Backup Your Important Data

Be sure to back up any data you want to keep before you begin. Backing up your actual programs isn't usually possible, so locate all the installation media and downloaded installation files that you used to install the programs so they're available to reinstall once the Windows 8 or 8.1 clean install is done.

Disconnect Unnecessary Hardware

Windows 8 should install fine with all of your hardware connected, both internal and external, but if have had trouble installing Windows on your computer before, removing unnecessary internal components (if you have a desktop) and disconnecting USB and other external devices should help. Once the Windows 8 clean install is complete, you can reinstall and connect those devices one at a time.

To perform a clean installation using a DVD or USB flash drive[font=Lucida Sans Unicode][/font]


Turn on your PC to start Windows normally, insert the DVD or USB flash drive, and then shut down your PC.

Restart your PC, and then press any key to boot from the DVD or USB flash drive.

If you restart your PC and your current version of Windows starts, you might have to open a boot menu or change the boot order in your PC's BIOS or UEFI settings so that your PC boots from the media. To open a boot menu or change the boot order, you'll typically need to press a combination of keys (such as Delete, F2, Esc, F12 .) immediately after you turn on your PC. For instructions on changing the boot order for your PC, check the documentation that came with your PC or go to the manufacturer's website.


If your current version of Windows still starts, try again by waiting until Windows asks you to sign in, shutdown completely, and then restart your PC again.

On the Install Windows page, enter your language and other preferences, and then click Next.

Click on Install Windows.

On the Enter the product key to activate Windows page, enter your product key.

This 25-digit alphanumeric code is required during the Windows 8 clean install process. If you've purchased Windows 8 yourself, the product key should be included with the DVD media you received or in the email confirmation you received when you purchased Windows 8 or 8.1 for download. If Windows 8 came preinstalled on your computer, look for a sticker with the product key somewhere on your desktop, tablet, or laptop device. The product key looks like this: PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then tap or click Next.

On the Which type of installation do you want? page, tap or click Custom.

On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, do one of the following:

In Windows 8, tap or click Drive options (advanced), tap or click the partition that you want to change, tap or click the formatting option you want to perform if needed, and then follow the instructions.

In Windows 8.1, tap or click the partition that you want, tap or click the formatting option you want to perform if needed, and then follow the instructions.

When you've finished formatting, tap or click Next.

Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows.

Read more tech insights from http://trendymediablog.com/2014/08/how-to-perform-a-clean-installation-of-windows-8-or-8-1/