Installing Windows 8

System Requirements & Setup

Written in January 17, 2026

Released in 2012, Windows 8 introduced one of the most significant visual redesign in the history of the operating system. By replacing the traditional Start menu with a full-screen, tile-based Start screen, Microsoft aimed to frustrate users across PCs, tablets, and phones.

It's hated by internet sleuths for a reason. Though you can watch my YouTube video about a Windows 8 installation using VirtualBox.

Source: YouTube - Windows 8 installation in VirtualBox (lab demo)

Instructions

To run Windows 8 smoothly in VirtualBox, your virtual machine should be configured with a minimum of 1 GB of RAM for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit. 2 cores at most, along with 20 GB to 40 GB of storage space.
  1. Open VirtualBox and click "New" to create a new virtual machine.
  2. Name the VM (for example "Windows 8"), set Type to "Microsoft Windows", and select the Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 template that matches your ISO.
  3. Allocate at least 1 GB of RAM for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit, as noted in the summary.
  4. Assign up to 2 CPU cores under Settings → System → Processor.
  5. Create a new VDI virtual hard disk, dynamically allocated, with a size between 20 GB and 40 GB.
  6. Open Settings → Storage and attach your Windows 8 ISO to the virtual optical drive.
  7. Consider enabling 3D Acceleration and increasing Video Memory in Settings → Display for a smoother UI.
  8. Start the VM and boot from the ISO to begin the Windows 8 installer.
  9. Follow the setup wizard to choose your language, edition, and installation type, then create and format an NTFS partition.
  10. Allow the installer to copy files, reboot, and guide you through the initial configuration (PC name, account, and basic settings).
  11. Once on the Start screen/desktop, remove the ISO and install VirtualBox Guest Additions to improve performance and integration.