Windows 8.1 preview ISO's to be released by Microsoft

In a message on the MyDigitalLife forums, Neowin forum member FaiKee has posted what he says are extracts from an official Windows 8.1 Preview Q&A that will go live on Microsoft's website on June 26. The Q&A states the Windows 8.1 Preview will also be available for download as an ISO file in addition to the Windows Store direct update.

Read more at Report: Windows 8.1 Preview ISO files to be released by Microsoft - Neowin



See also: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/27188-windows-8-1-preview-download-install.html

 

[pparks1]

Yeah, I got the Intel HD 4000 driver directly from Acer for Windows 8 and it installed and worked just fine.

 

[vrosa]

Yes, mine says:

Windows 8.1 Pro Preview
Evaluation Copy. Build 9431

I installed from the MSDN ISO file

Wait... I'm getting ready to install this, but was having some trouble. But you are saying if I install the preview over my legit copy of Win 8 I will get a watermark? Forget that. Nothing compelling enough in this update to deal with all these problems.

Thanks for the info, though.

Is a watermark really a problem?

:shock:

 

[vrosa]

On the plus side, if you type "start", it offers you start8 , the famous start menu replacement.

It installs but doesn't actually work !

That is what I have been waiting to hear to see if M$ broke the Shell Programs if that is the case M$ XBone will be a rain squall compared to whats coming.

Classic Shell 3.5.x doesnt work correctly in Wndows 8.1 Preview, but latest version 3.7.1 works !

 

[Drybonz]

Yes, mine says:

Windows 8.1 Pro Preview
Evaluation Copy. Build 9431

I installed from the MSDN ISO file

Wait... I'm getting ready to install this, but was having some trouble. But you are saying if I install the preview over my legit copy of Win 8 I will get a watermark? Forget that. Nothing compelling enough in this update to deal with all these problems.

Thanks for the info, though.

Is a watermark really a problem?

:shock:

Yeah. If it wasn't a problem for people they would put a watermark on the final retail version. But they don't because it is.

 

[labeeman]

It installs but doesn't actually work !

That is what I have been waiting to hear to see if M$ broke the Shell Programs if that is the case M$ XBone will be a rain squall compared to whats coming.

Classic Shell 3.5.x doesnt work correctly in Wndows 8.1 Preview, but latest version 3.7.1 works !

Thank you pleased to know that.

 

[vrosa]

That is what I have been waiting to hear to see if M$ broke the Shell Programs if that is the case M$ XBone will be a rain squall compared to whats coming.

Classic Shell 3.5.x doesnt work correctly in Wndows 8.1 Preview, but latest version 3.7.1 works !

Thank you pleased to know that.

The original button bitmap appears over the Classic Shell one when you pass the mouse over, but it's a minor issue. I wonder if a fully compatible version of Classic Shell will be out soon.

 

[labeeman]

They might wait until the final 8.1 in a few months.

 

[sygnus21]

BTW I noticed earlier in this thread that you were looking for an HD4000 Intel driver. Did you find it? I ask because my laptop has an Intel HD 4000 and should I install 8.1 on it, I'd like to know this isn't an issue.

Yeah, I got the Intel HD 4000 driver directly from Acer for Windows 8 and it installed and worked just fine.

Oh wait... Did your laptop originally come with 8?

I've already got the drivers since my laptop came with 8 pre-installed.

 

[pparks1]

It wasn't a laptop, it's an All in One Acer 23" Desktop.

Yes, it did come by default with Windows 8 64bit on it.

 

[sygnus21]

It wasn't a laptop, it's an All in One Acer 23" Desktop.

Yes, it did come by default with Windows 8 64bit on it.

Wow. I just find it strange you had to find drivers once you upgraded to 8.1. Not used to seeing this coming out of basically a service pack or patch.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Phone Man]

Just curious but do you guys have a watermark (lower right corner) showing from having the preview installed?

Thanks

I updated from the store and had the water mark last night, but today it is gone. I think the water mark goes away after it activates.

Jim

 

[Lee]

For those who fine the Water Mark annoying there are several programs for removing it out there in the wild. The one I use is "My WCP Watermark Editor." If you go to Google you may find more. . .Good Luck. . .

 

[Enigma]

I was planning on adopting the Windows 8.1 Preview and Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview as my main OSes for testing purposes and everyday usage, but I just tried to download them and everything is going very slow. Looks like they might not finish tonight. And my connection isnt slow either. Just a warning to those who are trying to download it today/tonight, the servers are pretty much overloaded from high demand.

 

[sygnus21]

The watermark doesn't bother me, I was just curious.

This is interesting however....

I updated from the store and had the water mark last night, but today it is gone. I think the water mark goes away after it activates.

After what activates? Win 8 is already activated.

 

[bagavan]

Just curious but do you guys have a watermark (lower right corner) showing from having the preview installed?

Thanks

I updated from the store and had the water mark last night, but today it is gone. I think the water mark goes away after it activates.

Jim

I think your copy of windows was already activated. that's the reason it might have vanished.

 

[gary1193]

Well I got to install the preview and it crashed right at the end, restored my old settings. Will wait till things settle down

 

[CB]

Oops..

Rarely have time to visit EF. I found here W 8.1 is already on the heat.
Just receive notification and download link from Technet last week. Downloading it now, hope I can spare some time to install it.
Will see how it goes.

Kevin

 

[bru]

Several 8.1 threads so not sure where this belongs but I am extremely disappointed in MS.

I had the option for the $19.99 upgrade (I think that was the price) because I had purchased a Win 7 laptop shortly before Win 8 was released. Based on reviews and my research I decided I didn't want the OS as I didn't have a touchscreen computer so I didn't really see a lot of benefit. So now barely six months later they release 8.1 which seems to have resolved most of the issues non touch screen users had. But I can't get it without paying full price. MS should have some sort of discount available but of course they want. Yes I know it is my fault but still I am disappointed (and I am a MSFT shareholder too).

 

[Phone Man]

Several 8.1 threads so not sure where this belongs but I am extremely disappointed in MS.

I had the option for the $19.99 upgrade (I think that was the price) because I had purchased a Win 7 laptop shortly before Win 8 was released. Based on reviews and my research I decided I didn't want the OS as I didn't have a touchscreen computer so I didn't really see a lot of benefit. So now barely six months later they release 8.1 which seems to have resolved most of the issues non touch screen users had. But I can't get it without paying full price. MS should have some sort of discount available but of course they want. Yes I know it is my fault but still I am disappointed (and I am a MSFT shareholder too).

After it is released in a few Months maybe they will offer an upgrade from 7 or XP at discount but you never know.

Jim

 

[vrosa]

Several 8.1 threads so not sure where this belongs but I am extremely disappointed in MS.

I had the option for the $19.99 upgrade (I think that was the price) because I had purchased a Win 7 laptop shortly before Win 8 was released. Based on reviews and my research I decided I didn't want the OS as I didn't have a touchscreen computer so I didn't really see a lot of benefit. So now barely six months later they release 8.1 which seems to have resolved most of the issues non touch screen users had. But I can't get it without paying full price. MS should have some sort of discount available but of course they want. Yes I know it is my fault but still I am disappointed (and I am a MSFT shareholder too).

After it is released in a few Months maybe they will offer an upgrade from 7 or XP at discount but you never know.

Jim

From Win7, maybe

From XP,