How to do a CLEAN install of Windows 8.1 Pro + Check List

(This thread was created, because the reply option has been disabled for a similar thread.)

Clean Windows 8.1 Install:

Step 1: Download Windows 8.1 drivers for your computer. Save them somewhere you'll be able to access them later, like a USB drive.

Step 2: Download the Windows 8.1 Setup program from here: Creating installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help. Run it and follow the on-screen instructions to create either a bootable DVD or USB drive for installing Windows.

Step 3: Boot from the DVD or USB drive and follow on-screen instructions to install Windows.

Step 4: Install the drivers you downloaded, activate Windows (if it didn't do that automatically) and enjoy your new computer.

Note: You may need your Windows 8.1 product key at some point during the process. KeyFinder can help with that.

(Thanks: @Indrek for this write up from this thread.)

---

Answered = Green.
Could use more info = Blue.
Needing an Answer = Orange.


General Questions:

(Some of these questions are rhetorical on purpose for those who stumble across this thread in the future. If you can provide further details to any of the questions, please answer them and I'll update the OP.)

1. What edition of Windows 8.1 does this create? - You'll be able to select which edition you would like to create for the installation media. Here's a link to what the screen will look like.

2. Would you consider using this windows installation media to install windows 8.1, a vanilla install? Is this as plain vanilla as you can get? - From the looks of it, I would assume so...I did not see any bloatware or anything beyond the normal MS stuff on this install. (Someone please chime in...)

3. After I install this Windows 8.1, there is a watermark on the bottom right of the screen that says, "9600." What is that? - This build of Windows 8.1 is considered a RTM version. Microsoft has compiled the gold bits of Windows 8 after going through significant testing and meeting quality bar for RTM (Release to Manufacturing). At this stage, the product is considered finished and ready to distribute to OEM partners. Once you enter in your product key (activate), the watermark 9600 will disappear.

4. How do I go about making sure I have all the latest updates, while at the same time avoiding the intrusive Windows 10 upgrade updates? - Great question...someone please chime in, because I have yet to install any updates (yet) in fear of all the Windows 10 "stuff." Honestly, it'd be nice to just run it in this plain vanilla mode, but I know that some updates may be necessary? (unfortunately *face palm*) -

I'm aware of some great apps that can delete/prevent Windows 10 from knocking at the door, which I do use, but could someone just confirm a step by step list of the best things to do when it comes to updates? I guess it also depends on ones usage. As for myself, I just want it simple and clean as possible.

Here is a screenshot of the updates it wants to download LOL...


---

Security Questions:

1. What's the deal with all these updates? What does it really contain? Which ones can I delete? How do I prevent this madness? - I use a tool called: Aegis, which is awesome as it is constantly updated, along with the option to customize it to your liking. It's very simple and straight forward.

Another compliment to Aegis that is updated frequently is... @Phoenix has a great thread called: "Updates to hide to prevent Windows 10 Upgrade / Disable Telemetry."

I also use Windows Privacy Tweaker v2.0. Thanks to @hmscott.

2. What is the best Anti-Virus program? - You can do a search in the, "Security and Anti-Virus Software," section," and find a million and one answers that are based mostly on opinions. Fair enough.

However, if you're like me, I just want to know which one is the cleanest, lightest, least intrusive and thorough enough to get the job done. From my research so far these three have came up as the top 3.

• Kaspersky
• BitDefender
• ESET NOD32

I also use Malwarebytes in addition to one of the anti-virus programs listed above. (I'm currently trying out NOD32...so far so good...I guess?)

Can someone please shed some light on this? I'm finding nothing but, "...this used to be good before...now it's a resource hog compared to the older versions...this or that this or that...." If there is a definite winner, I'd like to know which one it is. Thanks....

3. Should I use the Windows 8.1 Firewall or is using a third-party Firewall program better? - I'm currently just using the stock windows firewall....should I be? Is there something better? A must have?

4. Windows Defender? Yay or Nay? - As much as I'm trying to shy away from using as much intrusive MS "stuff," as possible, is Windows Defender worth using or should I be looking elsewhere?


To be continued....