As announced yesterday by Steven Sinofsky in the //BUILD/ Keynote, this morning, Microsoft released the Developer Preview of Windows 8 to dev.windows.com. The pre-release version of the next version of Windows is based on Milestone 3 (M3) and features build number 8102. (8102.winmain_win8m3.110830-1739)

When you’re exited about the next version of Windows, you’d want to download and install this software on a machine. This blogpost shows you how to install the Windows 8 Developer Preview.

Download the Developer Preview

To download the Developer Preview of the Windows 8 client, simply navigate to dev.windows.com. There’s no need to download the file through obscure download websites, since this version is free for anyone to download and play with.

On the website click on the Get Started link, below the invitation text to Download the Windows Developer Preview. This will take you to the download page, where you can choose to download the Developer Preview in three flavors:

1. Windows 8 Developer Preview with developer tools x64 (English)
2. Windows 8 Developer Preview x64 (English)
3. Windows 8 Developer Preview x86 (English)

As IT Pros we’re most interested in the latter two downloads, since we’re probably not going to look at the 1,2GB weighing developer tools, consisting of the Windows SDK for Metro Apps, Visual Studio 11 Express, Expression Blend 5 or the 28 Metro style apps.

It’s recommended to use a browser with a built-in download manager or, if your browser doesn’t have one to use an add-on download manager. Internet Explorer 9 has a built-in download manager.

Create your media

After you’ve completed the download, you end up with an *.iso file. This is the standard file format for CD and DVD media. To convert the ISO file into a bootable DVD, you need to burn the ISO file to a blank DVD-R or DVD-RW.

If the box you’ve downloaded the Developer Preview on, is running Windows XP or Windows Vista, you’ll need a tool to burn.  The easiest way to burn the ISO file in Windows Vista is using Alex Feinman’s ISORecorder v3, which is available in both a x86 and x64 version.

Creating a Bootable USB drive

You can use the ISO file of Windows Server 2008 R2 to create a bootable USB drive too.
For this scenario you need to create a bootable DVD first or mount the ISO file. After you have gained access to the files on the DVD or in the ISO file, simply type the following commands on a system with the image mounted or physical DVD copy in the drive and the USB device plugged in:

diskpart.exe

DISKPART> list disk

Select the USB device from the list and substitute the disk number below
when necessary

DISKPART> select disk 1
DISKPART> clean
DISKPART> create partition primary
DISKPART> select partition 1
DISKPART> active
DISKPART> format fs=fat32
DISKPART> assign
DISKPART> exit

X:
cd boot
bootsect /nt60 Y:

xcopy X:\*.* /s/e/f Y:\

where X:\ is your mounted image or physical DVD and Y:\ is your USB
device

Tip!
As an alternative to typing away in control on a command prompt you can also use the Microsoft Store USB/DVD tool. With its Graphical User Interface (GUI) you'll be installing Windows 8 with your fsvorite USB stick in no-time!

Start the installation

Now all you need to do is plug the USB drive into your target box' USB slot or your DVD disc in your DVD drive and boot the box. (The target system will need to be able to boot from DVD or USB devices to perform an installation).

The first screen you’ll notice, features some Regional Settings. Since this is a pre-release the only available options to change are the Time and currency format and the Keyboard or input method settings. Press Next when done.

Since this is a fresh install, there won’t be much to repair, so click on the Install now button.

Acceptance of the License Agreement seems mandatory for Microsoft products. After you read this agreement you can select the I accept the license terms roughly 45 minutes later (Yeah right!) and press the Next button.

Since only fresh installs are supported with this release, select the Custom (advanced)option to proceed.

Since this is a Windows client installation, you can pretty much let the Windows Setup partition your drive. Clicking Next in this screen will do so.

The Installation Wizard will now install the Windows 8 Developer Preview and restart when done.

Personalize the installation

After installation, Windows 8 will allow you to customize the installation.

In the first screen you can name the PC. Press Next when done.

In the Settings screen you can change settings for Windows Update, Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP), Windows Defender, sensor usage and the Windows Firewall. You can Use express settings if they suit you, otherwise choose Customize.

Windows 8 is the first Windows Operating System that allows you to log on with your Windows Live account information. No more need to create extra usernames for just a single PC; simply enter your Windows Live account information and in the next screen enter the password. Press Next in both screens to walk through the process.

If you don’t have an Internet connection available, you will be prompted to create a local account.

When you’re done, the Windows Personalization wizard will make the necessary changes and afterwards leave you with Windows 8’s awesome new Immersive Start screen:

Enjoy!

Further reading

Welcome to the new Windows Dev Center
Windows 8 Previewed Today at BUILD
Windows 8 Features – First Look
Windows 8 Photo Galleray
Windows 8 – The Developer Preview – Available today 8PM PST
Microsoft reveal Windows 8. Looks fantastic, download today!
Windows 8 presented
Windows 8 101: tips & tricks for new Start experience
A brief analysis of Metro on Windows 8
Microsoft's Windows 8: Here's what we now know (and don't)
Microsoft Build: Live blogging the Day 1 keynote
Windows 8 unveiled
Live from Build, it’s the Day 1 keynote live blog!
Windows 8 Developer Preview is now available