Windows 8.1 Pre-installed drivers question

I have a custom build and today I installed Windows 8.1 preview on my second HDD. My primary OS is Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.
When I installed the preview it pre-installed all drivers for graphics, audio, etc. Is this the same if you buy new copy of Windows 8? because in Windows 7 you need to install all the drivers yourself.

Hello Damstas, and welcome to Eight Forums.

Yes, it's normal for Windows to have generic and sometimes actual specific drivers included with it for your devices and hardware. Especially graphics/video drivers for preview versions of Windows.

This is also done since sometimes the Windows 8 drivers available for your devices and hardware may not work properly with the Windows 8.1 Preview. If you like, you could install the latest manufacturer drivers for those devices that Windows only installed generic drivers for.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Hi and thanks for the answer Brink. Are these drivers only installed on preview versions or with actual bought copies too? Since it would be very easy to use the Reset option in Windows 8 without needing to reinstall OS and the drivers again, like in Windows 7.

Btw. Is it somehow possible to buy Windows 8 Enterprise for invidual. Would like to use Windows-To-Go

Yep, all Windows includes some basic and generic drivers with them. It's just not possible to include all of them, so sometimes some will be available through Windows Update, but it's best to get the latest drivers from the manufacturer though.

Sorry, but no. Windows 8 Enterprise is a volume license only purchase. It will never be available via retail. If you like, you could download a 90-day evaluation copy of Windows 8 Enterprise to play with.

Download Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation

Hi, I have one more question. Why didn't Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit Retail install any drivers with fresh install? I had to install every driver and Windows 8.1 preview seemed to handle everything for me? Does bought Windows 8 install drivers and Windows 7 don't?

Brink said:

Yep, all Windows includes some basic and generic drivers with them. It's just not possible to include all of them, so sometimes some will be available through Windows Update, but it's best to get the latest drivers from the manufacturer though.

Sorry, but no. Windows 8 Enterprise is a volume license only purchase. It will never be available via retail. If you like, you could download a 90-day evaluation copy of Windows 8 Enterprise to play with.

Download Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation

Click to expand...

Windows 8 just had more included by default for compatibility, but you will most likely still need to install the latest drivers from the manufacturer for some.