Download Windows 8 Free Release Preview (RC Build)

After releasing Developer Preview and Consumer Preview builds of Windows 8, Microsoft has finally released “Release Preview” build of Windows 8 to public which can be downloaded and tested absolutely free as usual.

This new “Release Preview” build is actually the “Release Candidate” (RC) build of Windows 8 which means there are very less chances that Microsoft will add any new feature or make major UI changes in final RTM build of Windows 8. You should expect only bug fixes and performance enhancements in RTM build. The only UI change which you might see in RTM build is the removal of Aero glass as mentioned by Microsoft in a recent official post at Windows 8 blog.

Windows_8_New_Logo.png

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Interested people can download Windows 8 Release Preview build using following links:

Release Preview of Windows 8 will expire on January 15th, 2013.

Windows 8 Release Preview is available in Arabic, English, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish languages.

Both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions are available for download.

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If the setup asks for a product key at installation time, please use following product key provided by Microsoft:

TK8TP-9JN6P-7X7WW-RFFTV-B7QPF

Windows 8 Release Preview Setup will check to see if your PC can run Windows 8 and select the right download. Setup also features a compatibility report and upgrade assistance. Built-in tools for creating an ISO or bootable flash drive are available for some previous versions of Windows (excluding Windows XP and earlier).

One more thing, you can upgrade to Windows 8 Release Preview from Windows 8 Consumer Preview, Windows 8 Developer Preview, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, but you might not be able to keep all of your files, programs, and settings. Check out FAQ topic for more details.

Also check out our review of Windows 8 at following link which will help you in getting used to new features in Windows 8:

Let’s tell you again that Microsoft has removed Start button and Start Menu from Windows 8, if you want to get them back, check out following tutorials:

Also check out following article containing a list of some hidden secret stuff present in Windows 8:

And if you are facing problem in shutting down or restart Windows 8 PC, check out following topics:

Many other interesting and useful articles can be read in our exclusive Windows 8 section, so don’t forget to check it.

Once you download and install Windows 8 Release Preview, feel free to share your feedback and experience in your comment…

Published in: Windows 8

About the author: Vishal Gupta (also known as VG) has been awarded with Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award. He holds Masters degree in Computer Applications (MCA). He has written several tech articles for popular newspapers and magazines and has also appeared in tech shows on various TV channels.

Comments

NOTE: Older comments have been removed to reduce database overhead.

  1. ^^ I think you are not subscribed to AskVG on Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus. We are continuously posting updates for Windows 8 Release Preview there since a few hours. 😉

  2. Thanks for the notice, downloading it now.

    I also see that Visual Studio 2012 RC is out too. Downloading that as well.

    Thanks!

  3. can i get a torrent download link for windows 8 release preview please?

    Thank You
    Shon John Xander

  4. removal of Aero glass mean that transparent task bar as m using in windows 7 will not b available in windows 8???

  5. ^^ Taskbar will have a little glass effect.

    @Shon John Xander
    No official torrent available but you can search for a torrent using a search engine. Downloading directly from official Microsoft website is always recommended.

  6. Dear VG, I have download the customer preview of win8 but when I had trying to install the package had refused the key to authenticated and I’ve unable to install. Please help me

  7. ^^ Thats strange. Following is the only official product key provided by Microsoft and it worked for me:

    TK8TP-9JN6P-7X7WW-RFFTV-B7QPF

  8. Dear VG, This is the same key that I was tried, I have use USB method for Installation, is it is correct or go with DVD mode, Kindly expalined and help me

  9. ^^ I also installed Windows 8 by creating bootable USB drive and the key worked for me.

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