Download and Install Windows 8 (Release Preview)

Here's a step by step procedure on how to install the new version of Microsoft's operating system on your PC.

• Note that: This is the Preview version and not a final version, reserved tests and not for normal use, some software and hardware may not be compatible, this manipulation is to be perfromed at your own risk.

Hardware Requirement

Windows 8 is compatible with all PCs running under Vista and 7. Here are the minimum hardware specifications required:

• Processor: 1 GHz or higher
• Memory: 1 GB or more for 32-bit versions, 2GB or more for the 64-bit version;
• Disk space: 16 GB or more for 32-bit, 20 GB or more for 64-bit version;
• Graphics Card: DirectX 9 compatible;
• Additionally: a trackpad or multitouch screen/tablet to use touch interface.

Note that: PCs prior to 2005 may have a processor that does not support SSE2, PAE and NX bit functions, required by Windows 8.

Download

Using the installer

You can use the installer version of Windows 8 Consumer Preview or download an ISO image from the Microsoft website.

• Go to this page, "click on Get in Now", and then click Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview, and finally click on Run.
• The application then determines whether your PC is able to run Windows 8 Consumer Preview and provide the appropriate download.
• The installation program also offers a compatibility report and update support features.

Figure1: This computer is compatible with Windows 8 Consumer Preview.

• If some items are not 100% compatible, you can also visit the online compatibility center.
• A registration key is provided on the download page.
• Note it down carefully or copy/paste it in the document (in Notepad for example).
• You will be asked for it later. Click Next to start the download of Windows 8.
• Two versions are available: 32-bit and 64-bit.
• The downloaded version will be the same type as the operating system you are running.

Figure2: Compatibility issues

Using the ISO image

Visit this page and download the version you want to install. Once the ISO image is downloaded, burn it to a DVD. For your information, if the download was performed on a computer running Windows 7, simply double-click on the ISO file to start burning procedure.

Installation

From the installer

• Once the installer is downloaded, a dialog box prompts you to begin the installation.
• Select Install Now to put Windows 8 on the active partition or install it on another partition.
• Then click Next and follow the instructions given by the wizard.

Figure 3: The wizard is ready to install Windows 8 Consumer Preview.

From an ISO image burned on a DVD

• Insert the DVD containing the ISO image in the drive and restart the computer.
• Press a key when prompted to boot from the DVD.
• Then simply follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows on the partition of your choice.

See also

Knowledge communities.

• Forum
• Drivers forum
• Windows forum
• Windows 7

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