How to Download and Install Windows 8.1 Free Preview? Upgrade or Dual Boot with Windows 8

Comments

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

1. Woohoo finally it has released. Thanks VG. I hope that you’ll let us know about release of windows 8.1

2. On Step2 of Method1 it says “This update is not applicable to your computer”

3. I am having the same problem. It says

   Windows Update Standalone Installer
   The update is not applicable on your computer

   Why is this not working ?

4. I am also getting the same error on Method 1.
   “The update is not applicable to your computer.”

   I think this is only for Windows 8/RT.
   I am using Windows 8 Pro with Media Center x64

5. anybody know how to enable animated background on start menu that microsoft was talking about?

   as far as the install, it was painless and easy. download the standalone installer, after reboot i was informed that their was an update available. i was taken to the windows store where it was downloaded and installed. note: it seems to completely reinstall windows 8, setting and apps transferred over.

6. XP good, Vista bad; 7 good, 8 bad —
   Maybe it would be best to hold off until Ver. 9? (or at least 8.1 SP 1 – you know it’s coming 😉

   MoonTruth
   —
   “The Church says that the Earth is flat, but I know it is round, for I have seen its shadow on the moon, and I have more faith in the shadow than in the Church.” — Ferdinand Magellan, Portuguese Explorer, 1480-1521

   “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” — The Buddha

   “Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.” — Aldous Huxley

7. Anyone who received this message
   Error : “The update is not applicable to your computer.”
   while you’ve been trying to install the update.
   Try the following solution:

   1. Place and rename the MSU file in an easily accessible place, e.g. C:\8preview\preview.msu
   2. open command prompt in administrator mode.
   3. Type: Expand –F:* c:\8preview\preview.msu C:\8preview\
   4. Type: DISM.exe /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:c:\8preview\Windows8-RT-KB2849636-x64.cab

   It is works for me.

8. Replace the “x64.cab” on the end of step 4 with -x86.cab” for 32-bit versions and “-arm.cab” for RT versions.

   Your text will be corrupted in the Windows 8 store for the 8.1 download page on restart, but the Windows 8.1 preview should download once the servers become less overloaded.

9. i don’t get the messagemi’m using Windows 8 pro x64bits,i just install the update that i downloeded from Windows web site,but i do’t get the message,please help me

10. Hi sir VG. I installed windows 8.1 preview 32 bit in virtualbox. Is there any tweaks to add a custom resolution of 1366 x 768? I want to run a full screen environment using that resolution. Currently, the lowest resolution of my win8.1 preview in vbox is 1024 x 768, highest is 1920 x 1440. Host OS is win7 ultimate, native resolution, 1366 x 768. Tnx in advance…

11. Thanks for the detailed info…Helps alot 🙂

12. Hey VG, i run on Windows 8 32-bit but I have a 64-bit iso file of windows 8.1
    do you know some way by which i can directly upgrade?? (my laptop can’t read DVDs, so i want to run it in any other way..)

13. @Abhay

    I m sorry but u ‘wont be able to directly upgrade’ from 32-bit to 64-bit, u can only move higher in versions of same architecture. So, u will have to ‘do a clean install of ur 64-bit OS’ and if ur system supports it i highly recommend it.

    regarding ur 2nd query this might help :

    https://www.askvg.com/ultimate-collection-of-best-freeware-to-create-bootable-usb-drive-to-install-windows-and-linux/

    I personally use windows 7 USB tool which works perfectly even on W8.1

14. ^^ True.

    @Abhay
    You cant upgrade from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit Windows version. You’ll need to perform a clean installation. Check following link for example:

    windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows/32-bit-and-64-bit-windows#1TC=windows-7

15. thanq!!!
    you guyz are really experts man!

16. oh forgot to mention that i run on dual OS:
    1. Windows 8 Enterprise 32 bit
    2, Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit
    i mounted the windows 8.1 (64-bit) iso setup via win7 but this time it says that ‘it failed to validate the product key’.
    but i run on genuine windows 7…
    it is upgrade-able only from win8?
    or is it something else?
    can you help me this time?

17. @Abhay

    yep the free upgrade is for users of only W8 and above.
    btw which iso u have – W8.1 or W8.1 update 1 ?
    also is ur W8 genuine then there might be a slight possiblity.

    VG can i communicate with him personally, any mail, i miss the chat box option here,
    u considered having one ?

18. ^^ Please discuss here. It’ll help more people in troubleshooting similar problems.

    @Abhay
    I’ll suggest you to perform a clean installation of Windows 8.1. Upgrading from one OS to another OS might cause various problems and performance issues. If you can afford, do a clean installation.

19. @VG
    but it will lead to various post which might look like its only we two who r talking

20. ^^ Thats what we call discussion. Do not worry about it. 🙂

21. @VG

    so what i was thinking was that mayb he can use his already installed W8 license by backing it up on the newly installed W8.1, do u think it will be possible, i mean transferring 32bit license on 64 bit one, in that case i think he will have to do away with his currently installed W8 otherwise that wud b violation, ur thoughts ?

22. hey guys wait wait

    @VG
    i understand what you mean but you see, the iso files i have are too big to accomodate my usb drive (4 gb)
    i guess i’ll have to stick with windows 8 for a while!! 😛 😀