Windows 8 build 8250

Windows 8 build 8250 is the official Consumer Preview build of Windows 8. This build was released by Microsoft on 29 February 2012.

New features and changes

 * As of 2021, it is the earliest known build to drop the Windows XP/Vista/7 flag and replace it with the new, Metro-style one (note: build 8277 has a higher build number but uses the old logo due to being compiled on 8 February 2012, before this build).
 * The Metro interface has been given major updates that makes them resemble the RTM.
 * This build allows changing different background styles and colors and the lock screen background is different.
 * A working Windows Store and Live apps.
 * This build installs multiple other Metro applications as well, as with the other Windows 8 builds officially released from Microsoft.

Timebomb
It is one of the notable Windows 8 builds that has a broken timebomb and can be installed on the current date.

Transparency effects in the Windows Basic theme
When using the Windows Basic (Aero Lite) visual style, transparency effects can be enabled by means of a bug in the Personalization Control Panel. To do so:


 * 1) Right-click the desktop and open up Personalization. Now click on the "Window Color" link given at the bottom of the window. Keep the window open.
 * 2) Open a separate personalization window and apply the Windows Basic theme.
 * 3) Go back to the other personalization window that you opened at the start, uncheck "Enable transparency" option and then re-check it. Click on "Save changes" button. This will cause glass effects.

Compatibility
To install or run this build in VMware Workstation, you must set the hardware compatibility to versions 8.x or 9.x; otherwise, a black screen with an error code will appear.