If you are a Windows fan or a Windows developer, you were probably busy last night exploring the plethora of information revealed at the BUILD Windows conference. Rumors were spreading in internet last several months about the exciting new features coming up in Windows 8 and several Windows 8 websites were launched with leaked information on Windows 8. However, Microsoft kept its lips tightly closed on what they have in store for the Windows lovers.

The story changed yesterday when Microsoft revealed a lot of details about Windows 8 in the BUILD Windows conference. Also, at the same time, the Windows 8 Developer Preview version is available for download and installation from the Windows 8 website.

What is Windows 8 Developer Preview Version?

Windows 8 Developer Preview is an early version of Windows 8, made available to Windows application developers to get familiar with the new features in Windows 8. This is not the official beta version of Windows 8.

The primary difference between Windows 8 Beta and Windows 8 Developer Preview versions are, the later is primarily meant for developers who can figure out a lot of things themselves without much guidance and recover from technical problems. Developer Preview could far less stable than a typical beta version. Beta versions are meant for the end users, even though there could be errors and problems. The developer preview version of Windows 8 could have a lot of incomplete features and may not be ready to install on a PC without some technical knowledge.

If you are a computer expert or an enthusiast who want to try the new Windows 8 features without waiting for a stable beta version, by all means go ahead and try it out. But be aware that Microsoft will not be responsible for any loss or damage to your data on your computer, if you decide to install Windows 8 developer preview version on your computer.

Where to download Windows 8 developer preview version?

You can download Windows 8 developer preview version from the official Microsoft website for Windows. Microsoft just announced this download publicly, so currently there is huge rush to get this. If you are not in a hurry to download Windows 8, it may be a good idea to wait another day or 2.

I have been trying to download Windows 8 developer preview last few hours and the download failed couple of times. Surprisingly, I was watching the BUILD Windows Keynote video and that also stopped when the Windows 8 download was interrupted. Unfortunately, the download does not support resuming interrupted downloads, so I have to start all over again each time the download fails.

How to install Windows 8 developer preview version

I am still figuring out this myself, but trust me, in another few hours, I will have a lot of updates for you. If you are looking for information on how to install Windows 8 developer preview, come back in few hours.

This is what I am planning to do to install Windows 8 on my Lenovo laptop:

1. Create a virtual machine

2. Mount my Windows 8 developer preview ISO file

3. Install from the ISO file

4. Try my hands on various Windows 8 features

Windows 8 developer preview version does not support uninstall. So, once you get it, you can't get rid of it without really wiping it out.

Side by side installation of Windows 8 with Windows 7

I have not tested if a side by side installation of Windows 8 is possible along with Windows 7. I am sure a stable version of Windows 8 can be installed side by side, but not sure about the developer preview version. Even if it is supported, I wouldn't recommend you installing Windows 8 on your primary work computer. Instead, create a virtual machine on you computer and install Windows 8 on the virtual machine. Installing on a virtual machine will allow you to wipe it out anytime without disturbing your normal computing environment.

How to install Windows 8 on your Windows 7 computer, side by side

What is Windows 8 Developer Preview Version?

Where to download Windows 8 developer preview version?

How to install Windows 8 developer preview version

Side by side installation of Windows 8 with Windows 7

Post Comment: