Windows 8 finally has public test versions available for people to try out at home. For those of you who want to test it, we created this tutorial to guide you through all the important installation steps: where to download the latest test version (developer preview), how to burn it to a disc, how to install Windows 8 and how to go through the initial configuration screens.What to Expect from Windows 8
If you are not familiar with the novelties that will be introduced by Windows 8, first check out this video which summarizes all the important features.
Download the Latest Test Version
First, you need to download the latest version from Microsoft. Go to Windows Dev Center and download the version you want to use.
If you want to burn the .iso image on a disc, check our tutorial: The Complete Guide to Burning Disk Images (ISO & IMG) In Windows 7.
If you plan to install Windows 8 in Virtual Box, check out this guide for the settings you must turn on, in order for everything to work correctly: You need to have hardware virtualization enabled if you want to run Windows 8 in Virtual Box.
In case you want to run the setup from a USB stick, check out this tool Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool, to get things done easier.
The Windows 8 Installation Procedure
First, you need to boot your computer using your Windows 8 installation disc. If you are using a virtual machine, boot from the .iso installation image you just downloaded.
Windows 8 takes a while to load the setup files, during which you will see mostly a black screen, similar to the one below.
Once the setup files are copied, the installation starts by asking what language, time, currency and keyboard input settings you want to use. Make the selections you want and click Next.
Click the Install now button to start the installation.
You are asked to read the license agreement. Check the "I accept the license terms" box and click Next.
You are asked to choose between making an upgrade or a custom installation. Since Windows 8 is in development stages, you should not make an upgrade of a previous Windows version. Simply choose Custom (advanced).
Now you are asked to select where you want to install Windows. Select the partition you desire and click Next. If you are installing Windows 8 in a virtual machine, you need to first create the partition. Therefore click on New.
The Windows 8 setup gives you the maximum size you can allocate for the partition. Simply click Apply here.
NOTE: If you want to give less space, then change the value to something that better fits your needs. You should note though that Windows 8 takes around 7.1 to 7.5 GB of space (depending if you include developer tools and other stuff).
You are now informed that Windows 8 will create an additional partition for system files. Click OK.
Now the system reserved partition is created and you only need to click on Next.
The installation finally starts. The setup program will take some time at this step to copy all the required files and install the whole operating system.
Once the installation is done, the Windows 8 setup will automatically reboot your system.
Personalizing the Windows 8 Installation
After the reboot is done, Windows 8 will require some time to get things ready.
Then, you are asked to personalize your computer and Windows 8 installation. Start by giving a name for your computer. If you type some “unauthorized" characters like $, %, &, you will be notified appropriately.
Click Next.
Now you need to choose if you want to use the Express settings Windows 8 comes bundled with, or you want to customize your installation. I recommend you to "Use express settings". However, if you do want to get down to details, let’s see what happens if you click Customize.
First, you are asked about the default behavior of Windows Update and that ofInternet Explorer. Change the things you are interested in and click Next.
Next, you are asked if you want to send different types of information to Microsoft. Since Windows 8 is in development stages, I recommend that you to leave everything turned on, so that Microsoft gets enough information to develop a great product. Click Next.
Then, you are asked about troubleshooting options and what you want to turn on. Also, you can set applications to give you personalized content and allow them to access your location. Set things as you wish and click Next.
Finally, you get to the Log on screen. Type the user name and password you want to use (and a hint, in case you are likely to forget your password). Click Next.
Windows 8 takes a while to prepare your computer and all the settings.
Once everything is done, you enter the default Windows 8 Start screen.
Welcome to your first Windows 8 experience!
Conclusion
As you can see the Windows 8 installation starts in a very similar way to that of Windows 7. However, as you close in on your first login, things change dramatically and the new user interface takes the stage. After you have installed the latest test version of Windows 8, I’m curious to learn your opinion about it. Do you like what you see in Windows 8?
