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
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thank you!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Pro 3
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics HD
    Screen Resolution
    2160 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    128GB SSD, 128GB MicroSD
    Internet Speed
    8GB
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender
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!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 x64
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? :D

What to choose...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
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.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
Does anyone know when it will be available?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion g7-120us Notebook
    Memory
    8 GIG
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. :D
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 x64
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? :D

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.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion g7-120us Notebook
    Memory
    8 GIG
You're right Frank,

I'll probably get it anyway. :cool:

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
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
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?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
I'm ready for a fresh install ! Will be dual-booting along with Windows 8 until the RTM comes out !

Partition Blue.jpg

:)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10.0.10122
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    My Build - Vorttex Ultimate
    CPU
    Core i7 @ 4500 MHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Plus
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 @ 1822 MHz (OC)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon R9 280X 3GB @ 1180 / 6800 MHz
    Sound Card
    7.1 HDA
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD LG 22" + CRT LG 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1760 x 1320 / 1280 x 960
    Hard Drives
    1 x 240 GB SSD (System)
    3 x 500 GB HDD (Data/Media)
    1 x 2000 GB e-HDD (Backup)
    PSU
    ThermalTake 1000W PSU
    Case
    Corsair Carbide R300
    Cooling
    Corsair H60 (Push-Pull)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps (Down) 5 Mbps (Up)
    Browser
    IE, FF, Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    Some wired stuff
Meh, might as well "upgrade". Aka apply a much needed update... I must admit, I'm curious about the changes.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Professional 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570k
    Motherboard
    ASRock Intel Z77 Extreme4
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Cooling
    Hyper 212
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.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-2670QM
    Memory
    Samsung 8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GT 555M
    Hard Drives
    Intel 525 120GB | HGST Travelstar 1TB
    Mouse
    CM Storm Xornet | Microsoft Sculpt Comfort
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbps | 600 Kbps
    Other Info
    Seagate Backup Plus 1TB
The preview is still considered a beta so maybe an upgrade/update option to your main OS might not be the best idea.

:ditto:

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.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10.0.10122
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    My Build - Vorttex Ultimate
    CPU
    Core i7 @ 4500 MHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Plus
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 @ 1822 MHz (OC)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon R9 280X 3GB @ 1180 / 6800 MHz
    Sound Card
    7.1 HDA
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD LG 22" + CRT LG 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1760 x 1320 / 1280 x 960
    Hard Drives
    1 x 240 GB SSD (System)
    3 x 500 GB HDD (Data/Media)
    1 x 2000 GB e-HDD (Backup)
    PSU
    ThermalTake 1000W PSU
    Case
    Corsair Carbide R300
    Cooling
    Corsair H60 (Push-Pull)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps (Down) 5 Mbps (Up)
    Browser
    IE, FF, Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    Some wired stuff

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10.0.10122
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    My Build - Vorttex Ultimate
    CPU
    Core i7 @ 4500 MHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Plus
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 @ 1822 MHz (OC)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon R9 280X 3GB @ 1180 / 6800 MHz
    Sound Card
    7.1 HDA
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD LG 22" + CRT LG 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1760 x 1320 / 1280 x 960
    Hard Drives
    1 x 240 GB SSD (System)
    3 x 500 GB HDD (Data/Media)
    1 x 2000 GB e-HDD (Backup)
    PSU
    ThermalTake 1000W PSU
    Case
    Corsair Carbide R300
    Cooling
    Corsair H60 (Push-Pull)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps (Down) 5 Mbps (Up)
    Browser
    IE, FF, Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    Some wired stuff
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.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 'Ultimate' RTM 64 bit (Pro/WMC).
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer AS8951G 'Desktop Replacement'.
    CPU
    i7-2670QM@2.2/3.1Ghz.
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB@1366Mhz.
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce GT555M 2GB DDR3
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD w/Dolby 5.1 surround.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built-in. Non-touch.
    Screen Resolution
    18/4" 1920x1080 full-HD.
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 750GBx2 internal. 1x2TB, 2x640GB, 1x500GB external.
    PSU
    Stock.
    Case
    Laptop.
    Cooling
    Stock.
    Keyboard
    Full 101-key
    Mouse
    USB cordless.
    Browser
    IE11, Firefox, Tor.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, MalwareBytes Pro.
    Other Info
    BD-ROM drive.
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
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    4.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    e4166
    CPU
    core 2 duel
    Motherboard
    i3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Dell
    Browser
    compe
    Antivirus
    kpersky
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.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
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 :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 pro with WMC x86 & windows Blue preview x86 with Windows 7 Ultimate SP1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    custom-build PC
    Motherboard
    INTEL DH55PJ MOTHERBOARD
    Browser
    google chrome
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Pure 3.0
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.

gl_ico.png
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.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
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