Mobile OSs Windows 8.1 Preview is here

[ceva321]

Windows 8.1 Preview is here

Be one of the first to try it
Windows 8.1—a free update to Windows 8—is coming later this year, and a prerelease version is available now for you to try. Windows 8.1 has new ways for you to personalize your PC and includes a wave of awesome new apps and services.

This preview is mainly for experienced PC users, so if you're not sure whether it’s right for you, read the FAQ.

Get it now

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/preview

Wow i am excited to see what new goodies they have in-stored !!!
I am downloading it right now ...

 

[spinedoc77]

It's supposed to be pretty good on the Metro end. Does it still have the limitation that you lose all your programs/apps when you go to install the final version?

 

[ceva321]

^^^

it took a while to install, BUT it looks great, all my apps and all my programs are intact

the only thing that bothers me is that they insist you create a MS email to access the app store....

and......................there is a "start" button LOL


gotta say this I LOVE THE LIVE TILES!!!


Untitled by Ceva321, on Flickr

 

[rocknblogger]

^^^

it took a while to install, BUT it looks great, all my apps and all my programs are intact

the only thing that bothers me is that they insist you create a MS email to access the app store....

and......................there is a "start" button LOL


gotta say this I LOVE THE LIVE TILES!!!

[url=http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/9148906070_75bc29901d_b.jpg]Image[/url]
Untitled by Ceva321, on Flickr

But you will have to re-install ALL of your apps when you get the final public release.

 

[ceva321]

bummer

 

[ChazUK]

I was going to whack this on my laptop and desktop but i can wait for the final considering the re-install thing.

I have both of my W8 machines running as I want them to so to put them at risk is not worth it for now.

Looks great though!

 

[MRU]

I'd install but I only use my PC (Bootcamp) for gaming and the thought of having to redownload all my Steam games (about 450gb worth) make this a no no.

 

[0dev]

Might set this up in a virtual machine to play around with it.

I am actually pleasantly surprised with Windows 8. I got a Windows 8 computer for free just recently and have taken time to get used to the OS and quite enjoy it now. It still feels like beta software in some areas, and I have installed the Classic Shell Startbar, but I don't mind the concept at all.

As I understand it, 8.1 is basically 8 SP1, so it'll fix all the little bugs and make it more like a final OS. I also think it's awesome that Microsoft is apparently putting Bitlocker on every version of 8.1, not just the Enterprise and Pro versions.

 

[spinedoc77]

But you will have to re-install ALL of your apps when you get the final public release.

Yeah and you have to reinstall all your desktop programs too, that's pretty insane IMO. I won't install it on my home PC until it is officially released, especially since it doesn't really add anything to the desktop mode. But I am definitely going to install this on my tablet, lot's of nice changes.

 

[ceva321]

Reinstall all the programs? That's crazy....

 

[Risco]

Can I try this without having windows 8?

 

[0dev]

Can I try this without having windows 8?

Yes, once the ISOs are put up.

 

[Risco]

Yes, once the ISOs are put up.

Cheers dude!

 

[MuffCabbage]

Im liking it on my laptop. The Metro is really improved and using your desktop background for Metro background really looks nice and feels right. I cant wait till they support Atom Clover Trail computers so I can run it on on my tablet/convertible where the changes will really shine.

 

[0dev]

Cheers dude!

The ISOs are up!

Just download the right one for your system and set it up in VirtualBox or VMWare or some other virtualisation software of your choice

 

[batting1000]

Will you be able to update from the preview to the final release? Installed it yesterday and I can't seem to find the answer anywhere.

 

[MuffCabbage]

Will you be able to update from the preview to the final release? Installed it yesterday and I can't seem to find the answer anywhere.

No, it needs a clean install. There might be a way when it comes around, but what they've said is NO.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Not much has changed UI wise. The biggest noticeable difference is the start button is back, but it's not a traditional start button. It just brings you to the Metro screen. It also took over my Classic Shell start button . I guess I'll have to reinstall it.

The app store is also revamped, but nothing to write about.

 

[batting1000]

No, it needs a clean install. There might be a way when it comes around, but what they've said is NO.

What will the process be like? Will it be similar to how you update from 8 to the 8.1 preview?

 

[spinedoc77]

Im liking it on my laptop. The Metro is really improved and using your desktop background for Metro background really looks nice and feels right. I cant wait till they support Atom Clover Trail computers so I can run it on on my tablet/convertible where the changes will really shine.

Yeah I'm waiting for Atom support too, unfortunately Atom drivers have been very slow and sparse.

 

[MuffCabbage]

What will the process be like? Will it be similar to how you update from 8 to the 8.1 preview?

As of now you will need to somehow restore your previous Windows install and then upgrade or get the ISO when it comes out and clean install that.

So Windows 8.1 ISO, restoring a backup of current Windows install, Windows 8 built in PC Restore/Refresh (needs media or a partition with the files), or installation media of some sort.

 

[0dev]

Been using it today and I'm very impressed. As I predicted, it's essentially what Windows 8 should have been. Really looking forward to the final release.

 

[Mal67]

Took an age and then some to download. Classic shell still there but depending on where the pointer sits the new start icon appears the disappears again and doesn't work.

 

[WhackyNinja]

Windows 8.1 looks like a pretty good update to Windows 8. Hopefully it will be great when its publicly released and out of testing.

 

[spinedoc77]

Took an age and then some to download. Classic shell still there but depending on where the pointer sits the new start icon appears the disappears again and doesn't work.

Dang, so classic shell isn't working right with 8.1 yet? I'm a HUGE lover of classic shell and I'm hoping they redesign it so it covers or eliminates the new "start" button. I have absolutely no idea why MS added a half a$$ start button with no menu, they didn't address what people were complaining about.