Install Windows 8 on an Android Tablet
Installing Windows 8 on your Android tablet will allow you to use applications exclusive to Microsoft Windows, while also offering the same appearance and features of Windows 8. Windows 8 can be installed on your Android using a program called Change My Software on any Windows-based computer.
Contents
Steps
- Tap on Menu, then tap on “Settings” on your Android tablet.
- Tap on “Developer options,” then place a checkmark next to “USB debugging.” This will allow your computer to make changes to your Android when connected via USB.
- Navigate to the official website for Change My Software at http://changemysoftware.org/CMS8Edition on your Windows-based computer. The Change My Software program is required to install Windows 8 on your Android tablet.
- Click on any one of the mirror links displayed below “Download.” A third-party website featuring the download link for Change My Software will open and display in a new browser tab.
- Some websites may require you to fill out a survey before you can download Change My Software. If you encounter any surveys, either complete the survey to access the download, or try using a different mirror link.
- Select the option to download the Change My Software .rar file to your desktop. This file contains all the compressed files required to run Windows 8 on your tablet.
- Double-click on the .rar file to extract all contents using WinZip, then double-click on the .exe installer file. The Change My Software installation wizard will display on-screen.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to install Change My Software on your computer. The program will launch automatically when installation is complete.
- Connect the Android tablet to your computer using a USB cable, then click on “Android > Windows 8.”
- Verify that Change My Software has detected your Android, then click on “Continue.”
- Select your preferred language from the dropdown menu. Change My Software will immediately begin downloading Windows 8 drivers for your Android tablet, which may take up to several minutes to complete.
- Wait for Change My Software to display a “download successful” message, then click on “Install.” The installation of Windows 8 will take up to several minutes to complete, and your tablet may reboot several times throughout the process.
- Do not place a checkmark next to “Remove Android” unless you want to install Windows 8 without the dual boot option into Android. By default, Change My Software allows you to run both Windows 8 and Android on your tablet. Keep in mind that removing Android from your tablet will void the manufacturer’s warranty on your device.
- Wait for Change My Software to inform you installation of Windows 8 is complete, then disconnect the tablet from your computer. Your tablet will feature a screen prompting you to choose an operating system.
- Tap on Windows 8, then follow the on-screen prompts to start using Windows 8. Going forward, you can reboot your tablet at any time and choose whether you want to log in using Windows 8 or Android.
Tips
- If you’ve decided you no longer want Windows 8 running on your Android tablet, connect the tablet to your computer and launch Change My Software. At the main menu, click on “Restore to original condition.” The program will then remove Windows 8 from your tablet and restore the Android operating system.
Warnings
- Use Change My Software at your own risk, and keep in mind that this third-party program is not supported by Microsoft Windows or Android. If your tablet malfunctions as a result of using Change My Software, Reset an Android Tablet and return the device back to the original factory settings. In most cases, a factory reset can reverse or correct any ongoing software problems with your device.
