Microsoft promises Windows 8 installation in '11 clicks'

by Steven Mostyn - Nov 23 2011, 10:17

Clearly keen for customers to make the leap to Windows 8 with minimal fuss, software titan Microsoft has this week said it plans to push upgrades via online channels.

Considering the long and arduous upgrade process experienced during prior software releases, the prospect of quickly and easily moving to Windows 8 may encourage hundreds of millions of users to switch from the likes of XP, Vista and Windows 7.

“Our aim in improving setup is to reduce the time from start to finish,” outlined Windows boss Steven Sinofsky in an official Building Windows 8 blog post.

According to Redmond, it will increase upgrade efficiency by focusing on Windows 8 as a download purchase, which removes the associated annoyances of buying a physical disc.

Microsoft is confident that the new ‘easy install’ process connected to Windows 8 will be “one continuous integrated experience from beginning to end”.

Said process will forego the use of a 25-digit product key for activation—thanks to it being embedded directly into the download—and will also include an automatic Windows 8 compatibility scan across the host hardware.

Once Windows 8 is ready to go, users can then choose to either keep their entire Windows profile or retain only their personal files (this choice depends on existing OS). Those looking for a completely fresh start can, of course, opt for running the default Windows 8.

When Windows 7 was released, its successful installation required the navigation of four Wizards and up to 60 screen clicks. Microsoft claims Windows 8 installation will be complete in just 11 clicks and around 21 minutes (35 percent quicker than Windows 7). 

Retail copies will still be available at stores.

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