How to Install Windows 8 from a Bootable USB Flash Drive, Dual-Boot with Windows 7

7:06 AM

Microsoft has made available a Release Preview of Windows 8 and I believe you want to try it, but your computer has no DVD drive or maybe your CD/DVD drive is not detected. So how to install Windows 8? the only option to install it from USB flash drive (USB stick/USB Key), in this guide we will create a dual boot system (Windows 8 and Windows 7) so we need to prepare a clean partition drive first, then follow these simple steps:

1. Download Windows 7 DVD/USB Download Tool and then install it, and then download Windows 8 ISO file here
   
2. Open Windows 7 DVD/USB Download Tool application. Click Start (Blue orb) > All Programs > Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool
   
3. Please choose ISO file. Click Browse
   
4. Locate the ISO file, select it, then click Open
   
5. Click Next
   
6. “Choose media type. Please select the media you would to use to create your Windows 7 (Windows 8) backup. You can choose to copy to USB or burn to DVD.”
   Click USB device
   
7. “Insert USB device. If your device is not displayed click Refresh.”
   If you haven’t inserted a USB flash drive, insert it now, then click Refresh button, then choose a flash drive from drop-down list, and then click Begin copying
   
8. Please wait for a few minutes. The app will format and copy all Windows 8 setup files into USB flash drive…
   
   
9. “Bootable USB device created successfully”
   Close the window and the Windows 8 Bootable USB flash drive is ready!
   
10. Restart your computer, then go to BIOS, and then change boot order (boot sequence), first boot device: USB Flash Drive
    
    
11. Your computer will boot from USB flash drive…
    Click Next
    
    
12. Enter the Windows 8 key to activate Windows, then click Next
    
    
13. Accept the license terms, then click Next
    
    
14. Because we want to make dual boot (Windows 7 and Windows 8), click Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)
    
    
15. Select a partition.. make sure it’s a clean partition, then click Next
    
    
16. Please wait a few minutes… your computer will automatically restart/reboot
    
    
17. Go to BIOS again, then change boot order, first boot: HDD (hard disk)
    
    
18. Done! Windows 8 installed and your computer has dual boot menu (Windows 7 & Windows 8)