Get Windows 8 for Free

Windows 8 offers many improvements over past versions of Windows, among them speed and smoothness of use. The touchscreen features work well on tablets or touch-enabled laptops, but traditionalists can use a desktop environment and not have to worry about the touch screen. There are 4 editions: Windows 8 (designed for the home PC market), Windows 8 Pro (designed for the business market), Windows 8 Enterprise (which can help with IT organization) and Windows RT, which is pre-installed on tablet PCs. These are not cheap if you buy from Microsoft, but there are a few ways to get Windows 8 for free.

Steps

Obtaining a preview version of Windows 8

  1. Try out Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 for free, by using this trial version.
  2. Go to windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/preview
  3. Download an ISO file from that page.
  4. Insert a recordable CD or DVD into your disc burner.
  5. Click “Start” and then click “Computer.”
  6. Find the ISO file and double click it.
  7. Click the Windows Disc Image Burner.
  8. Select “Verify disc after burning.”
  9. Click Burn to burn the disc.

Obtaining a copy of Windows 8 if you are a student

  1. Look at this page, onthehub.com/download/free-software/windows-8/
  2. Complete all the details of your school and location.
  3. Be aware that there may be restrictions, and that there may be a small price.

Upgrading to Windows 8 with a product key

  1. Use this page - windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only if you have previously bought Windows 8.
  2. Understand that you have only paid for the product key to activate Windows, so if you need to reinstall Windows 8, and have the product key, you can use this system.
  3. Ensure you are on the PC you wish to upgrade and have the product key with you.
  4. Back up all your files onto removable storage.
  5. Click the “Install Windows 8” button.
  6. Follow all the instructions, entering the product key when requested.

Downloading Windows 8 Enterprise

  1. Go to MSDN.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/jj554510.aspx
  2. Understand that this option is for developers, who may want to test Windows applications.
  3. Realize that this is only for 90 days, after which your computer will start to shut down every hour until you replace the operating system.

Tips

  • If it's time to upgrade your computer, buy one with Windows 8 already installed.

Related Articles

  • Access Windows 8 Games
  • Download Chrome on Windows 8
  • Get Spybot for Windows 8

Sources and Citations

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