Windows 8.1 preview installation

Are you curious to learn more about Windows 8.1 Public Preview, give it a test run and see what Microsoft has in store for its users? Before you download it and use it on your computer, we recommend that you read our guide. It shares some important facts you need to know before going ahead with the installation, plus it guides you through all the steps you need to follow.

What to Expect from Windows 8.1

There are many new things in Windows 8.1 Public Preview. This promotional video summarizes some of them in a visual manner.

If you want something more detailed, we have a very good overview, here: What's New in Windows 8.1 Public Preview (codename "Blue")?.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you install Windows 8.1 Public Preview, you cannot simply uninstall it nor can you directly upgrade to the final Windows 8.1 version, when it is released later this year.

If you want to install it on your computer, it is best to have it alongside your current operating system, in a multi-boot configuration. Installing it in a virtual machine is also a good option as you can easily remove it once you are done testing the Windows 8.1 Public Preview. At this moment, the latest version of VirtualBox doesn't work with Windows 8.1 Public Preview. The only virtual machine software that works without issues is VMware Player.

Before you start the installation, you need to have a product key available. Here's the one shared by Microsoft: NTTX3-RV7VB-T7X7F-WQYYY-9Y92F.

It is best to have a working internet connection available, so that Windows 8.1 Public Preview can double check your Microsoft account details and download the latest updates available. A Microsoft account is requested by Windows 8.1 Public Preview. Unlike during the Windows 8 setup process, you are not given the option to create and use a local user account. The only exception to this rule is when you don't have a network connection available or something went wrong with the validation your Microsoft account. Only then are you given the option to create a local user account.

Windows 8.1 Public Preview uses approximately 12 GB of space without any special extras installed. If you want to install other applications, you should make a larger partition for it. My recommendation is to go for a minimum of at least 20 - 25 GB.

Windows 8.1 Public Preview - The Installation Procedure

First, you need to boot your computer using the Windows 8.1 Public Preview installation disc. If you are using a virtual machine, boot from the .iso disc installation image.

Windows 8.1 Public Preview takes a while to load the setup files, during which you will see the Betta fish shown below.

Once the necessary files are copied, the setup starts by asking what language, time, currency and keyboard input settings you want to use. Make the selections you prefer and click Next.

Click the Install now button to start the installation.

You are asked to enter the product key required to activate your Windows 8.1 Public Preview installation. Type NTTX3-RV7VB-T7X7F-WQYYY-9Y92F and click Next.

You are asked to read the license agreement. Check the "I accept the license terms" box and click Next.

You are asked to choose between making an upgrade or a custom installation. Choose"Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)". As mentioned before, it is best that you do not upgrade from Windows 8 or any other version of Windows, to Windows 8.1 Public Preview. It is a test version that is bound to have bugs and issues.

Now you are asked to select where you want to install Windows. Select the partition you want to use for Windows 8.1 and click Next.

NOTE: If you are installing Windows 8.1 Public Preview in a virtual machine or on a new computer, you first need to create the partition where you want to install it. Therefore click onDrive Options. Then, create the partition using the New button. Specify the size of the partition and click Apply. At this step, you may be asked to confirm if you are OK with Windows 8.1 creating an additional partition for its system files, that will be used for boot and recovery. If you are asked, click OK.

The installation starts. The setup will take a few minutes to copy all the required files and install the operating system.

Once the installation is done, the Windows 8.1 setup will automatically reboot your system. Then, you will see the progress of the preparations made for your first login. In order for this process to finish, you might need to go through another reboot, depending on your computer's hardware configuration.

How to Personalize the Windows 8.1 Installation

After the restart, Windows 8.1 Public Preview starts the customization process.

Start by giving a name for your computer. If you type some "unauthorized" characters like $, %, &, you will be notified appropriately. Also, choose the background color you prefer. When done, click Next.

If you are installing Windows 8.1 on a laptop or device with a wireless network card, you are asked to select the wireless network to connect to and type the appropriate password for connecting to it. On a computer or device connected via cable to the network, you won't go through this step.

Next, you need to choose if you want to use the express settings Windows 8.1 comes bundled with, or you want to customize your installation. Let's get our hands dirty and see what happens if you click Customize.

First, you are asked if you want to turn on file sharing or not. Select the option you prefer.

Then, you are asked about the default behavior of Windows Update and that of security features like Windows SmartScreen. Change the things you are interested in and click Next.

Then, you are asked about troubleshooting options and what you want to turn on. You can set whether you want to send different types of information to Microsoft. Set things according to your preference and click Next.

Next, you are asked if you want to send different types of information to Microsoft and whether apps can use your name, account picture and if they are allowed to access your location. Set things according to your preference and click Next.

Finally, you get to connect your PC to your Microsoft account. Type your Microsoft account details and click Next.

If you have not used your Microsoft account to install Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 until now, you may be asked to provide an alternate e-mail and phone number to recover your account password, in case you forget it or it is changed by unwanted guests. Provide the requested details and click Next.

If you have used your Microsoft account before, to install Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, you will be asked to use a security code to verify your account. Select how you would like to receive that code: via a text message on your phone, via a phone call or via email. Then, click Next.

Now you are asked to enter the security code you just received, using the method you selected. Type it and click Next.

Now you are asked to select whether you would like to use SkyDrive in Windows 8.1. For the best computing experience, it is best to select Use SkyDrive.

Windows 8.1 takes a while to prepare your computer, your apps and all the settings. The process may also involve a restart. When done, you are logged into Windows 8.1 and you can view the Start screen.

Welcome to Windows 8.1 Public Preview!

Exceptions to the Above Installation Procedure

The procedure shared above is not always exactly the same on every computer. There are some exceptions to it.

For example, if the Windows 8.1 setup doesn't detect a working internet connection, you won't be asked to login using a Microsoft account. You are given the option to create a local user account. Then, the personalization process ends without entering any security code and without setting up whether to use SkyDrive or not.

Another exception is when you are using your Microsoft account to perform a second or third installation of Windows 8.1. Instead of being asked whether to use SkyDrive or not, you are asked whether you want to set up this PC using the settings synchronized from other installations you have made.

Make your choice and follow the setup wizard.

Conclusion

I noticed that the Windows 8.1 Public Preview installation process is slightly simpler and faster than that of Windows 8. The changes are not major but they do streamline the process. If you noticed other changes and novelties don't hesitate to leave a comment.

I hope you found this guide useful and, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask using the comments form below.