How to install Windows 8 Release Preview

If you want to see what Windows 8 looks like - the Windows 8 Release Preview is now available to download.

You can upgrade to Windows 8 Release Preview from Windows 8 Consumer Preview, Windows Developer Preview, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, but you might not be able to keep all of your files, programs, and settings.

System Requirements

The Windows 8 Release 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

The Preview is available in 14 different languages.

How to download Windows 8

There are two methods to download the Release Preview:

Windows 8 Release Preview Setup (Simple)
This is the easiest of methods (and fully automated). Windows 8 Release Preview Setup will check to see if your PC can run Windows 8 and select the right download. This setup process also checks to see which of your apps (programs) are compatible and offers upgrade assistance should you need it.

Install from an ISO image (Advanced)

Windows 8 Release Preview ISO files (.iso) are provided as an alternative to using Windows 8 Release Preview Setup (it is not recommended for computer novices).

An ISO image must be converted into installation media stored on a DVD or a USB flash drive.

The easiest way to convert an ISO file to a DVD in Windows 7 is to use Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool. You can get it here.

Once downloaded, run the tool and browse to your ISO file. Click 'Next' and choose from either 'USB device' or 'DVD' installation options. Insert your USB/DVD and select 'Begin copying'.

A note on installing the Release Preview

Windows 8 Release Preview is prerelease software that may be substantially modified before it's commercially released. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here.

Some product features and functionality may require additional hardware or software. If you decide to go back to your previous operating system, you'll need to reinstall it from the recovery or installation media that came with your PC.


Download Windows 8 Release Preview

Windows 8 Release Preview in pictures
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