We have been itching to get our hands on Windows 8 which is still just a working title, by the way ever since the first screenshots surfaced. But when Microsoft officially unveiled it to the public yesterday the itch turned into a proverbial rash.
Now we have three different files here to download. The first is the full blown 64-bit version that comes with the OS as well as developer tools. If you are a developer wanting to get a feel of the Windows 8 SDK then this is the version to download. You will have to perform a clean install with this version.
Click here to download this version (4.8GB)
The second version is 64-bit just like the first version but comes sans the developer tools. You can retain your accounts files and settings if you choose by opting for this version.
Click here to download this version (3.6GB)
The third version is identical to the second one but is 32-bit.
Click here to download this version (2.8GB)
In each case the download is an ISO file that you will have to burn on a disc or a bootable thumb drive. You will need a dual-layer DVD for the developer version, as well as a drive that supports burning and reading them. System requirements for running Windows 8 Developer Preview on your PC are as follows:
- 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
- Multi-touch display for using the touch-based functions
Do remember this is a beta software. There can and will be bugs and certain apps may not work correctly. Issues are part of testing a beta software and as usual, should you choose to download a beta software you instantly lose the right to complain about the bugs and issues that you may face while using it. DO NOT install it on your primary computer, especially if it is your work PC.
