Windows 8: How To Install a Fresh Copy
To perform a clean installation, follow the below steps:
Insert the DVD disk of your Windows 8 into the DVD drive and reboot your machine.
Windows Setup window will launch and you will be asked to choose the language to install and other preferences. Once selected, click Next to continue
Click Install now
Enter the product key to activate Windows and then click Next.
On the License terms window, select I Accept the license terms and then click Next
Now on the Which type of installation do you want the window, as we are installing a fresh copy of Windows 8, choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). This option can be selected also if you want to format your machine and install Windows 8.
The first option, Upgrade: Install Windows and keep files, settings, and applications is selected if you are performing an in-place upgrade.
If you have multiple hard disks or partitions, you can choose where you want to install Windows 8, click the appropriate disk and then click Next
Windows 8 Installation will start.
Your machine will reboot, and Windows 8 setup wizard pages will be displayed
On the Personalize window, you will need to pick a color and a name for your PC, then click Next to continue
The next window is the Settings window, where you will be asked if you want to turn on sharing between PCs and connect to devices on the network you are connected to, or would not turn it on. Make your choice to continue
The Settings wizard will now ask you if you want to use the **Express settings **or Customized settings. The description of the express settings is listed as shown in the below snapshot. Customized settings give you the option to configure each option.
It is recommended to use Express settings, if you did choose Express settings, then jump to step # 12, else if you want to use customized settings then continue reading.
In the Customized settings wizard, you will need to select whether if you want to enable keep some setting enabled or disable them. For example the automatic windows update and other privacy settings
also on the next page of the customized setting, a few on/off button to either enable/disable another set of options
Now its time to sign in to your PC. There are two options to sign in to your PC, either using Microsoft account or using the Local account.
Signing in with a Microsoft account is a new way introduced with Windows 8. It has multiple advantages listed in the below snapshot. The Local account is the regular account which we use on all previous versions of Windows.
You will need to type your Microsoft email and click Next
Type your email password
Add few security info to your account
The Wizard will start finalizing setting up your Windows with the appropriate options you selected.
Once it is completed, the Windows 8 User Interface will be displayed.
Clicking Desktop will display the Windows desktop
Summary
Installing a clean copy of Windows 8 introduced a new wizard and signing in options. However, it is straightforward and easy to be completed.
Note: For installing and proper working of extra applications or software such as printers you would need to install windows drivers and perform drivers update from time to time to ensure optimal PC performance.