Microsoft has made Windows 8 Developer Preview available to those wishing to download it and install it on their PCs. Note that this is a Developer Preview (the key word being ‘developer‘) and as such is probably pretty unstable and rough around the edges. This is not even beta software, so a lot will likely change from this version to the next public release; indeed new builds are released internally each day at Microsoft, so this one is out of date (so to speak) already.
At any rate, you can download the ISO image it here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/br229516
It is available in 32 and 64 bit versions, English only. System requirements are:
- 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
- Taking advantage of touch input requires a screen that supports multi-touch
- To run Metro style Apps, you need a screen resolution of 1024 X 768 or greater
- You can’t uninstall the Windows Developer Preview. To reinstall your previous operating system, you must have restore or installation media.
- Keynote unveiling of Windows 8 by Steve Sinofsky: http://channel9.msdn.com/Events/BUILD/BUILD2011/KEY-0001
- Windows 8: tour of Microsoft’s new look: http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/slideshow/window_8_developer/
- Why Windows 8 isn’t an iOS copycat
- A deep dive into Windows 8 Developer Preview
If you do download it and install it, please post your comments below. Thanks!
James is the owner of WindowsTalk.org and has been a Microsoft Windows Consumer MVP since 2003.
Twitter: AlanOnSecurity
says:
I don’t think I’m gonna risk and try. I usually wait for the released version only use that OS. Although I heard the features are cool in Windows 8.
Alan Tay’s recent post ..Kaspersky 2012 Hybrid Protection with Cloud Protection
Twitter: WindowsTalk
says:
I have downloaded the 32 bit version, which I may try on my Dell laptop tomorrow, just for fun.
I will wait for the complete version…
because I can not risk , as i have to do alot of work on my PC…. well lets see how it will work ..
Twitter: shergillgames
says:
I’m going to wait even longer than most people. Sometime past release when games start requiring 8.
Mandeep’s recent post ..DIY WiFi Signal Booster
This is awesome! Obviously since it’s in development there might be a few bugs here and there, but this seems like a great way to preview Windows 8 before committing to it. Thanks!!
I’ve wanted to try Windows 8 but I am not a developer so its risky for me to use it especially when some thing went wrong and I don’t know how to trouble shoot it.
Danica Stone’s recent post ..יוגה
Hi there. Thanks for sharing this. I’m currently thinking whether to download it or not. Since I’m not a developer just like Danica there.
Andrew Walker’s recent post ..New 45 Park Lane in London
Win 8 is wonderful. I tried it on my desktop & like it. I feel it will prove to be better for touch enabled PC’s & netbooks. What do you think?
Matt @ Technology Blog’s recent post ..Download Google Chrome Offline Installer
Twitter: WindowsTalk
says:
You can tell right away from the initial Metro interface that it is designed for tablets and other ‘touch’ devices. It may not be a necessary upgrade for a desktop or laptop PC, but it is too early to tell.
James M. Fisher’s recent post ..Auslogics BoostSpeed 5 Pro Tweetaway!
I cannot try it because the system requirements was to high.
Rahul Root’s recent post ..tactical vests
I find it a bit risky to download a very early variant, besides the release of the new software is kind of a cat and a mouse – have a windows 7 on my laptop and happy with it, no need for a “younger” software
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Twitter: WindowsTalk
says:
This release of Windows 8 should only be installed on a non-production PC; that is one you do not need for day to day activities. I installed it on a spare laptop I have; I would never install beta software on my laptop I need to use everyday.
James M. Fisher’s recent post ..Throwback: Computer Maintenance Guide for Windows Vista
will it work on properly 1gb ram aur i have to update my CPU ?
Arjun Rai’s recent post ..Handheld XRF
Twitter: WindowsTalk
says:
Nothing works properly on 1 GB RAM, Arjun.
Well, maybe XP can squeek by on it. Windows 7 should have 3GB for the 32-bit version; 4GB or more for the 64-bit. I am using 8GB on my Lenovo.
James’s recent post ..Laptop, Netbook, or Tablet?
I heard a lot about Windows 8 and they do say that it will be better than Windows 7. I want to try it but I’d rather wait for the full version to avoid the risk of having system failure. I am currently satisfied with my OS but I also want a newer version like Windows 8 Full Version.
I’m now using Windnows 8 Dev Preview along with Windows Vista, dual boot (VHD).
Happy with it and love it ! Hope the final version will be out soon.
The performance are great, very light on my laptop. Interface, simple as it should be. Great too !
Especially the new Metro style, nice and easy to access.
I guess it’s designed and styled for tablet PC, everything feels ‘TOUCH’.
Overall, we can’t really judge until the final version.
P/s :
Oh, forgot to mention. If you are afraid of losing data and don’t want to mess with current OS.
You might try Windows 8 in a virtual machine, like VirtualBox, to reducing the risk.
Happy trying~
Hi just came across your site while searching for a better OS to install. Guess I might wanna try Windows 8 if given a chance to. I have been using Win7 and it’s doing well but some told me that XP would be better than that. I hope to try it soon.
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I am so curious about this new version of Windows. However, I don’t think that I have it in me to risk. But I’d like to see some of the screenshots and reviews.
I want to try but I’m scared because I’m not that good in repairing something or developing. But I want to try because I heard about the benefits of it.
Zhyra Bonete’s recent post ..used riding lawn mowers
I’m using Windows 7 and I’m interested in Windows 8 as well but I’m still skeptical about it, still hesitant to download a new variant and experiment with. Maybe I wait and watch how it takes off for the first few months.
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