[How To]Make Windows 8 Consumer Preview Portable

12 Replies

This tutorial will guide you to Make Windows 8 Consumer Preview Portable

You will need:

  1. USB Stick or External Hard drive
    Must be greater than 16GB
    Preferably USB 3.0
  2. Lots of Time

I have also created a video where you as how to port Windows 8 consumer preview on external drive. You can view the video or continue reading the article-

THIS IS RECOMMENDED FOR ADVANCED USERS ONLY

  1. Download the Windows 8 Consumer Preview ISO file from http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/iso – Make a note of the product key
  2. Download the Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK) from http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=5753
  3. Download and install Virtual Clone Drive from http://www.slysoft.com/en/download.html – (This step is only required if you can’t already mount ISO files).

When the WAIK has finished downloading, mount it (using the Virtual Clone Drive) and then open the installer which will appear as a CD drive. Once the setup loads click ‘Windows AIK’ from the sidebar and follow through the installer.

Once the installation is complete navigate to (If it was installed to the default location):

 C:\Program Files\Windows AIK\Tools

 If you have a 64 bit computer open the “amd 64” folder. Alternatively, if it is 32 bit open the “x86” folder. Copy the “imagex.exe” file and paste it in the root of the C drive (C:\). If a warning message appears click ‘Continue’.

Next, mount the Windows 8 Consumer Preview ISO. Then open command prompt by typing “cmd” in the start menu. Right hand click on it and select ‘Run as Administrator’.

Plug in the external hard drive or USB stick. WARNING: All existing data is going to be erased from the device.

Next, enter the following commands:

diskpart
list disk

All the disks currently connected to your computer will then be displayed.
Replace * with disk number you are going to be installing the Windows 8 Consumer Preview on.

select disk *
clean
create partition primary
format fs=ntfs quick
active
assign
exit

Replace @ with the virtual CD drive letter (the mounted ISO).
Replace # with the drive letter of the external hard drive or USB stick.

C:\imagex.exe /apply @:\sources\install.wim 1 #:\
bcdboot.exe #:\windows /s #:

To finish the installation you will now need to restart your computer. Make sure that it boots from the USB stick or external hard drive. (If you don’t know how to do this check with your PC manufacturer or look in the bios settings). The computer will then restart several times (make sure it boots from the USB stick each time).

Next, enter the product key and confirm you agree to the terms and conditions. Then fill out the personalization settings to complete the installation.

You now have a portable copy of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. Remember not to remove the USB stick or external hard drive whilst the computer is running the Windows 8 Consumer Preview.

Comment below to let me know how you have got on

  • Pernando Ritonga

    I saw a simple tutorial here. But afraid to try because of your warning.
    Have you tried it? How the results.  

    • http://www.johnwheal.co.uk/ John Wheal

      Yes I have tried it. The video which is now embedded in the
      article shows you the process.

  • The Windows Developer

    Instead of Using a 16 GB USB, use a 4 GB or 8 GB one and Create The Portable Edition with Consumer Preview ADK, it have all the tools to do the same. This is Costly (if you don’t have a Pen drive) and is Time Consuming

    • Stranger

      It meant to be ran from USB drive, not to be installed.

      • The Windows Developer

        It will RUN From USB and not INSTALLED on or From USB, Windows 8 has Native Support to Boot Multiple PC’s Without Actually Installing Drivers for It each. Like in Earlier Versions of Windows, a Windows can run only on PC on which it is Installed (Native), that is not the case with Windows 8. This is what “Windows to Go” Will be when Windows 8 Will be Launched. What I told was Create a PE of Windows 8, as WAIK for Windows 8 is not Launched, therefore ADK is another Option.

      • The Windows Developer

        Another Thing, the PE is 1.6 GB in Minimal Form, about 3.4 GB in recommended form and about 7.6 GB in Complete Form, Here the Total Will be Nearly 16 to 20 GB in Size.

  • Gemariot

    Very detail and accurate presentation.
    Thanks!

  • http://blog.mir.net/ Jay Ferron

    instead of using C:imagex.exe /apply @:sourcesinstall.wim 1 #:

    you can use DISM
    dism /apply-image /imagefile=f:sourcesinstall.wim /index:1
    /applydir:d:
    here f is where my windows 8 dvd is and d: is where I am making a BOOT usb device 

    • The Windows Developer

      Yes, That would be Faster and Efficient.

  • sabrina D

    Nice presentation in video thanks for sharing. 

  • Omegaman7

    My guess is with this tutorial, there’s a massive read/write overhead on flash drives.  Mine was well over an hour into the process, and only 3% complete. I’m now going to attempt Jay Ferron’s suggestion.  Perhaps it’s only a write process, with minimal to no reading simultaneously?

  • Sabino Boccaforno

    Good morning to all
    My Name is Sabino and NicName is Sabino43 I tried the Windows AIK. With the instructions above,  adapted to my case (I partitioned 50 GB for WIN 8 CP, on a 500 GB External USB HDD) 15 minutes after, I installed the Win 8  CP, and everything went OK. The wonderful thing is that the bootloader menu of “Win 8 CP”, he  presented the label of all the systems on the other  HDDs on the computer, including “Win XP Prof” and “UBUNTU”. As with the previous standard installation on HDDs Fixed, these two systems have been ignored. After, I tried to connect, a USB cable, an old notebook Acer TravelMate and it worked beautifully. So thanks to Mr. John Wheal. For the solution “Windows ADK”, proposed by Mr. ”The Windows Developer ” and Mr.”Jay Ferron”. The try at the weekend.
    Greeting to all