The Windows 8 Consumer Preview is now available for download. I am sure those of you who had tried the Windows 8 Developer Preview will surely try the consumer preview version. This version is built on the Windows 7 core and comes with all new interfaces.
Before you download the preview version do note that the commercial version, whenever it is released, may be modified further. This is purely for testing purpose, there could be errors, and you may face problems so try it at your own risk.
What’s New in Windows 8 Consumer Preview?
The W8 comes with an all new fluid touch interface. The OS is fast and apps work much faster than before. This version works on desktop as well as on tablets. If you have a touchscreen display you can use the touch interface.
Internet Explorer 10 Consumer Preview comes built in, a new browser for a new Windows 8 OS. IE 10 is fast, fluid and gives more screen area for your pages, just swipe you finger to reveal the navigation control and the tabs.
Windows 8 makes use of the cloud concept that stores all your personalized settings. You can use any PC / Tablet running Windows 8, sign in and you see your apps and personalized settings right there as if it was your own PC.
Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview
As usual the ISO images are available in 64 bit and 32 bit versions n English, Chinese, German, French and Japanese languages.
You need a system with 1 GHz processor or above, 1 GB RAM (for 64 bit at least 2 GB RAM), 16 GB to 20 GB space for Windows OS. For touch interface you need a touchscreen monitor or a tablet. Minimum resolution required is 1024 x 768 and for snap apps at least 1366 x 768.
The 64 bit ISO is 3.3 GB whereas the 32 bit version is just 2.2 GB. If you have the time, a spare PC and a broadband that can download these over 1 GB files, go ahead and try out the W8 Consumer Preview.
Download ISO
Windows 8 CP regular download