Windows 8 Beta Simulator

Windows 8 Beta Simulator lets you check out what Windows 8 feels like without actually having to install it on your computer. This means you can play around with some of its features in a virtual space that works on just about any machine!

What's the Point?

The cool thing about this simulator is that it gives you a taste of the Windows 8 experience without all the heavy lifting. You don't need to mess with installing a whole operating system, and it barely makes a dent in your system resources.

How It Works

When you launch the Windows 8 Beta Simulator, it sets up an environment where you can try out some Windows 8 apps. But keep in mind, it doesn't include every single feature from Windows 8; think of it as more of a fun preview rather than a full replacement for Microsoft's OS.

Installation Made Easy

This program installs super fast and even creates a shortcut on your desktop for easy access later. When you fire it up, you'll see a start screen that mimics how things work in real Windows 8—just swipe it up to get started!

Diving into Metro View

Once you're in, you'll land on the Metro view, which has some built-in apps like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and the Windows Store. Most of these will take you to an internet browser where you can access online goodies.

A Few Limitations

You'll also spot shortcuts for Windows Explorer and a video player. However, don't expect them to work like they do in full Windows—local files are kept separate from this virtual setup. So no playing videos from your hard drive here!

The Bottom Line

In short, while Windows 8 Beta Simulator gives you a glimpse at how pretty Windows 8 looks, its functionality is pretty limited. Plus, the main window can't be resized, which might feel cramped during use.