I don’t know how long it’s been out. But soon after Microsoft Build Conference ended, the official download link is already up at Microsoft Dev-Center site. This is your chance to give Windows 8 a test drive around the block and see the new Metro GUI in action.
Even though named ‘Developer Preview’ it’s available to everyone, developers and normal end-users alike.
Play with it to your heart content. Hack it, slash it or even break it besides it’s free and it won’t nag you to buy a full license. You know, the WGA or WAT thingy that keep locking you out of your own PC. 😀
System Requirements
The Windows 8 Developer Preview works great on the same hardware that powers Windows Vista and Windows 7:
- 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
Install it in your current system via Dual Boot or Virtual Machine, notebook, netbook or tablet. Windows 8 can even install in a system with an old Atom processor or in ARM architecture. Some people claims it can run in a system with only 64mb or 128mb of rams but with one downside, losing the advantage of Metro GUI. Microsoft’s been working hard to minimize the system requirements footprint of the OS.
Good news is Windows 8 starts up a lot faster than Windows 7 by utilizing the ‘Hybrid Boot’ that reduces startup times. Refer to chats below and also watch a video that demonstrates how fast Windows 8 starts up.
Be warned, however: As this is an early build of Windows 8 and is far from final, it is not recommended that you install this on a production machine as it might not be stable enough. Also, some features in this build may not make it through to the final version of Windows 8.
A disclaimer on the site says, “These downloads include pre-release software that may change without notice. The software is provided as is, and you bear the risk of using it. It may not be stable, operate correctly or work the way the final version of the software will. It should not be used in a production environment. The features and functionality in the prerelease software may not appear in the final version. Some product features and functionality may require advanced or additional hardware, or installation of other software.”
Take notes:
- This is a developer preview, not a beta, so it’s not finished, not feature-complete and is buggy.
- Only clean installs are supported, no upgrades.
- No ARM version available.
The download link contains an ISO file, that can be downloaded and can be put on use on CD or Pen Drive to access the contents. The preview downloads comes in both 32- and 64-bit variants with and without developer tools. It includes an upgraded developer tools like Visual Studio 11 Express, Expression Blend 5, a software development kit (SDK), and apps.
You can head on to Microsoft’s developer site or download it straight here from the links below:
Windows 8 Developer Preview with developer tools English, 64-bit (x64)
Download (4.8 GB)
All of the following come on a disk image file (.iso). See below for installation instructions.
- 64-bit Windows 8 Developer Preview
- Windows SDK for Metro style apps
- Microsoft Visual Studio 11 Express for Windows 8 Developer Preview
- Microsoft Expression Blend 5 Developer Preview
- 28 Metro style apps including the BUILD Conference app
Windows 8 Developer Preview English, 64-bit (x64)
Download (3.6 GB)
Includes a disk image file (.iso) to install the Windows 8 Developer Preview and Metro style apps on a 64-bit PC.
Note: This download does not include developer tools. You must download the Windows 8 Developer Preview with developer tools 64-bit (x64) to build Metro style apps.
Windows 8 Developer Preview English, 32-bit (x86)
Download (2.8 GB)
Includes a disk image file (.iso) to install the Windows 8 Developer Preview and Metro style apps on a 32-bit PC.
Note: This download does not include developer tools. You must download the Windows 8 Developer Preview with developer tools 64-bit (x64) to build Metro style apps.
Windows 8 Roadmap
After the developer preview, the next stage will be a general beta, which should work out any remaining major bugs. After that, a Release Candidate (RC), followed by a Release To Manufacturers (RTM), and then General Availability (GA) to the public. As for how long it takes to go from developer preview to store shelves, it’s anyone’s guess, it will took roughly about a year or so.
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