So you want to take Windows 8 for a spin on a computer that doesn't have a disc drive? Not a problem. While Microsoft has only released a disc image of Windows 8 Developer Preview, you can use the Windows 7 USB/DVD tool to install Windows 8 without a disc drive.
I touched on this yesterday when I discussed installing Windows 8 on a netbook, but if you're looking for step-by-step instructions, well, here you go.
Before we get started, you should note that Windows 8 is available as a developer preview. Some features may not work, there's no guarantee that all of your hardware or apps will be supported, and Microsoft doesn't offer a way to upgrade from Windows 7 or earlier operating systems to Windows 8 yet. You'll need to perform a clean install.
In other words, it's probably not a good idea to install Windows 8 on your primary computer. But if you've got a spare machine lying around, this guide is for you. If you're a little more adventurous, it's also possible to install Windows 8 alongside Windows 7 and create a dual-boot system.
In order to install Windows from a USB thumb drive, you'll need an 8GB or larger USB flash drive. You'll need to format the disk and erase anything currently on it, so make sure to backup any important files on your flash drive before you start.
OK, onto the instructions. Note that I'm being very thorough here and holding your hand every step of the way, which could make the process look kind of complicated, but it's really quite easy. The short version is: download Windows 8, download the USB installer. Plug in a USB flash drive, run the installer.
1. Download Windows 8 Developer Preview from Microsoft.
There are 32-bit and 64-bit versions available. Make sure you grab the appropriate version for your hardware. Note that there's currently no installer available for computers with ARM-based processors.
Once you're done, you should have a very large file called something like WindowsDeveloperPreview-64bit-English.iso on your computer. Make sure you remember what folder it's in.
2. Download the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool from Microsoft.
Starting with Windows 7, Microsoft made it possible to install Windows without using an optical disc drive by loading the installer onto a flash drive. While there's no Windows 8-specific tool yet, you can download the Windows 7 tool from the Microsoft Store and use it with Windows 8.
Once you're done, you should have a file called Windows7-USB-DVD-tool.exe.
3. Install the USB tool.
Double click on Windows7-USB-DVD-tool.exe and click "run" when prompted.
Follow the on-screen instructions by clicking Next, and then Install.
When the installer is finished, click the Finish button.
4. Run the USB installer tool
Open the Windows Start Menu and find the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool. If you're using Windows 7 it will likely show up right away, but if you need to go looking for it, drill down until you find the Windows 7 USB Download Tool directory.
When you select the app, you may get a Windows UAC warning message. Click "allow" to continue.
5. Choose the location of your Windows 8 ISO file.
The tool will ask where your ISO file is located. Hit the browse option and navigate to the folder where you stored the Windows 8 ISO.
6. Choose the media type.
You can use this tool to burn the ISO file to a DVD. But since we want to make a bootable USB flash drive, choose the USB device option instead.
7. Select your USB device.
At this point you'll need to make sure your USB flash drive is inserted and then choose the appropriate device from the drop-down menu.
Don't worry if you haven't formatted the disk yet, because that's coming up next. If the device is formatted, a goo
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