Released in late February, the Windows 8 Consumer Preview is live, ready and waiting for anybody to download it and install to sample the beauty of the Metro UI and gain an appreciation as to how this might work on a tablet and whether it is a usable interface for a mouse-controlled device.
If you’re interested in upgrading to the next version of Windows then this is your opportunity to find out if Windows 8 – the most revolutionary release since Windows 95 – is suitable for you and the way you use your computer. At the very least, the preview offers a more polished version of the earlier Windows 8 Developer Preview and allows potential Windows tablet owners to see just how they will be able to interact with their applications.
Benefits Of The Consumer PreviewSo what is the point of a consumer preview?
There are various reasons for it, not least for standard consumers (as opposed to developers) and small businesses to check whether or not the new version of Windows will be worth purchasing when it is released later this year. Upgrading to a new operating system can be a fraught and drawn-out process for some businesses, especially those that don’t have a standard network and for some, automated and centralized roll-outs of new operating systems are not possible.
Similarly home users might have a specific set of applications and games that they regularly enjoy. Without the opportunity to test whether these will work under the preview version, upgrading could prove to be an expensive mistake. Having the information before upgrading to Windows 8 could save money, time and unnecessary messing about with reinstallations.
Preparing To Install On Windows 7/Existing Operating System
In order to try the Windows 8 Consumer Preview you will need to download the installer from this page. It will require an email address and your location – keep an eye on the check box which if ticked will result in emails from Microsoft.
The next step is to click the Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview button to download the installer. This should then be run on your existing OS in order to install Windows 8.
Note that reverting to your current OS will only be possible by using a recovery disc or partition, or by reinstalling. As such you should treat this process as if you were installing any other operating system, and make the appropriate backup preparations.
When you first run the Windows8-ConsumerPreview-setup.exe file you will be prompted to begin a compatibility check. This is a good way of finding out whether or not the OS will run with your existing hardware and software options.
Often all you will need to do is upgrade drivers or reinstall software after upgrading, but be aware that as in the image above, some items do not have solutions at this stage.
Installing Windows 8 Consumer Preview
If you’re happy with the above check, then you will be ready to proceed with installation. Click Next to begin – you should be connected to the web and the installer will collect a product key specific to the version.
At this point the small installer will begin downloading the preview, and you will be able to continue to use Windows until this is complete. This download can be paused and resumed at any time.
Once complete, you will be given the opportunity to install Windows 8 Consumer Preview onto your computer now, later, or even on a separate partition.
Click Next to continue with the procedure, configuring the regional options as requested. It shouldn’t take too long for the operating system to install – you’ll know when it is ready as a login screen will appear, prompting you for a Windows Live email address (you can also set up a local account).
Note that there is an alternative download that you might like to use if you prefer to install directly to a new hard disk partition:
Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview (32-bit)
Hash: E91ED665B01A46F4344C36D9D88C8BF78E9A1B39
Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview (64-bit)
Hash: 1288519C5035BCAC83CBFA23A33038CCF5522749
These ISO files can be burned to disc and used as required. Note that the Hash is used when installing the consumer preview instead of a standard product key.
You can also use Windows 8 on virtual box..
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