How to install Windows 8 version preview [Step-by-Step]

Windows 8 Release Preview is now available for download, this new build comes seven months after Developer Preview and five months after Consumer Preview, since then, there have been so many tweaks and changes that it seems like all the hard work of the Windows team is been paid off the pain. Windows 8 RP feels solid, loads faster, and has started to look more like a finished product.

There are many ways to install Windows 8 Release Preview, if you try the new operating system on a spare PC, this way you can experience all the features and effects to their full potential. However, not everyone has additional computers available, the second best way to install the operating system would be through virtualization; you can use VMware Workstation 8 or VirtualBox (free), both excellent solutions to virtualize Windows 8. If you want to go this route, see the previous articles: How to install Windows 8 Consumer Preview on a virtual machine [VMware Workstation] and how to install Windows 8 Consumer Preview in VirtualBox [Virtual Machine]. Both guides can be used as a reference to create a virtual machine for preview.

Also, you can choose to install the latest Microsoft OS alongside Windows 7 in dual boot mode, which is a good solution if none of the options mentioned above work for you. For detailed instructions, visit this previous article: How to dual boot Windows 8 with Windows 7 using VHD - Virtual Hard Drive [Step-by-Step].

Finally, yes, there is another option: you can create a Windows To Go drive, which essentially lets you install a full version of Windows 8 onto a USB drive, which you can just boot from, without affecting or changing anything. on your computer. Most importantly, you can use it on any computer that supports booting from a USB drive. Do you want to know how to do it? Well, Pureinfotech has you covered: How to Create a Windows To Go USB Drive in Windows 8 [step-by-step].

Now that you know all the different methods you can use to install the operating system, it's up to you to choose the method that best suits your needs, then follow the detailed instructions below to install Windows 8 build 8400.

It is important to note that the Release Preview installation hasn't changed much since the Consumer Preview release. You will notice that when you turn on your PC, the installation starts very quickly; the betta fish image is no longer part of the home screen, now the word "windows" they are the only things that appear together bringing the ring animation. And some other cosmetic changes you will see during installation.

Instructions

1. Download a copy of Windows 8 and get the Product Key (this time you will need it). Also, make sure you download the correct version (32 or 64 bit).

2. Create bootable installation media; The easiest way to do this is to use Microsoft's Windows 7 USB / DVD Download Tool. If you like a challenge, you can try to manually create a bootable Windows 8 USB drive using the command prompt (see instructions). After completing step 2, we can now dive into the installation process.

3. Make sure your system has BIOS set to boot from USB or DVD, depending on how you want to install it. To do this, consult your PC's manufacturing manual, as there are many different ways to change the BIOS settings.

4. Boot your computer with Windows 8 bootable media, the new Windows boot screen will appear and take you directly to the Windows settings screen.

5. On the Windows setup screen, choose your language, region and keyboard input, then click next.

6. Click Install now Keep on.

7. Enter the Windows Product Key: TK8TP-9JN6P-7X7WW-RFFTV-B7QPFand click next.

8. Accept the license terms and click again. next.

9. Click Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)to perform a clean installation of the operating system.

Important: Avoid using the Gets better as this can cause some problems and NOT update a Windows 7 installation as it will not be able to roll back.

10. Select the drive to install Windows 8 and click next.

Note: It is assumed that if you are using a computer with a previous Windows installation, you are already backing up all important files by clicking on next this step will erase all data on that hard drive.

Now the Windows installation will take over and start the installation, the operation will take several minutes depending on the system configuration.

12. After a few reboots, you will see the file Customize page. You will notice that this page has changed slightly from previous versions. Enter a computer name and click next.

13. Not Definitions page, you can choose how Windows 8 installs updates, find solutions online, customize apps, and more. you can just click Use Quick Setup and let Windows select the best settings or you can click Customize and specify all your options. In this article I will only use the quick settings.

14. You are now in Log in to your PC page, here you can use your Microsoft account (Live or Hotmail account) to create an account on your PC. This is a great option if you plan to download apps from the new Windows Store or sync your settings online. For now you can click Sign in without a Microsoft account.

15. On the next screen, click local account.

16. Enter an account name, enter a password and hint, then click finish.

Windows 8 will finish configuring your PC and you will see the new desktop.

However, there seem to be many steps, they are very simple and the whole installation process should take less than an hour.

Windows 8 version preview desktop screenshot

desktop image 2

So you need to check for updates, missing drivers, and install essential apps, but more on that later ...

System requirements