Software - How to Install Windows (7, 8/8.1, and 10)

Overview

This article will guide you through attempting to reinstall the Windows operating system (OS) on your machine. Reinstalling Windows can solve issues with software, help computer performance, or help clean up your machine.

Before you begin, please note the following:

• You will need a blank USB drive or disk with at least 5 GB in capacity (for Windows 7) or 8 GB (for Windows 8/8.1 and 10).
• You will also need a Windows product key associated with the version you wish to install. If you need a product key for Windows 8/8.1 or 10, you can visit software.tamu.edu to purchase one from our software center. Windows 7 product keys are no longer offered on software.tamu.edu, but can be purchased from a third party vendor.
• Back up your files before you begin. It is strongly recommended that you back up your files on a regular basis to help prevent data loss.
  • If you experience data loss, Help Desk Central and Texas A&M cannot assist with data recovery services of any kind.
• By using this article to undertake this process, you acknowledge that Help Desk Central and Texas A&M University are not responsible for any data loss of any kind during this process. We strongly recommend you back up your data before proceeding.
• Reinstalling the operating system will destroy data on the drive your operating system is stored on. We strongly recommend backing up your data before proceeding.

Instructions

• Windows 7

  There are two steps to install Windows 7: creating the installation media to install Windows 7, and the actual installation process.

  For information on creating the installation media, visit Microsoft's website: Downloading Windows 7

  Once your installation media is ready, you can proceed with installing Windows 7. For instructions, visit Microsoft's website (skip to step 5): Installing Windows 7

   

• Windows 8/8.1

  There are two steps to install Windows 8/8.1: create the installation media used to install Windows 8/8.1, and the actual installation process.

  First, download Windows 8/8.1 from Microsoft's website:  Downloading Windows 8

  Once you have the download, you can follow the instructions on Microsoft's website to make the installation media and install Windows: Installing Windows 8. Scroll down to the bottom, where it says "Clean install of Windows 10 using installation media".

  NOTE: The instructions in this article are for Windows 10, but the process is the same.

• Windows 10

  There are two steps to install Windows 10: create the installation media used to install Windows 10, and the actual installation process.

  You can find complete instructions on how to do this on Microsoft's website: Installing Windows 10 Scroll down all the way to where it says "Clean install of Windows 10 using installation media".

   

If you are unable to perform the installation on your own using the steps above, Help Desk Central can check in your device and install Windows for you for a $50 fee. For more information about the check-in process and services Help Desk Central provides, visit it.tamu.edu.