How to Reinstall Windows 8 Without a CD

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Last Updated: January 6, 2025

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Refreshing Windows 8 (Saves Personal Files)

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Resetting Windows 8 (Erases All Files)

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

Windows 8 comes with a built-in feature that allows you to reinstall a clean version of Windows 8 without having to use an installation disk or product key. Windows 8 can be reinstalled using either the “Refresh your PC” or “Reset your PC” options under Settings.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Refreshing Windows 8 (Saves Personal Files)

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This brings up the Charms bar.
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You can then scroll down until you see "Refresh your PC without affecting your Files".
Your computer will refresh itself, while saving your personal files and apps downloaded from Windows Store. Your installed desktop programs will be erased, but all other personal files will be saved.
When complete, Windows will display a list of applications that were removed during the refresh.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Resetting Windows 8 (Erases All Files)

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to a third-party storage location. Resetting Windows 8 will wipe and erase all data from your PC, and restore the computer’s original factory settings. Save your files to a cloud storage service, USB flash drive, or disk.
This brings up the Charms bar.
You can then scroll down until you see "Remove everything and reinstall Windows".
This option wipes your hard drive, and reinstalls Windows 8 like new.
Your PC will reset itself, reinstall Windows 8, and display the Welcome screen when complete.^{[2]
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Community Q&A

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Question

Would I need an installation medium, such as a bootable USB stick?

Community Answer

Yes. In order to install an OS on a computer, you need some sort of installation medium. This can come in the form of a backup partition on an existing installation, a CD/DVD, a bootable USB drive, a network server, or the Windows install assistant.

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Can I revert back to Windows 8 if I install Windows 10?

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Yes. You would need a disk or bootable USB with Windows 8 on it. You would also need a product key.

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I am seeing an error message asking me to insert media. What should I do?

Community Answer

Some of the system files got corrupted. The easiest way to fix this problem is to create a bootable USB stick, insert it, and then try it again.

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Tips

Select the option to refresh your Windows 8 computer if your PC runs slowly and takes a relatively long time to boot up. This option deletes all third-party apps and restores all system files to a fresh, working state, which can help resolve problems with slowness.

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If your Windows 8 PC fails to boot up properly and displays the “Advanced Startup Options” menu upon startup, select “Troubleshoot” to access the options to refresh or reset your PC.

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Warnings

If you upgraded your computer from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 and select the option to reset your PC, your computer will restore Windows 8 files. Keep in mind that you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 8.1 once again after the reset is complete.^{[3]
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