Installing Windows 8.1: A Complete Guide

To perform a clean installation of Windows 8.1 using a bootable USB drive, follow these steps:

1. Power on your PC normally, insert the Windows 8.1 USB or DVD, and then restart your computer.
2. Your device will boot from the Windows 8.1 USB drive. When prompted with Press any key to boot from CD or DVD, press any key.

Note: If your PC restarts into the existing Windows version, you may need to change the boot order in the BIOS to boot from the USB drive.
3. Restart your PC again, and when the manufacturer’s logo appears, use the BOOT menu key (typically F2, F10, F11, F12, or Del) to access the boot menu.

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

6. Click Install now to begin the installation process.

7. Enter your product key to activate Windows 8.1, then click Next.

8. Accept the licence terms and click Next.

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

10. Select the drive where you want to install Windows 8.1.
Note: To identify the correct drive, check the Total size column and choose the drive with the largest space available.
11. Click Next to start the installation process on your selected drive.

12. After several restarts, personalize your PC by choosing a colour scheme and naming your PC, then click Next.

13. Select Use express settings.

14. Sign in to your Microsoft account using your Hotmail, Outlook, or Live email address.
Note: If you don't have a Microsoft account, click to create a new one.
15. Click Next.

16. Add security info to help recover your account if needed, and click Next.
Note: If preferred, click Skip this for now to proceed without adding security info.

Once setup is complete, wait a few minutes for Windows 8.1 to fully install on your PC.