Windows 8.1 build 9299

6.2.9299.0.fbl_partner_out06.130117-1707

Build of Windows 8.1
OS family	Windows NT
Version number	6.2
Build number	9299
Build revision	0
Architecture	x64
Build lab	fbl_partner_out06
Compiled on	2013-01-17
Expiration date
Timebomb	2014-01-15 (+363 days)
About dialog

Windows 8.1 build 9299 is a build of Windows 8.1, which was uploaded to BetaArchive on 30 March 2019 as an x64 checked/debug version. Judging by the number at the end of the build lab ("06"), this was likely the 6th build to have been distributed to Microsoft partners enrolled into the Ecosystem Engineering Access Program (EEAP).

Due to its earliness, this build identifies itself as its predecessor in many areas and still bears the 6.2 kernel version.

Editions and keys

Edition / SKU Name	Key
Core	2H7NK-3VJJY-HHY3Y-WM3T8-JFCRY
Professional	MTWNQ-CKDHJ-3HXW9-Q2PFX-WB2HQ
ProfessionalWMC	MBFBV-W3DP2-2MVKN-PJCQD-KKTF7

New features and changes

Hyper-V Generation 2 virtual machines

Preliminary support for Hyper-V Generation 2 virtual machines, which utilize UEFI firmware in place of legacy BIOS, include support for the Secure Boot protocol and virtual Trusted Platform Modules, has been implemented, although the underlying work is largely unstable; possibly because the implementation itself has not been advanced further yet at this point or likely due to the hypervisor hitting an assertion failure (as the operating system was compiled under a debug release type).

In this build, generations are internally referred to as "types", and there is no graphical user interface present for creating such virtual machines. A Generation 2 virtual machine can be created by utilizing the below sample PowerShell commandlet, which sets the virtual machine's memory to 2 gigabytes, creates and uses a 32-gigabyte VHDX disk image, and sets the generation to "Type 2":

New-VM -Name "Type 2 VM" -MemoryStartupBytes 2GB -NewVHDPath "X:\Path\To\VHDX\Image.vhdx" -NewVHDSizeBytes 32GB -Type Type2

Start screen personalization

This build is the earliest known build to include the "Personalization" charm to directly change the colors from the Start screen instead of having to go to the PC settings app. The colors are now freely customizable in various shades and combinations instead of a fixed pre-set of colors. However, changing the background still requires the user to open the PC settings app to change it.

Slideshow

This build contains a new slideshow animation for the lock screen, which simply fades between multiple images (located in the %windir%\Web\Slideshow directory) across a several second delay. It can be enabled by merging the below registry value:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Lock Screen]
"SlideshowEnabled"=dword:00000001

Internet Explorer 11

This build also contains an early version of Internet Explorer 11. At first glance, the app seems to have no differences from Internet Explorer 10. Upon opening up inspect element though, there is a new addition to the "Browser Mode" section, called IE11. This doesn't bring much improvements, however it is slightly different compared to IE10's engine.

Windows Easy Transfer

The Windows Easy Transfer application has been deprecated. As a result, most key features that were previously included as part of the migration process have been removed: new transfers can no longer be started from the host operating system, and transfers can no longer be done through an Easy Transfer Cable or over a local network. Support for incoming transfers from devices running Windows XP and Windows Vista have additionally been dropped.

Miscellaneous

• The copyright year in Windows Setup and winver was updated from 2012 to 2013. This persisted up to Windows 10 build 9785.
• The desktop backgrounds from Windows 8 RTM were re-added.
• Some apps in the Start screen have different background colors.
• Window animations have been changed, featuring a more smoother animation than Windows 8 RTM. This change gets reverted to a simpler animation on later builds.

Bugs

Blank screen on boot

This build often boots up to a blank screen after logging in, instead of loading the start screen directly. Pressing the ⊞ Win Key can load the start screen and allow the user to continue.

Windows Recovery Environment

The Windows Recovery Environment user interface will crash while attempting to load the initial boot options menu page, in turn causing unexpected restarts.

Gallery

Windows Setup

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  Windows Setup

Interface

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  Boot screen

Desktop UI

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  Internet Explorer 10

Metro UI

Start screen

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  Start screen

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  Personalization

Miscellaneous

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  Lock screen

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  Logon screen

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  Shutdown