How do I wipe and reinstall Windows 8?
Factory reset Windows 8
- The first step is to open the system settings using the Windows shortcut ‘Windows’ key + ‘i’.
- From there, select “Change PC settings”.
- Click on “Update & Recovery” and then on “Recovery”.
- Then select “Get started” under the heading “Remove everything and reinstall Windows”.
Can you download Windows 8.1 for free?
If your computer is currently running Windows 8, you can upgrade to Windows 8.1 for free. Once you’ve installed Windows 8.1, we recommend that you then upgrade your computer to Windows 10, which is also a free upgrade.
Can I upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1 for free?
If you’re using Windows 8, upgrading to Windows 8.1 is both easy and free. If you’re using another operating system (Windows 7, Windows XP, OS X), you can either buy a boxed version ($120 for normal, $200 for Windows 8.1 Pro), or opt for one of the free methods listed below.
Why was Windows 8 so bad?
Windows 8 came out at a time when Microsoft needed to make a splash with tablets. But because its tablets were forced to run an operating system built for both tablets and traditional computers, Windows 8 has never been a great tablet operating system. As a result, Microsoft fell behind even further in mobile.
Is Windows 8 still supported?
Support for Windows 8 ended on January 12, 2016. … Microsoft 365 Apps is no longer supported on Windows 8. To avoid performance and reliability issues, we recommend that you upgrade your operating system to Windows 10 or download Windows 8.1 for free.
How do I restore Windows 8 without a disk?
Refresh without installation media
- Boot into the system and go to Computer > C: , where C: is the drive where your Windows is installed on.
- Create a new folder. …
- Insert the Windows 8/8.1 installation media and go to the Source folder. …
- Copy the install.wim file.
- Paste the install.wim file to the Win8 folder.
How do I delete everything on my Windows 8?
If you’re using Windows 8.1 or 10, wiping your hard drive is easy.
- Select Settings (the gear icon on the Start menu)
- Select Update & security, then Recovery.
- Choose Remove everything, then Remove files and clean the drive.
- Then click Next, Reset, and Continue.
How do I completely reset my Windows 8 computer?
How To Perform a Hard Reset in Windows 8
- Hover your mouse over the right top (or right bottom) corner of your screen to bring up the Charms menu.
- Select Settings.
- Select More PC Settings at the bottom.
- Select General then select either Refresh or Reset.
Is Windows 8.1 still safe to use?
If you want to continue to use Windows 8 or 8.1, you can – it’s still very much a safe operating system to use. … Given this tool’s migration capability, it looks like Windows 8/8.1 to Windows 10 migration will be supported at least until January 2023 – but it’s no longer free.
How do I install Windows 8.1 without a product key?
Skip Product Key Input in Windows 8.1 Setup
- If you are going to install Windows 8.1 using a USB drive, transfer the installation files to the USB and then proceed to step 2. …
- Browse to the /sources folder.
- Look for the ei.cfg file and open it in a text editor such as Notepad or Notepad++ (preferred).
Does Windows 8.1 need a product key?
Windows 8.1 does not come for free to use, unless you already have Windows 8 installed and Activated with a legit Product Key. You can download it for free, but you use it you have to buy a Product Key. Microsoft no longer sells Windows 8/8.1.
Should I upgrade to Windows 8.1 from Windows 7?
Here are a few more advantages of Windows 8.1 to consider:
- Better performance: Windows 8.1 uses less RAM and fewer CPU resources than Windows 7 and therefore runs faster. …
- Works well on older machines: Windows 8.1 will not only work on your older IT equipment, but it runs faster than Windows 7.
Will Windows 11 be a free upgrade?
At the time of its announcement, Microsoft had confirmed that Windows 11 will come as a free upgrade to Windows 10 users. All eligible PCs can thus upgrade to Windows 11 as per their compatibility, which is only limited by some of the hardware specifications that Windows 11 demands.
How do I put Windows 8 on a USB?
How to Install Windows 8 or 8.1 From a USB Device
- Create an ISO file from the Windows 8 DVD. …
- Download the Windows USB/DVD download tool from Microsoft and then install it. …
- Start the Windows USB DVD Download Tool program. …
- Select Browse on Step 1 of 4: Choose ISO file screen.