[Windows 8 Tutorial] How to Install Windows 8 on VMWare Workstation 8

Windows 8 was only recently announced by Microsoft, causing a huge furor in the technological world. After the massive success of Windows 7, it was announced that Windows 8 would have a higher emphasis on touch screen options, and that the interface would be the same for all platforms ranging from tablets, smart phones and laptops. The newest addition however, features much slicker graphics and a totally redefined interface, which is now known as the Metro UI. The Metro UI features block type icons, which can be scrolled through with the help of a mouse or touch screen gestures. As soon as Microsoft released the installer for Windows 8, there were many people who immediately tried to download and install it on their virtual machines. In the following guide, you will learn how to install Windows 8 on a VMWare Workstation 8.

First, you need to download the Windows 8 installer from the official website of Microsoft. During this process, you might have to register with the website, and then you must obtain the product key that will be given from an automated email sent via VMWare. After the download is complete, you need to install VMWare Workstation 8 on your computer. The installation is quite simple, and does not require any ingenious strokes. After completion, enter the product key that you received earlier in order to validate the installation. After that is done, launch the VMWare Workstation 8 on your computer.

Create a new Virtual Machine by using the correct link on the welcome screen. After creating, make sure you choose the option which says ‘I will install the operating system later’. This is because the ISO image of Windows 8 might be unrecognizable by VMWare Workstation 8 as yet. Choose your operating system as Windows, and because Windows 8 will not be available, choose Windows 7 as your primary operating system. After completion, the VMWare Workstation 8 will open up a new screen which will be blank. Power on the virtual machine, and then you will see a failed attempt by the VMWare Workstation 8 to turn the system on, because there will be no OS on it.

Now, you must mount the ISO of Windows 8 on a DVD Drive, and install it on your virtual machine. In order to mount the image, you must open the tab for the virtual machine, choose ‘removable devices’ and then click on the settings for CD/DVD. When it opens up, browse to the ‘use ISO image file’ option, and select the Windows 8 file. Wait till the installation is complete. Usually, it does not take longer than 10 minutes to complete the installation, after which your virtual machine will boot up with Windows 8 installed. This method will allow people to get a quick glimpse of the latest offering of Windows from Microsoft. However, this version of Windows is liable to a lot of changes, as it is only a Beta version that has yet to be tested properly.

Ella Green is a freelance writer, releasing articles on PC and Mac – related issues like registry repair tools, registry cleaner software,  performance speed up, methods how to speed up your computer etc.

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