Back in 2012, Microsoft launched their latest operating system, Windows 8, with an initial Customer Preview offering. It was a beta test software release to give customers a working glimpse of their improved operating system. The Windows 8 Customer Preview Download is a 5 MB installer that was made available early of 2012. This free software was downloadable from the Microsoft site for worldwide customers and could be downloaded in English, simplified Chinese, Japanese, French, and German.
Because it was a prerelease version of Windows 8, Microsoft informed consumers eager to try the Windows 8 Customer Preview Download that significant medications could be made to the software before its commercial release, which happened in the later part of 2012.
Microsoft 8.1
A year later, in October 2013, Microsoft came out with the first major update to Windows 8. With the release of Windows 8.1, Customer Preview software was also made available prior to the release of the final versions. However, Windows 8.1 Customer Preview currently can no longer be downloaded from Microsoft. Those who are still using the preview version will find its license already expired as of January 2014, so they will need to install then the final Windows 8.1 version to continue using their PCs.
Going back to Microsoft 8
If, for some reason, you’d rather switch your operating system back to Microsoft Windows 8, there are a couple of ways to do it:
– PC Refresh: You can restore your PC back to using Windows 8 by performing a PC refresh. However, this option will remove the applications you have on your PC that did not originally come with it (only apps will be affected, not your personal files), so you will need to re-install them. One thing to be aware of is that the Windows 8 store might not have the applications that you installed while you were using the customer preview version.
– Recovery Media: If your computer was previously using Windows 8 and the 8.1 customer preview software was installed from media, a recovery media was created before the installation. You can use this to go back to running your previous operating system.
Looking for Computer Technicians?
If you’re clueless about how to restore your original OS or would like any help with Windows 8 devices, TalkLocal can get you in touch with the best local computer technicians. Simply give us a call or use our website to let us know what service you need, and we’ll start our search right away. You’ll be getting help in minutes. Try us now.
