Microsoft Windows 8 Consumer Preview Installation Notes

I believe many people want to install the Windows 8 Consumer Preview to try it out. So what do you need to pay attention to when installing Windows 8? Here are a few things to know about installing Windows 8.

Windows 8 Consumer Preview Download Address

You can install Windows 8 Consumer Preview in three ways:

1. From the installation preview The version of the computer runs the Windows 8 Consumer Preview installer. (The installer will check if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows and provide you with the correct download.)

2. Run the Windows 8 Consumer Preview installer and use the built-in tools Convert the ISO image to an installation media (such as a DVD or USB bootable flash drive) (requires Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows Developer Preview). You can then use this media to install a preview version on other partitions, virtual machines, or computers.

3. If you don't want to use the Windows 8 Consumer Preview installer, you can download the ISO image and use it to create a bootable DVD or USB flash drive for installing the Windows 8 Consumer Preview.

Do I need a product key to install the Windows 8 Consumer Preview?

If you install using the Windows 8 Consumer Preview installer, you do not need to enter the product key and the installer will automatically provide the product key. If you are making installation media, using this media to boot your computer, and then installing the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, you will need to enter the following product key: NF32V-Q9P3W-7DR7Y-JGWRW-JFCK8.

In addition to the installation method, you may be worried that your device and program will be compatible with the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. You can relax your mind. Microsoft said that the Windows 8 Consumer Preview should be compatible with the same devices and programs for Windows 7.

In some cases, you may need to update your device or program, or you may need to uninstall some programs and then reinstall them after installing the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. The Windows 8 Consumer Preview installer will scan your computer to determine compatible devices and programs and provide a report that can be saved or printed. Make sure your device is connected to your computer and is turned on before running the installer. If you need compatibility information for a specific device or program, you can visit the Windows 8 Consumer Preview Compatibility Center.

The Windows 8 Consumer Preview cannot be uninstalled. To return to a previous version of Windows, you will need to reinstall.

Related reading

Win7/Vista/XP users can upgrade Win8 consumer preview version