Comprehensive Guide to Installing Windows 8: Step-by-Step Instructions for IT Professionals

Once you have created a USB boot disk, follow these instructions to do a clean installation:

1. Switch on your PC to start Windows normally; insert the Windows 8 DVD or USB, then restart your PC.
2. Your device will boot from the Windows 8 USB or DVD. Press any key when the prompt Press any key to boot from CD or DVD appears.

Note: If your PC restarts and the current version of Windows loads, you need to change the boot order in the BIOS settings to boot from the DVD.
3. Restart your PC, and when the manufacturer's logo shows, look for the BOOT menu key, often F2, F10, F11, F12, or Del, to open the menu.

4. Set the boot order to USB.
5. Once in the setup program, choose your language, time format, currency, and input method, then click Next.

6. Click Install now to begin the process.

7. Enter the product key to activate Windows 8, then click Next.

8. Agree to the license terms and click Next.

9. On the next screen, choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

10. In the following box, select the drive where you want to install Windows 8 and click Next.
Note: To identify the correct hard drive, check the Total size column and choose the drive with the most space in GB.

11. In the next box, Windows will start installing on your PC.

12. After several restarts, personalise your PC by choosing a colour and naming your PC. Click Next.

13. Next, select Use Express settings.

14. In the next box, you can sign in with your Microsoft account. Enter your email, password, and click Next or choose the option to sign in without a Microsoft account.
Note: The following steps are for Sign in without a Microsoft account.

15. Now, click Local account.

16. In the next box, create a username, set a login password, and click Finish.

17. After this setup, wait a few minutes, and Windows 8 will be fully installed.