Download Windows 8 Beta Consumer Preview (Microsoft And Mirror Link)

February 29, 2012

Update: The new Final Build of Windows 8  is now available for download. You can get it from this link.

The Windows 8 Beta aka Windows 8 Consumer Preview has finally been made available by Microsoft for download. Just like the Windows 8 Developer’s Preview, this is a pre-release software, which may be significantly modified before it’s commercial released later this year. It must be noted that Microsoft makes no warranties, as some product features may be changed later on. Furthermore, some functionality provided in the operating system may later need additional hardware or software. Microsoft was clever enough to release this new build at the Mobile World Congress 2012, perhaps to make an impact on the tablet and mobile phone market that will soon be seeing Windows 8 based devices.  You can grab the latest Windows 8 Beta version from the download link given at the end of this post.

Please Note: It is not advised that you replace your existing operating system with this one, as the license of Windows 8 Beta will expire when the next release (Release Candidate or Final version) arrives. Make sure that you have created a system back, so that you may be able to revert the changes, if you decide to go back to your previous operating system. Otherwise, you will have to re-install your operating system.

Installation: Windows 8 Beta is available in the form of an ISO file, therefore, you can refer to the following guides to create a bootable CD/DVD or USB to install the Windows 8 Consumer Preview:

Virtualization: It is advised that you should run this operating system in dual boot or a virtual machine, since this is not a stable version. To create a virtual machine, check out my guide:

System Requirements: Before installing Windows 8 Beta, make sure that your system meets the minimum system requirements.

Product Key: DNJXJ-7XBW8-2378T-X22TX-BKG7J

While no product key was required for this Pre-Beta version of Windows 8, Microsoft has provided a product key for the Consumer Preview. This product key is required during the installation of the operating system, so make sure that you save it somewhere to enter it during the installation process. It will be wise to write it down or save it to say, as a mobile note, since it will do you no good to save it on the hard drive, unless you are installing Windows 8 in a virtual environment. In other words, Don’t forget to save it.

Here is an introductory video about Windows 8 Beta (Consumer Preview).

You can download Windows 8 Beta Consumer Preview from the below link. the first link is the official Microsoft link, followed by the Mirror Link. The available ISO files are available for multiple languages, including English, French, German, Chinese and Japanese.

Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview [Microsoft Official Download Link]

Download Windows 8 Beta [Mirror Link]