Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Windows 8.1

After preparing a bootable USB drive, follow these instructions to carry out a clean installation:

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

Note: If your current version of Windows starts upon reboot, adjust the boot order in your PC's BIOS settings to boot from the DVD.
3. Restart your PC, and when the manufacturer's logo appears, access the BOOT menu using the designated startup key, usually F2, F10, F11, F12 or Del.

4. Change the boot sequence to USB.
5. In the setup program, choose your language, time format, currency, and input method, then click Next.

6. Click Install now to commence the installation.

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

8. Accept the licence terms and click Next.

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

10. Select the disk drive where you want to install Windows 8.1.
Note: To identify the correct hard drive, check the Total size column and select the drive with the most GB available.
11. Click Next and Windows will begin installation.

12. After several restarts, you'll be prompted to personalise your PC. Choose your preferred colour and name your PC, then click Next.

13. Select Use express settings.

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

16. Provide security information to recover your account if needed, then click Next.
Note: If preferred, click Skip this for now to bypass this step.

Once this setup is complete, wait a few minutes for Windows 8.1 to finish installing.