Windows 8 is an operating system that was launched by Microsoft in 2012. Although it has been replaced by Windows 10, there are still many people who use Windows 8. If you are planning to install Windows 8 on your device or run it in a virtual machine, this article will guide you through the process. We will cover step-by-step instructions on how to install Windows 8 and what you need to be aware of during and after the installation process.
1. How to Install Windows 8
There are several methods to install Windows 8. The most common method is to use a Windows installation disc or USB drive. Here are the steps to install Windows 8 using a USB drive:
Step 1: Create a Bootable USB Drive
The first step is to create a bootable USB drive with Windows 8 on it.
- Download the Windows 8 ISO file from Microsoft’s website.
- Insert a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage into your computer.
- Download and install the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool from Microsoft’s website.
- Open the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool and select the Windows 8 ISO file.
- Select “USB device” as the media type.
- Select the USB drive you inserted earlier and click “Begin copying”.
- Wait for the tool to finish copying the files to the USB drive.
Step 2: Boot from the USB Drive
The next step is to boot your computer from the USB drive and start the Windows 8 installation process. Follow these steps:
- Insert the USB drive into the computer you want to install Windows 8 on.
- Restart the computer and press the appropriate key to enter the boot menu. This varies between different computers, but the most common keys are F2, F10, F12, and ESC.
- Select the USB drive as the boot device and press Enter.
- Wait for Windows 8 to load the files needed for the installation process.
Step 3: Install Windows 8
Once the files have loaded, you can start the Windows 8 installation process. Follow these steps:
- Select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method.
- Click “Install now”.
- Enter your product key. You can find this on the packaging of your Windows 8 disc, or you can buy a product key online from Microsoft’s website.
- Accept the license terms and click “Next”.
- Choose the type of installation you want. If you are installing Windows 8 on a new computer or want to replace your current operating system, choose “Custom”. If you want to upgrade your current operating system, choose “Upgrade”.
- Select the partition where you want to install Windows 8. If you are using a new computer with no previous operating system, create a new partition on the hard drive.
- Wait for Windows 8 to install on your computer. This may take some time, depending on the speed of your computer and the size of the partition.
- Enter your username and password when prompted. This will be the account you use to log in to Windows 8.
- Choose your settings for Windows updates and Microsoft accounts.
- Click “Finish” to complete the installation process.
2. How to Install Windows 8 on VirtualBox
If you do not want to install Windows 8 directly on your computer, you can install it on a virtual machine using VirtualBox. VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine.
Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox
The first step is to download and install VirtualBox on your computer. You can download VirtualBox for free from the official website.
Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine
The next step is to create a new virtual machine for Windows 8. Follow these steps:
- Open VirtualBox on your computer.
- Click on “New” to create a new virtual machine.
- Enter a name for the virtual machine, such as “Windows 8”.
- Select “Microsoft Windows” as the type of operating system and “Windows 8 (64-bit)” as the version.
- Choose the amount of memory you want to allocate to the virtual machine. The recommended amount is 2GB or more.
- Choose “Create a virtual hard disk now” and click “Create”.
- Select “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)” as the hard disk file type.
- Choose “Dynamically allocated” as the storage on physical hard disk.
- Choose the amount of storage you want to allocate to the virtual machine. The recommended amount is at least 20GB or more.
- Click “Create” to create the virtual machine.
Step 3: Install Windows 8 on the Virtual Machine
Once you have created the virtual machine, you can install Windows 8 on it. Follow these steps:
- Click on the virtual machine you just created and click “Start”.
- Select the Windows 8 ISO file you downloaded earlier.
- Follow the instructions to install Windows 8 on the virtual machine. The process is similar to installing Windows 8 on a physical machine.
FAQ
1. Can I upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8?
Yes, you can upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8. However, you need to make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 8. You also need to purchase a Windows 8 license and product key before upgrading. Follow the instructions in the Windows 8 upgrade assistant to upgrade your computer to Windows 8.
2. How do I activate Windows 8?
After installing Windows 8, you need to activate it to unlock all the features. Follow these steps to activate Windows 8:
- Open the “Activate Windows” app in the Start menu.
- Enter your product key.
- Click “Activate” to activate your copy of Windows 8.
If you are unable to activate Windows 8, check your internet connection and try again. You can also try activating it by phone by following the instructions provided on-screen.
Video Tutorial: How to Install Windows 8 on VirtualBox
For a step-by-step video tutorial on how to install Windows 8 on VirtualBox, watch the following video:
