Can I install Win 8.1 on a new PC from an external optical?

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rbryant73

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Apr 19, 2015
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Hello,

I'm building a new PC tonight and while I have a fresh copy of Windows 8.1 on disc, the system does not have an internal optical drive. I have an external DVD drive (USB connection), can I install from that? Is there anything I need to do besides connect it and insert the disc?

Thanks,

Rich
 
Solution
Darkbreeze
Yes you can install from that but you'll need to go into the bios and enable booting from USB (If it's an option), set the USB device to #1 boot priority in the bios (Or use the one time forced boot to the device in the bios, depending on the setting of your motherboard) and probably also make sure to enable AHCI if it's not already set as the default.

Also, make sure to plug the drive into one of the rear USB 2.0 ports, NOT a front USB port and NOT a USB 3.0 port as the USB 3.0 ports probably won't work until the drivers are installed, depending on the motherboard you're using.
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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Jun 24, 2014
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Yes you can install from that but you'll need to go into the bios and enable booting from USB (If it's an option), set the USB device to #1 boot priority in the bios (Or use the one time forced boot to the device in the bios, depending on the setting of your motherboard) and probably also make sure to enable AHCI if it's not already set as the default.

Also, make sure to plug the drive into one of the rear USB 2.0 ports, NOT a front USB port and NOT a USB 3.0 port as the USB 3.0 ports probably won't work until the drivers are installed, depending on the motherboard you're using.
 
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