Windows 8 has a built-in feature that allows you to reinstall Windows 8 from scratch (clean installation) without an installation disc or product code. Windows 8 can be reinstalled using the “Refresh your PC” or “Reset your PC” options in the computer settings menu (“Settings”).
Step
Method 1 of 2: Reload Windows 8 (and Save Personal Files)
Step 1. Press “Windows” + “C” keys simultaneously
The Charms bar will appear after that.
Step 2. Select “Settings”, then click “Change PC Settings”
Step 3. Select “General”, then scroll through the screen until you see the “Refresh your PC without affecting your Files” option
Step 4. Click “Get Started”, then select “Next”
The computer will reload automatically. Your personal files and apps that you download from the Windows Store will be saved. Installed desktop programs will be removed, but your personal files will remain.
Step 5. Wait about 15-20 minutes for Windows to finish loading (or “refreshing”) the computer
Once done, Windows will display a list of apps that were deleted during the reloading process.
Method 2 of 2: Resetting Windows 8 (and Deleting All Files)
Step 1. Back up and save your personal files and data to a third-party storage directory
The Windows 8 reset process will erase all data from the computer and return the computer to its original/factory settings. Save your files to an online storage space, a USB flash drive, or an external disk.
Step 2. Press “Windows” + “C” simultaneously
The Charms bar will be displayed.
Step 3. Select “Settings”, then click “Change PC Settings”
Step 4. Select “General”, then scroll the screen until you see the “Remove everything and reinstall Windows” option
Step 5. Click “Get Started”, then select “Next”
Step 6. Select “Clean the drive fully”
This option will free the hard drive and reinstall Windows 8 as a new operating system.
Step 7. Click “Reset” to confirm that you want to reinstall the operating system
The computer will reset automatically. Windows 8 will be reinstalled and a welcome page (“Welcome”) will be displayed once the process is complete.
Tips
- Select the option to reload Windows 8 if the computer is running slowly and taking a relatively long time to load. This option will remove all third-party applications and restore all system files to a new (and working) state so that glitches related to slow performance can be dealt with.
- If the operating system does not load properly and the computer displays the “Advanced Startup Options” menu at startup, select “Troubleshoot” to access options for loading or resetting the computer.
