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September 12th, 2013 10:00
Windows 8.1 Install Options
Install Options
Windows 8.1 is available for purchase as a boxed product or online as was the case for Windows 8. Key differences in online and DVD installation paths are as follows:
- Online installation via Electronic Software Distribution (ESD) requires Windows 7 or later. If you start an online purchase from an earlier Windows version, you will be redirected to an option to purchase media.
- Windows 8.1 product keys will not require a previous Windows installation. If you purchase a retail boxed Windows 8.1 product, the key will be usable for installation on a PC that is not currently running Windows.
- There are changes to driver support and driver migration behaviors. There are more protections against incompatible drivers interfering with setup. This should result in fewer rollback issues.
Installing from DVD or USB media
The steps to install Windows 8.1 from DVD or USB media are the same as Windows 8
Update Changes
In past Windows releases, the primary method for updating setup has been through Dynamic Update. This is run at the start of setup as long as you are running it within Windows. Critical updates to Windows installation files installed components are downloaded and used during setup. ESD setup does not need this, as the ESD installation source itself is updated periodically.
In Windows 8.1, this update behavior continues, and another update type is added. At the end of OOBE, if the PC is connected to the internet, critical updates are downloaded and installed prior to the end of setup. This action has a time limit to avoid delays before the first sign-in. If the updates cannot be installed in this time limit, setup ends the attempt and brings you to the lock screen, ready for sign-in.
This new update installation window is not used for all possible updates, so it is still recommended that you check Windows Update for the latest recommended updates when setup is complete.
OOBE Changes
The OOBE changes are:
- Microsoft Account:Settings Restore is offered.
- This is the primary type of account created during setup. If you are not connected to the Internet or your Microsoft Account could not be found then you have the option to proceed with a local account.
- When you sign-in with an existing Microsoft Account, there is an optional security code step as with the update path from Windows 8, discussed in the previous lesson.
- The SkyDrive step is also added.
Which files, settings and apps can I keep?
If you start your PC from removable media that you created when you downloaded the ISO, you won't be able to keep your apps, Windows settings, or personal files when you update. This table shows what you can keep when you update, depending on the version of Windows you currently have running on your PC.
| If you're upgrading from |
You can keep |
| Windows 8 |
Windows settings, personal files, and most apps. |
| Windows RT |
Windows settings, personal files, and most apps. |
| Windows 7 |
Personal files. |
| Windows Vista |
Nothing. You must boot from media and perform a clean install. |
| Windows XP |
Nothing. You must boot from media and perform a clean install. |
The steps of Windows Welcome, also known as the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) are similar to what you see on Windows 8 - with an express and custom path through configuring Windows settings. The account steps that follow are where you will notice the most changes. Here are the steps with notes on where they differ from Windows 8:
| Area |
Notes |
| License Terms |
Same as Windows 8. |
| Settings |
The custom path through settings includes clearer descriptions of each setting, as well as new settings for updating apps automatically, Bing search, and Internet Explorer page prediction. |
| Account setup |
Your experience here depends on your user account:
For each of these paths you can skip sign-in by clicking an "I'm not < user >" link. This is useful if you are updating someone else's PC to Windows 8.1. If you are not connected to the Internet, you will not be prompted to sign-in during OOBE. |
| Security code |
If you are signed-in with a Microsoft Account, you may also be prompted to send a security code in an email or text message to an address or phone number you have configured for your Microsoft Account. By entering the code you receive, you will be configuring your PC as a trusted device. You can also skip this step. Skipping the step takes you to the end of OOBE. |
| Restore settings |
If you made this PC a trusted device via the security code step, and if you have previously run Windows 8.1 on a PC with SkyDrive settings backup enabled, you will also see an option to restore settings from your previous Windows 8.1 installation(s). You can also proceed without applying settings. |
| SkyDrive |
If you have signed-in with a Microsoft Account, you may also see an option to enable three SkyDrive options. This option may not be shown, as it may be throttled or unavailable in some locales. If you receive a question from a customer on this, use PC Settings to enable these SkyDrive options directly. See the SkyDrive lesson in this training for more information. |
Another change for OOBE in Windows 8.1 is that you may see some of the later steps outside of setup. If you sign in with a Microsoft Account for the first time on a particular Windows 8.1 PC, you may see the security code, restore and SkyDrive steps
DELL-Jesse L
#IWork4Dell
Digital Support Forum Liaison