Laptop Fresh Win 8.1 Install - Worried about drivers

chivs688 · 29 Dec 2014 at 18:07

I recently bought a new laptop, which came with Windows 8.1 installed, but also an absolute ton of boatware and useless programs.

I spent the whole day uninstalling everything I could find on there, I'd much rather just wipe it and do a fresh install of Windows for peace of mind.

I've done this on my desktop a few times, but never on a laptop, and am just worried that it will need specific drivers to work, the touchpad, wireless, etc. and am a bit worried of wiping these drivers off and then not being able to get them back on there/know where to get them from.

Could there be any issues? What's the simplest way of doing a completely fresh install of Windows?

Any help much appreciated, thanks.

chivs688 · 29 Dec 2014 at 18:17

Could I simply do this ?

And if so, will I still need to find the drivers for the touchpad, wifi etc?

Arron17 · 29 Dec 2014 at 20:39

chivs688 said:
Could I simply do this ?

And if so, will I still need to find the drivers for the touchpad, wifi etc?

If you reset using the on board recovery it will just reinstall everything on the image which will include all the bloatware. You could either just go through and uninstall all the bloatware and then make an image of your computer after in case you need to reinstall again. Or you could make a fresh install with a windows 8 disc, any drivers required for your laptop should be downloaded automatically by windows or will be available from the manufactures website. Just make sure you have access to a wired internet connection or a secondary PC for the initial setup as it may need to get online to get the drivers for the internet connections.

In general though Windows 8 is pretty good at finding the drivers for your hardware.

Little note, if you have a key for Windows 8 you must install Windows 8 and then update to Windows 8.1, If you have a Windows 8.1 Key you must install Windows 8.1.

postmanfw · 29 Dec 2014 at 21:31

Drivers can be found on the makers website

BunnyKillBot · 30 Dec 2014 at 02:07

Arron17 said:
Little note, if you have a key for Windows 8 you must install Windows 8 and then update to Windows 8.1, If you have a Windows 8.1 Key you must install Windows 8.1.

Deary me, that's faulty information. You can install with a generic 8.1 key (installs but not activated) and add your normal key to activate once your online. No sense bloating windows messy approach to updates.

OP,

The mydigitallife forums are the definitive resource for all your windows/office needs.
http://forums.mydigitallife.info/forums/42-Windows-8

If you're are reinstalling a laptop, take particular note of this thread
http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/40897-Guide-to-preserve-Windows-8-x-OEM-Activation

You can download an installer ISO, burn it to disk or usb with something like rufus,

The license key tends to be stored in the uefi firmware of the laptop itself and will be picked up by the windows installer. You can always retrieve the key from inside windows using magical jellybean key finder or some such.

A fresh install should theoretically pick up your wireless card but it can still be a bit hit and miss. If in doubt, download and preload the driver on to a usb stick.

Arron17 · 30 Dec 2014 at 04:07

BunnyKillBot said:
Deary me, that's faulty information. You can install with a generic 8.1 key (installs but not activated) and add your normal key to activate once your online. No sense bloating windows messy approach to updates.

OP,

The mydigitallife forums are the definitive resource for all your windows/office needs.
http://forums.mydigitallife.info/forums/42-Windows-8

If you're are reinstalling a laptop, take particular note of this thread
http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/40897-Guide-to-preserve-Windows-8-x-OEM-Activation

You can download an installer ISO, burn it to disk or usb with something like rufus,

The license key tends to be stored in the uefi firmware of the laptop itself and will be picked up by the windows installer. You can always retrieve the key from inside windows using magical jellybean key finder or some such.

A fresh install should theoretically pick up your wireless card but it can still be a bit hit and miss. If in doubt, download and preload the driver on to a usb stick.

That's what I meant, your key won't work with the wrong versions of windows during the install.

BunnyKillBot · 30 Dec 2014 at 13:19

Arron17 said:
That's what I meant, your key won't work with the wrong versions of windows during the install.

Yes, but you don't have to install 8 then roll the 8.1 upgrade as you said. Install 8.1 with generic, add your normal 8 key later, done.