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The quickest way to get Windows 8 installed is to take a blank PC (or empty partition) and install Windows 8 from USB.

What You’ll Need

• Blank partition/hard drive
• 4 GB USB drive (32 bit/64 bit ISO), 8 GB USB drive (64 bit ISO with developer tools)

To install Windows 8 Release Preview from a USB thumb drive, you’ll need to:

1. Format your thumb drive and copy the installation files
2. Boot from your thumb drive
3. Install Windows 8

Format Your Thumb Drive and Copy the Installation Files

You’ll need to format your thumb drive and copy over the Windows 8 installation files. There are a few methods to do this. I’ve included the easiest method below (or you can do it manually):

1. Download the Release Preview ISO file

2. Download the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool

3. Open the tool; browse to the Windows 8 ISO and click Next

4. Click USB Device

5. Select your USB drive and click Begin copying

6. If the USB drive contains data, you’ll have to erase it prior to copying the files. The tool will then copy your files (may take up to one hour depending on hardware, ISO choice)

Boot from Your Thumb Drive

1. Once your thumb drive is ready, plug it in to the PC and turn the power on

2. When your BIOS is loading (if you have a brand-name PC, this is usually when you can see the brand’s logo), press the key that loads the boot options menu (this is usually displayed as an option on the screen and is typically the ESC/F8 key)

3. Arrow down to “Removable Media” / “USB Media” and press Enter

4. Now Windows 8 installation files will load

Install Windows 8

If you need help installing Windows 8, check out the screenshot tour on Into Windows: Windows 8 Developer Preview Installation Procedure (Step-By-Step)

About Rich

Rich is the owner and creator of Windows Guides; he spends his time breaking things on his PC so he can write how-to guides to fix the problems he creates.

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