As we told you earlier that Windows 8 has been released to manufacturing which means the final version of Windows 8 has been developed and ready to release.
Just a few hours back, Microsoft released Windows 8 RTM to TechNet and MSDN subscribers. If you are not a TechNet or MSDN subscribers, you'll need to wait till October 26th, 2012 to get your hands on Windows 8 when it'll be released for public.
But here is a good news for all. Microsoft has released an absolutely free 90-day trial version of Windows 8 RTM to public. Everyone can download and use it for 3 months.
This free version is Windows 8 Enterprise edition. Both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions are available as ISO images.
You can download Windows 8 RTM in following languages: Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, English (UK), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish.
No product key is required to install this Windows 8 RTM edition but you'll need to activate it within 10 days after installing it in your system. If you fail to activate Windows within 10-day grace period, or if your evaluation period expires, the desktop background will turn black, you will see a persistent desktop notification indicating that the system is not genuine, and the PC will shut down every hour losing unsaved work.
System Requirements:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster
- RAM: 1GB (32-bit) or 2GB (64-bit)
- Hard disk space: 20GB
- Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver
Please note that to access Windows Store and run apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1024x768. To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366x768.
You can download your free copy using following links:
If you don't want to install Windows 8 RTM but want to test its new features, you can install it in a virtualization software using simple steps given in following article:
How to Install Windows 8 in Virtual Box or VMware Workstation?
You can also check out our exclusive Windows 8 review to learn more about Windows 8 features:
- [Windows 8 Review] What's New in Windows 8
- Windows 8 Hidden Secret Features and Useful Hotkeys
- Windows 8 RTM Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Posted by: Vishal Gupta | Categories: Windows 8
d6k5d3
any changes in the RTM? or it's just the copy of release preview?
VG
^^ Although Release Preview was almost a complete build but you'll notice many GUI changes in RTM build. New theme, start screen backgrounds, lock screen, wallpapers, etc. Also many bug fixes and performance improvements.
Max
And when I activate Windows its activating the 90 days trial?
VG
^^ Yes.
link6155
I have windows 8 RP with media center. unfortunately this prevents me from upgrading to RTM. Any solution for this?
ankit
what is rearm command in windows.
how It help us to increase the trial time of windows (in trial mode) we use.
Carl Vergara
Thank you VG
jmjsquared
VG, obviously, you are extremely knowledgable and tech-talented. More admirably, in my opinion, you are a nice guy and a *unique* tech blogger.
Of all the feeds, newsletters, emails, etc., that I receive all day, your's is the ONLY one that has shared this good news so soon.
Thanks for all your hard work and for so generously sharing it with us. You're much appreciated.
-- JMJ
VG
^^ Thanks. :)
@ankit
Check following:
http://www.askvg.com/extend-windows-vista-trial-period-from-30-days-to-120-days/
http://www.askvg.com/how-to-use-windows-vista-for-approx-one-year-without-activation/
@link6155
You can upgrade from previous testing build to this trial version. Also I'll not recommend you to do so. One should always do a fresh installation of RTM version.
delta
Hi vishal, thank you for this awesome info.
As you said this edtition of Win 8 doesn't require a product key, but need to be activated. What do you mean by 'need to be activated'? Is it just a mere online activation without entering product key?
Asrin475
Good News form Microsoft , Thnaks VG, Let's Start the trial,,
Birendra
Can I activate the trial version to full after its release to public ?
VG
^^ No. You'll need to uninstall Trial version to install the full version.
@delta
Yes. Its just a small online process.
Joseph
Is it imperative to have a Microsoft account to download this, and if so why?
Cheers!
VG
^^ Microsoft wants to keep a count of downloads thats why Windows Live ID is required to download.
Alan Jeffries
No thanks i will stick to vista and 7 8 no good for normal pc very good for pads and mobiles