Install Windows 8 From USB!

[ZephyrNET]

 The easiest way to accomplish this process is to already have your hands on a copy of Windows 8’s downloadable .iso file – acquirable by just finding a free copy. If you have a flash drive of the appropriate size (at least 4GB or greater, depending on whatever file Microsoft lets you grab), you’re golden pony boy! Insert your flash drive into a USB slot on your system, and then go grab Microsoft’s Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool – don’t let the name discourage you.

Install the app and run it. It’ll ask you to select an .iso file to be “burnt” onto your USB key. Go ahead and select your Windows 8 .iso file – the fact that it’s not the right operating system as the tool’s name has absolutely no bearing on what you’re doing. 

Just ignore "Windows 7" I works with Windows 8 too!

On the next screen, you’ll be asked whether you’d like to create a “Windows 7 backup” (again, ignore the name) on a USB device or DVD. Pick the obvious answer, select your USB key from the drop-down menu.

Select your USB device

When you're ready to let 'er rip, click on "Begin copying!"  If the tool needs to format your USB key first, it'll let you know.

Pretty easy, right?

Thanks for following this tutorial!

  :rolleyes:  

[Dabombinable]

I personally just use Rufus as it works with more than just windows.

[Speedbird]

This will not work for newer UEFI systems, the USB/DVD tool formats USBs as NTFS, which UEFI can't read. As stated by @, Rufus is a good alternative and it works with UEFI.

[Redsun20]

This will not work for newer UEFI systems, the USB/DVD tool formats USBs as NTFS, which UEFI can't read. As stated by @, Rufus is a good alternative and it works with UEFI.

Yeah, I use that tool for literally anything. Setting up Freenas, Hiren's Boot CD, DBAN, it works with all of the things I have thrown at it.

[NumLock21]

Or can do it the hardcore way by using running diskpart and then copy all of the contents from the disc or ISO to USB. For ISO it must be mounted first to see the contents.

UEFI is a bit tricky, it must be extracted and then manually put into the right path.

Never tried that Win7 to USB from Microsoft, but their Win8 one does create a UEFI based bootable USB.

[_Pettman]

It is easier to just create an ISO from this tool:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

Then use Rufus to make the USB bootable

[Blake]

Unfortunately, this only works if you have an official ISO from MS, you want to add an unattended.xml to that ISO? Sorry wont work. Diskpart and bootsect.exe is where it is at for one off installs. MDT+WDS is where it is at for the rest, and MDT+SCCM for everything ~50+ concurrent installs.

[kronickiller]

use rufus for uefi or any startup disk usb

works on all iso's

https://rufus.akeo.ie/

it does it much quicker too, doesnt take 10 years to make a usb