How to Correctly Install Windows 8.1 Preview

The official documentation that reached the web recently reveal that Windows 8 users should basically make the switch to Windows 8.1 Preview via the Windows Store, as this is the safest, easiest, and fastest way to do it.

Separate ISOs will also be offered for those who wish to set up a dual-boot configuration and install Windows 8.1 Preview on a different partition. Here’s what Microsoft says about it.

How to Correctly Install Windows 8.1 Preview


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

 

[echrada]

Thank you!

 

[TerryE]

The link takes you to a page that has a couple of large "Download Now" ads - be aware that those links do *not* take you to a download of the Windows 8.1 preview. They're completely unrelated. Read carefully or hover over the link before you click on anything!

 

[Hopachi]

Not bad but...

I'm not gonna put the Preview over the 8.0, afterwards I have to remove it anyway, better waiting for the real deal so going through 1 install instead of two. It's just my 2 cents piece of meat. Those who like installs: just go for it.

On the other hand, it's the best opportunity to test the new stuff on the native hardware and take a personal conclusion out of it.
Just restore from backup and you're back on track in no time if anything goes wrong, right?

What to choose...

 

[Hopachi]

Anyone some clarification please:

Keep in mind that, if you decide to install Windows 8.1 Preview from a dedicated ISO, you’ll need to input a product key, which is the one you got when you purchased Windows 8. Updating from the Store doesn’t require a key.

So that means the same key that our 8.0 has still applies here? Not like the previous previews... It's the first time I see this or 8.1 can also be called a service pack then.

 

[Frank1]

Does anyone know when it will be available?

 

[TerryE]

I think it's supposed to be made available tomorrow (June 26) but I don't know what time.

I'm sure someone will let us all know when they see it.

 

[Frank1]

Not bad but...

I'm not gonna put the Preview over the 8.0, afterwards I have to remove it anyway, better waiting for the real deal so going through 1 install instead of two. It's just my 2 cents piece of meat. Those who like installs: just go for it.

On the other hand, it's the best opportunity to test the new stuff on the native hardware and take a personal conclusion out of it.
Just restore from backup and you're back on track in no time if anything goes wrong, right?

What to choose...

That's a good point which I have thought of. I'd like to getit as soon a possible to see what it looks like. But on the other hand, I don'twant to go through it twice. But, I'll probably get it anyway.

 

[Hopachi]

You're right Frank,

I'll probably get it anyway.

The restore from backup is ready in case needed. I'll better upgrade from 8.0 to 8.1 and not from the preview to the real thing. Less steps is cleaner even if I do need to remove the preview when it expires and restore 8.0 from backup before upgrading.

But since the same key from 8.0 remains valid in 8.1 (or use new key as well) then why not begin fresh from a ISO image instead of upgrading? This will ensure maximum performance and clean disk with no redundant upgrade files.
I definitely like that but first I'll have to see how many programs I use and if it's too much to re-install all from scratch (in that case the upgrade keeps it simple).

Cheers
Hopachi

 

[alphanumeric]

Anyone some clarification please:

Keep in mind that, if you decide to install Windows 8.1 Preview from a dedicated ISO, you’ll need to input a product key, which is the one you got when you purchased Windows 8. Updating from the Store doesn’t require a key.

So that means the same key that our 8.0 has still applies here? Not like the previous previews... It's the first time I see this or 8.1 can also be called a service pack then.

Also, So what happens if you have an embedded key? I don't have a COA sticker as Windows 8 was preinstalled on my ASUS laptop. I guess I could use one of my Windows 8 TechNet keys as I've used one of those to update to Pro and then added Media Center with one of the free keys offered up by Microsoft. Right now my Laptop is activating against the MC key as that was the last one entered. Looks like I'll be doing the Windows Store option tomorrow. At some point though it would be nice to just clean install 8.1 without installing 8 first. A full ISO would be my preferred option. Hm, kind of makes you wonder, is there an 8.1, 8.1 Pro and an 8.1 Pro + MC?

 

[vrosa]

I'm ready for a fresh install ! Will be dual-booting along with Windows 8 until the RTM comes out !

 

[Skulblaka]

Meh, might as well "upgrade". Aka apply a much needed update... I must admit, I'm curious about the changes.

 

[Nemix]

The preview is still considered a beta so maybe an upgrade/update option to your main OS might not be the best idea.

I'm going to installing the preview on a separate SSD come tomorrow for preview/testing purposes to see if I'm going to keep it and upgrade from my current main OS Windows 7.

 

[vrosa]

The preview is still considered a beta so maybe an upgrade/update option to your main OS might not be the best idea.

I'm going to upgrade my main OS only when RTM comes out ! Maybe I install Windows 8 on a VM just to see how the upgrade operation behaves.

 

[vrosa]

It's coming !

Windows 8.1 Preview



~edit~

The Server flavor is out !

Get now: http://care.dlservice.microsoft.com...FRE_SERVER_EN-US-IMP_SSS_X64FRE_EN-US_DV5.ISO

Size: 3.84GB
SHA1: DF8396B8EA3EB74E0D678E098D050CB51D2FCC36

Getting now !

 

[Wenda]

The preview is still considered a beta so maybe an upgrade/update option to your main OS might not be the best idea.

I'm going to installing the preview on a separate SSD come tomorrow for preview/testing purposes to see if I'm going to keep it and upgrade from my current main OS Windows 7.

I'm just going to bung it on over W8.

But, I'll be taking an image of my current setup first.

That way, I can go back if I don't like it.

If I do like it, I'll then have the option of either a backup over 8 or a fresh install when the 'final' is released.


Wenda.

 

[PhyllisColeman]

you have posted a real help in form of the suggestions about how to go right with the installation of the latest arrived OS .. though many are intended to replace its predecessor win 8 coz being fed up with the blunt performance coming out of it

 

[Hopachi]

Anyone some clarification please:

Keep in mind that, if you decide to install Windows 8.1 Preview from a dedicated ISO, you’ll need to input a product key, which is the one you got when you purchased Windows 8. Updating from the Store doesn’t require a key.

So that means the same key that our 8.0 has still applies here? Not like the previous previews... It's the first time I see this or 8.1 can also be called a service pack then.

Also, So what happens if you have an embedded key? I don't have a COA sticker as Windows 8 was preinstalled on my ASUS laptop.

Exactly the situation here. Good question.
I'll give it a try anyway, and in that case we'll see.

 

[salim96]

ok..... what if i wanted to get back to just windows 8.0 ..? help please I'm gonna uninstall it after a use & will wait for a full release

 

[Brink]

ok..... what if i wanted to get back to just windows 8.0 ..? help please I'm gonna uninstall it after a use & will wait for a full release

Windows 8.1 Preview FAQ - Microsoft Windows

Can I uninstall Windows 8.1 Preview?

Uninstalling the preview isn't supported. However, it may be possible to restore your entire system to its factory condition.

If your PC came with Windows 8 you may be able to restore it back to Windows 8 by using PC refresh. Your personal files won't be affected, but apps that did not come with the PC will need to be reinstalled and apps that you installed while using the preview may not be available through the Windows 8 Store.

If you're running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, you can't uninstall the preview. To go back to your previous operating system, you'll need to reinstall it from the recovery or installation media that came with your PC (typically DVD media). If you don't have recovery media you might be able to create it before you update from a recovery partition on your PC using software provided by your PC manufacturer. Check the support section of your PC manufacturer's website for more info. After you install Windows 8.1 Preview you won't be able to use the recovery partition on your PC to go back to your previous version of Windows.

Warning

• If you're currently using Windows RT, you won't be able to uninstall Windows RT 8.1 Preview. You'll be able to upgrade to the final edition of Windows RT 8.1 when it becomes available.

If you're running Windows 8 and you install the preview using the ISO, you won't be able to uninstall it. You'll need to reinstall Windows 8 using recovery or installation media that came with your PC. If you don't have recovery media, you might be able to create a USB recovery drive. For more info, see Create a USB recovery drive.