Installing Windows 8 Developer Preview

Hi all,

I was quite interested in the key note by Steven Sinofsky ( President, Windows and Windows Live Division @ Microsoft) on Channel 9 MSDN Event, and event was pretty long (2 hours 30 minutes). I watched the event by fast forwarding. I wanted to install Windows 8 developer preview and searched over the Internet some blogs have already gave steps to install it.

However when I used VMware player (version 4.0.2, free) and read the blogs (windows7hacker and eightforums) I faced a few issues. The Eight forum looked promising but they require Window 7 Professional or higher for VMware player. However, my PC is Windows 7 home premium 64bit. So, I looked for other options. Another blog (afterdawn) mentioned that they used VMware Workstation (paid) and installed Windows 8 Developer Preview. I downloaded a trail version that lasts for 30 days. When I installed VMware Workstation, it prompted to remove any VMware versions. I removed VMware player and reboot my PC.

These are the steps are from afterdawn and my screenshots are in full screen:

Step1: Get the trail version of VMware workstation here.  You need to register on the VMware site.

Step2: Download Windows 8 Developer Preview. Please note this preview is pre-beta of Windows 8.
I downloaded Windows 8 Developer Preview with developer tools English, 64-bit (x64) version and it comes with (in the aforementioned link above):

• 64-bit Windows 8 Developer Preview
• Windows SDK for Metro style apps
• Microsoft Visual Studio 11 Express for Windows 8 Developer Preview
• Microsoft Expression Blend 5 Developer Preview
• 28 Metro style apps including the BUILD Conference app

Step3: Creating new virtual machine in VMware workstation and choose Typical type of configuration and click on Next button

 

Chose  "I will install the operating system later" and click on the Next button. 

 In the "Select a Guest Operating System" chose "Microsoft Windows" and version selected Windows 7 x64

We name of the Virtual Name. I named VM to "Windows 8 Developer Preview" and changed the location.

 

VMware wizard prompted to "Specify Disk Capacity". I configured to 60 GB and selected "Store virtual disk as a single file"

Next we have to customize the hardware. I chose my settings below and for connection section I selected the ISO file.  

Now, we are done with set up of VMware workstation. I clicked om "Power on this virtual machine"

Step4: 

The "Windows Developer Preview" kicks in  

 

 

 Window 8 asked for the language to be installed, time, currency and keyboard. I kept it default settings and clicked on the "Next" button. 

 

  We click on "Install now" button to install the Windows 8 developer preview

Check the "I accept the license terms"

We will then choose "Custom" for the type of installation 

 We have only one option:

The Window 8 installation starts (it may take 10-15 minutes):

   The next screen asks for the license terms and check "I accept the license terms for using Windows on this PC"

We provide the PC name: 

"Settings" screen give option to choose either "Use express settings" or "Customize". I chose the first option. 

Next screen ask for "Log on". I type in my Hotmail email address and click the "Next" button. 

Entered my Microsoft account password: 

Entered security verification info

 Windows 8 starts and prepare my PC: 

 and new Windows 8 brand UI came to my screen: 

The new Window 8 UI has "App Store", Twitter, Stocks, weather, RSS feed widgets etc out of the box. 

 I need to Install VMware Tools: 

VMware Tools installation kicks in: 

 

It took time for me as new UI its quite new. My Computer comes with a ribbon. 

  

 Windows 8 comes with Visual Studio 11 express, Expression Blend 5. 

I took the screen shot key note Steven Sinofsky's event. Currently Microsoft has launched Windows 8 developer preview which is pre-beta. Later they will release Beta, RC, RTM and finally GA (General availability)

 

My take on Windows 8: 

• The Windows 8 UI is pretty impressive. 
• It may take time for the customers/users get used with new user interface. 
• Window 8 PC looks like Windows Phone 7 with tiles. Microsoft call it Metro style and its customizable. Thus, it may take time for users with new style. 
• In previous blog post (SharePoint vNext) , Microsoft wants to unify all its products (Office 15, SharePoint 2012/13 etc) to have similar look and feel. 

Cheers,
Aroh Shukla

References:
MSDN Windows 8 
A deep dive into Windows 8 Developer Preview
Install Windows 8 Dev Preview in VMware Workstation