How to re install windows 8.1 on ssd?

tshombe123

Honorable
Aug 28, 2013
32
0
10,530
Hi, i built a PC last year and always wanted a SSD. When i was building my PC they were extremely expensive and couldn't afford it at that time. Now the prices decreased i bought one and it arrived today.

I want to do a complete reinstall of windows onto my SSD but I do not have a key nor a CD. I have the windows 8 CD not the 8.1. Would i have to buy a key and then upgrade to 8.1 in the market place or is there a easier way to do it? Also is there any tips for installing SSDs? Do you have to format it or anything?

Thank you
 
If you have a legit Windows key (i.e. one that you bought), then you can follow the links below to grab your Win8 key and a Windows ISO. If you don't have a legit Windows key then just go buy one.

If you have a legit Windows key and you just forgot it, there are a few tools you can use to retrieve it such as Belarc Advisor: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/system-security/fr/belarc-advisor-review.htm

Once you've got your product key, go here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only
That's the genuine Microsoft site which allows you to download an ISO. If you key was originally for Win 8 (not 8.1), then make sure you download the Win8 ISO and you can just update to 8.1 post install for free.

You'll need to burn the ISO to a DVD. Or you can use this tool to create a bootable USB with the Win8 Installer: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool
I know the tool is called "Win7 download"... but don't be thrown off by the name. Once you install it it'll allow you to create a bootable USB out of the Win8 ISO you downloaded in the step above.
 


I don't have any CDs or a 20+GB USB 🙁
 


If you're just putting it on a new drive in the same system, you can use your existing key and the Win 8 DVD.
Then, go through the Store and upgrade to 8.1.

It might choke at activation, and make you go through the phone robot to activate. Easy and painless.

But you are 100% fine using the same key and disk.
 


If, as you said above, you already have the install media and a valid key, you need to buy nothing.
Install on the SSD with what you have.

After, wipe it from the old HDD.
That's it.

If you don't have a valid license, then yes....buy a new one.
 
Oh, you have a Win8 Disc and your key? Just use those! You're reinstalling the operating system on the same computer, which you are fully entitled to do. Win 8.1 upgrade is hardly a big deal. Certainly not worth spending $90 on a new 8.1 DVD just to avoid that update is there?

Whenever you reinstall your OS there's always a whole bunch of updates to do, it's part of the process.
 


Sorry, i replied just prior to your post. I will take that into consideration, thanks