToFlash folder in the archive at the link (gcontent) download WinToFlashWinToFlash (/gcontent). Let's launch it:
Before you begin preparing the flash drive itself, you need to extract the installation files from the iso image to a folder on the hard drive. To do this, it is convenient to use the 7-Zip utility. You can find it in the archive using the links above. We launch it, find it in file manager your ISO image and unpack it into a folder D:\Win\, For example:
As a result, in the folder D:\Win\ There should be files and folders like this:
Once unpacking is complete, insert the USB flash drive and return to the WinToFlash window. Click on the button with a green checkmark:
A window similar to this should appear:
In the top window, indicate the folder with installation files Windows 8 (in our case this is D:\Win\), and in the lower window indicate your flash drive from which you are going to install the system. After that, click Next and accept the license agreement:
After accepting the agreement, a warning will appear stating that all information from the flash drive will be deleted:
We agree with him. The process of preparing the flash drive should begin:
It takes a few minutes. At the end the corresponding window will appear:
Close it and the utility itself:
The flash drive preparation is complete. If suddenly problems arise with this method, then you can try another method.
Preparing a bootable USB flash drive using the UltraISO utility
Install and run this utility. You can find it in the UltraISO folder in the archive using the links at the beginning of the article. It is recommended to run this utility as Administrator:
When starting, select Trial period:
From the File menu, select Open:
Specify the path to the saved ISO image with Windows 8:
Select an item from the menu Write down image of Hard disk...:
Now select your flash drive in the Disk drive window:
Very important on at this stage don't mess anything up. To start recording, click on the Record button. A warning will appear stating that all information on the flash drive will be erased:
We agree and start the recording process Windows distribution 8 per flash drive:
When finished, simply close the window:
That's all. The bootable USB flash drive has been created. If this method suddenly doesn’t help, then try creating a flash drive using Command line . This process is described in detail in the manual: Installing Windows 7 from a USB flash drive.
And so, you created a flash drive using one of the methods above. Now you can move on to the next step - activating boot from a flash drive in the BIOS.
Enabling booting from a flash drive in the BIOS
It is logical that if a laptop or computer boots the system on a hard drive instead of our flash drive with Windows 8, then we will not be able to install anything. To configure the boot order, you need to go into the BIOS. To do this, first put the flash drive in your laptop, tablet or computer, and then reboot. At the very beginning of loading, you need to press a certain key. Most often, during boot, the bottom of the screen indicates what you need to click to enter the BIOS. Usually these are buttons F2, Del, Esc or other.
After entering the BIOS, you need to find where the boot order is configured. Most often, such options can be found on the tabs Boot , System Configuration , Boot Order and others. Buttons are often used to change the boot order F5/F6, various menus with arrows. Our goal is to install a flash drive (it may be called USB-HDD, Removable, USB-Flash, and so on) first place more details .
If for some reason loading from the flash drive does not start, then first of all you need to check whether it is worth BIOS flash drive first on the download list.
It is also worth checking whether the flash drive boots on other computers. If it doesn’t load, then you need to write it down again. And you can move on to the
I will now write about how to record Windows image 8, or Windows 8.1 on a USB flash drive and install it on your computer. I have already installed Windows 8 on my computer next to already installed Windows 7. I wrote about this in the article ““.
But, I did this on my old computer, and I deleted it later. A few days ago, I again needed to install Windows 8 on my laptop. It will decide to install in the same way, next to the installed seven, but this is not important.
I had the image.iso, clean DVD disc I didn’t have it on hand, but I did have a 16 GB flash drive. I decided to burn the image of the figure eight onto it and install it from a flash drive. Before this, I created on my own SSD drive section for eight, created in this way.
I tried to create a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 8. I recorded it, rebooted the laptop, set it to boot from USB, but nothing happened. The cursor was just blinking on a black background. Strange, I thought, and decided to burn the image to a USB drive in a different way. Created a flash drive using Windows utilities 7 USB/DVD Download Tool, which I wrote about in the article. But, anyway, nothing worked for me, a blinking white cursor just appeared on a black screen, and that’s it. Why? I still don’t understand.
Found it on the Internet a simple program Rufus, with which I recorded the .iso image of the eight on a flash drive, and everything worked out.
Before installing Eight on your computer, you can see what kind of system it is and whether it’s worth installing at all.
Create a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 8
Rufus is completely free. You can download it from the official website, or from this website via the link (version 1.4.6). There is no need to install the program. Just download and run the .exe file.
Connect the flash drive on which we will write the image (flash drive must be more than 4 GB). In the program window, in the first paragraph "Device", select our USB drive.
Below, in paragraph “Partition scheme and type system interface” , you can choose one of three options. I recommend leaving at this point “MBR for computers with BIOS, or UEFI” (it’s unlikely that you know what format your hard drive is in).
"File system"– leave NTFS.
“Cluster size”, also leave it as default.
Below, we set all the checkboxes as in my screenshot (by default). And click on the button in the form of a disk to select the .iso image of the operating system.
We check all the settings again and press the button Start to start recording.
A warning will appear that all data on your flash drive will be deleted. If necessary files not on the drive, then click Ok, thereby confirming the formatting of the drive.
The process of writing the image to the USB drive will begin. We are waiting for it to end.
When the recording ends and there will be a status "Ready", That Rufus program can be closed. That's it, the flash drive has been created, you can start installing the operating system.
We start installing Windows 8 from a USB drive
First, we need to reboot the laptop, and .
Now, I’ll show you using my Asus laptop as an example.
We enter the BIOS, in Asus, this is usually F2.
Go to the tab Boot, and select the item.
Opposite the point Boot Option #1, select our flash drive.
Click Esc to return to the previous menu. We check that our flash drive is in first place in the download list, click F10 And Ok to save settings.
The laptop will reboot and boot from the flash drive should begin. When you see the inscription Press any key to boot from USB... then quickly press any button on the keyboard.
The installation of Windows 8 will begin.
That's it, follow the installation instructions, which can be found at the link at the beginning of this article. Yes, everything is clear there. Installation is very fast and simple.
Also on the site:
How to create a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 8 (8.1)? We start the installation of Windows 8 with USB storage updated: April 3, 2014 by: admin
Installing an operating system from a flash drive is the most convenient way. Create bootable media using one of several utilities, then connect it to your computer/laptop and start the installation process. Removable device With an ISO image of Windows 8, you can always keep it at hand and not be afraid of urgently reinstalling the OS. Let's figure out how to install Windows 8 from a flash drive on a PC or laptop.
Before installing the OS on your computer, you must prepare all components, namely a bootable USB flash drive and BIOS/UEFI. To record the operating system distribution, you need a drive with a memory capacity of at least 8GB (for the full version of Windows 8), as well as special program(can be used Media Creation Tool from Microsoft or utility from third party developers). After simply setting up the BIOS, just connect the USB flash drive and start the installation.
For correct operation Windows 8 on a laptop or computer will require the following configuration:
- processor with a minimum frequency of 1 GHz;
- 1/2GB random access memory for 32/64-bit OS versions, respectively;
- 16/20GB free space on a hard drive for 32/64-bit OS;
- graphics accelerator supporting DirectX9 and higher.
Now let's look at the preparation and installation process in the form of step-by-step instructions.
Media Creation Tool
The official utility from the developers will help you download and record the full Windows version 8 by 32 or 64 bits. The program is downloaded for free using the link when you click on the “Download Tool” button. After this, follow the steps described:
- Launch exe.
- On the first screen, select your desired language, operating system edition, and architecture. Then click "Next".
- Now select the first option to automatically write the downloaded installer to a USB device.
- Select the connected flash drive from the list and click “Next”.
- Agree to delete all files.
- Just have to wait until the end Windows boot 8 and recording to the drive. On the screen you will see approximate time until the end of the process. When the execution reaches 100%, close the program with the “Finish” button.
We use third-party recording programs
What to do if you have already downloaded ISO image yourself via torrent or from another site? In this case, the utility for creating boot disks. Let's look at the procedure using UltraISO and Rufus as an example.
The Ultra ISO application can be downloaded and installed from the link http://ultraiso-ezb.ru/. After installation, run the program and follow the instructions:
- In the window that appears, click “Trial period”.
- In the program window, click on “File” - “Open”.
- Select the downloaded image and click “Open”.
- Now go to the “Boot” menu - “Burn Hard Disk Image”.
- Select the drive (1) and click “Burn” to begin the process.
- In the window that opens, click “Yes”, agreeing to format the flash drive.
- Wait for the recording to finish.
Instead of UltraISO, you can burn bootable media using Rufus. Download the utility from the link https://rufus-usb.ru.uptodown.com/windows. The software does not require installation - just run the downloaded file and follow these steps:
- Select the connected flash drive (1), set the parameters from the screenshot (2).
- Enter the name of the drive and start recording with the “Start” button.
- We confirm the deletion of all data.
- Wait for the recording process to complete and close the program.
Now you know how to burn a Windows 8 image without using the official Microsoft programs. Let's start setting up the BIOS.
Setting download priority
Let's consider the case of setting through BIOS with standard menu and via UEFI with mouse support. In the first option you need:
- Launch BIOS menu when the computer starts. A separate key is responsible for this. All BIOS manufacturers and motherboards she is different. For example, on ASUS or Acer settings open after pressing Del or F2. On a Samsung laptop (for example, Samsung RV 513), login is done using the F10 key, etc. To know the desired button possible at home screen when you turn on the PC.
- Now open the "Boot" section. Navigation through the menu is carried out using the arrow keys on the keyboard.
- In the "Boot" tab, select " Boot Device Priority" and press Enter.
- Then open "1st Boot Device" and select "Removable Dev." ( removable media) or the port into which the flash drive is connected.
- To save changes and exit, press F10.
If you are using a new PC or netbook/laptop, it may have UEFI installed with graphical interface and mouse support. To enter the menu, also use the prompt on the home screen. For Lenovo laptops, you need to press the F2 key or the Fn + F2 combination. HP devices use De l, F10, F11 or F12. The menu requires:
- Open Boot Menu using F8 or a separate button on the screen.
- IN boot menu select the port with the connected flash drive. There must be a UEFI signature before the drive name.
- After this, the PC will automatically reboot. To install the OS you must run this procedure once. Then the boot priority will be set to default.
Installation steps
So, after the settings in the BIOS, let's proceed with the installation:
- First we select language options and click “Next”.
- Now select "Install".
- Enter license key or skip it this step(You can activate the OS after installation).
- Select the required assembly from the list.
- Check the box on the next screen and click “Next”.
- Click on "Custom".
- Now we need to start creating a system hard section disk. You can create a new one (1) or format an existing one (2).
- When creating, specify the desired size and click “Apply”. When allocating space for system partition Focus on the OS weight specified in the requirements and add 20-25GB for additional programs/drivers.
- Copying will then begin. Windows files and installation. Typically the process takes up to 30 minutes when installing on a HDD.
During the installation process, the computer may reboot. After completing the procedure, carry out initial settings(you can skip them and come back later). Now you can use the new and “fresh” Windows 8!
Conclusion
There is nothing complicated about recording the Windows 8 installer and installing it. Download the image, write it to a USB flash drive using one of the programs described and run the installation on your computer. You can create bootable media via Media Creation Tool, if you don’t want to search for a ready-made ISO on third-party sites and torrent trackers.
Video
If you have problems or questions regarding the Windows 8 installation procedure, please review the attached video. It presents visual instructions on this topic.