26052026 Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 Hi, i'm about to buy parts to built my first custom PC. i'm not installing a DVD drive so i need to install Windows 8.1 using USB. I don't know how to do this. i know that i need to insert the usb when the PC is off then set it up so that the USB is first to boot instead of SSD. i just don't know how to make a bootable USB drive. i have googled and for the life of me can't get a simple straight answer anywhere. Link to comment https://gtaforums.com/topic/758131-installing-windows-81-on-custom-built-pc-with-usb-help/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
GG14876 Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/how-can-i-boot-window-7-from-flash-drive/7d185449-41ed-487d-9961-1b9e43e022f1 Same thing for 7 as 8.1. Just follow the links/directions and it should work fine. It did for me... Link to comment https://gtaforums.com/topic/758131-installing-windows-81-on-custom-built-pc-with-usb-help/?do=findComment&comment=1066737411 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Hat Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 (edited) You can make a bootable USB by using ZOTAC WinUSB Maker. Works everytime for me! Just follow the steps shown on the link. Edited December 31, 2014 by Kevin3014 Link to comment https://gtaforums.com/topic/758131-installing-windows-81-on-custom-built-pc-with-usb-help/?do=findComment&comment=1066739314 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMcSame Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Link to comment https://gtaforums.com/topic/758131-installing-windows-81-on-custom-built-pc-with-usb-help/?do=findComment&comment=1066742303 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZAZEL Posted January 1, 2015 Share Posted January 1, 2015 If you have a slow internet connection, and don't feel like downloading the 4+ GB ISO from Microsoft, or if you have an OEM version/activation key, just create an ISO from your Windows disc with something like ImgBurn, and then use the Windows USB Download Tool that Linus mentions in the video above. Worked perfectly for me. Link to comment https://gtaforums.com/topic/758131-installing-windows-81-on-custom-built-pc-with-usb-help/?do=findComment&comment=1066746441 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stinky12 Posted January 1, 2015 Share Posted January 1, 2015 (edited) First you will need a DVD drive other wise how are you able to copy the files from the DVD to your USB? Now if you say you can download the OS, then how are you going to download the OS when your computer don't even have a OS installed in the first place? Use Rufus to create a bootable UEFI drive Edited January 1, 2015 by Stinky12 Link to comment https://gtaforums.com/topic/758131-installing-windows-81-on-custom-built-pc-with-usb-help/?do=findComment&comment=1066746911 Share on other sites More sharing options...
GG14876 Posted January 1, 2015 Share Posted January 1, 2015 First you will need a DVD drive other wise how are you able to copy the files from the DVD to your USB? Now if you say you can download the OS, then how are you going to download the OS when your computer don't even have a OS installed in the first place? Use Rufus to create a bootable UEFI drive Well, I would think his current computer has a disk drive (you know, the one he's posting from), or he could go to a local library to burn the disk image to USB... I had a similar issue, where I didn't have a disk drive to use in my new system because all of the ones I had on-hand were PATA-based drives or hardwired into a laptop... Link to comment https://gtaforums.com/topic/758131-installing-windows-81-on-custom-built-pc-with-usb-help/?do=findComment&comment=1066747220 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMcSame Posted January 1, 2015 Share Posted January 1, 2015 First you will need a DVD drive other wise how are you able to copy the files from the DVD to your USB? Now if you say you can download the OS, then how are you going to download the OS when your computer don't even have a OS installed in the first place? Use Rufus to create a bootable UEFI drive Well he doesn't need one, he could always go to KAT or something and DL an .iso with a lot of seeds (usually a good indication of a safe, legit file). Nothing wrong with that if you ask me, I'm assuming he'd use a valid, legally purchased code. Link to comment https://gtaforums.com/topic/758131-installing-windows-81-on-custom-built-pc-with-usb-help/?do=findComment&comment=1066747520 Share on other sites More sharing options...
26052026 Posted January 1, 2015 Author Share Posted January 1, 2015 First you will need a DVD drive other wise how are you able to copy the files from the DVD to your USB? Now if you say you can download the OS, then how are you going to download the OS when your computer don't even have a OS installed in the first place? Use Rufus to create a bootable UEFI drive um...i have a laptop (that i'm posting from) that has a disc drive. and for the second question...i have a laptop that i can download the OS on and then stick it on a USB. thanks for the help everybody! Link to comment https://gtaforums.com/topic/758131-installing-windows-81-on-custom-built-pc-with-usb-help/?do=findComment&comment=1066747893 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stinky12 Posted January 2, 2015 Share Posted January 2, 2015 (edited) The problem with not having a optical drive is, some first time computer owners, thinks they don't need a optical drive either. And when they want to install their OS, they can't. This "don't need a optical drive" needs to be clear on when you do need one and when you don't. If you have never own a computer in your life and this is your very first computer, get a optical drive. Optical drive can be external USB if your using them NZXT H440 cases or others similar. If you already have a computer with one or can access the internet to download the windows iso from Microsoft with your legit purchased product key, then you don't need to buy a optical drive for your new build. Edited January 2, 2015 by Stinky12 Link to comment https://gtaforums.com/topic/758131-installing-windows-81-on-custom-built-pc-with-usb-help/?do=findComment&comment=1066753295 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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