Clean install of Windows 8 in a Toshiba Laptop

I am planning on replacing my current Windows 7 x64 Home Premium with a Windows 8 x64 Pro (I got one for free so I guess I'd take advantage of it.) The thing is I'm using a Toshiba Laptop, I've already backed up my important files and my Steam games. Will Windows automatically download compatible drivers needed in my laptop or do I need to back-up my drivers?

 

To be safe, try the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant first*.

BTW, I think the correct drivers will be automatically installed. Microsoft already stated that Windows 8 has support to every hardware supported by Windows 7.

*More info: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8

 

not necessarily for laptops

yes, major components HAVE drivers natively in Windows 8 but little accessories for example like my FN buttons don't work with Windows 8 so you will have to wait for your laptop manufacturer to release Windows 8 drivers.

I have a 15 USD Windows 8 license which I bought for cheap via the MS upgrade program. But I am planning to install Windows 8 after all major apps have been upgraded to be compatible with Windows 8 and there are drivers

 

Windows 7 is damn near perfect for me so im not bothering with windows 8 at all.I dont like the metro look of it .

 

Just go to Toshibas website and download the drivers for your laptop model before installing Win8.

 

If you have the toshiba tempro service it will find the recommended drivers for you.
If i need to update drivers myself i use drivermax.

 

Thanks for the answers, I obtained my Windows 8 Pro through Dreamspark, ( Being a student is great, lol). I still have up to 2014, I'll wait if Sandboxie x64 of Windows 8 will have the same protection in Windows 7 x64.

 

I you can afford the cost a new drive you can eliminate all potential problems. If anything goes wrong or you want to revert back to windows 7 you can just switch back to the old drive. Worst case scenario you have a backup of absolutely everything from your old install. Stick that drive in an external enclosure and use it as a backup drive.