Windows 8 build 8400

(Redirected from Windows 8 Release Preview)
6.2.8400.0.winmain_win8rc.120518-1423
Build of Windows 8
Screenshot
Release nameRelease Preview
OS familyWindows NT
Version number6.2
Build number8400
Build revision0
Architecturex86, x64, ARM32
Build labwinmain_win8rc
Compiled on2012-05-18
Expiration date
Timebomb2013-01-15 (+242 days)
About dialog
Windows8-6.2.8400-About.png
TCB.png TCBGallery.png

Windows 8 build 8400 is the official Release Preview build of Windows 8, which was officially released to the general public on 31 May 2012.[1][2]

The Simplified Chinese localization of this build was leaked and circulated on Chinese forums two days ahead of its official debut.[3]

An ARM version of this build was showcased on the Channel 9 blog post titled "Developing for Windows on ARM",[4] and was distributed to partners engaging in the Ecosystem Engineering Access Program (EEAP).[5] Its components were additionally released in the form of a set of Repair Content Packages,[6] which are used by DISM /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair an existing Windows installation.[7]

Editions and keys[edit | edit source]

Edition / SKU Name Key
Core 2H7NK-3VJJY-HHY3Y-WM3T8-JFCRY
Professional GCNRF-BHBCM-W9YWM-VWQP6-TJBWR
ProfessionalWMC (edition upgrade only) MBFBV-W3DP2-2MVKN-PJCQD-KKTF7

Changes[edit | edit source]

User interface[edit | edit source]

Only minor differences can be observed across the user interface when compared against the previous build: the bug preventing task previews from displaying within the Windows shell has been fixed, and the Desktop Window Manager client area in Windows Explorer no longer extends to the navigation bar when the Ribbon user interface is not utilized. The space bar can now be used to dismiss the lock screen.

Minor visual changes to existing assets have also been introduced: the wallpaper first introduced in build 8375 has had its color temperature and saturation slightly adjusted, and the Windows Update icon has been updated to utilize its final design.

Bugs and quirks[edit | edit source]

Aero Lite transparency effects[edit | edit source]

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

  1. Right-click the desktop and open up Personalization, then 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. Switch to the other personalization window that was opened at the start, uncheck and re-check the "Enable transparency" option and then click on the "Save changes" button. This will cause transparency effects to take effect.

Hanging on Sandy Bridge[edit | edit source]

This is the final build of Windows 8 where a bug in the Intel Processor Driver will cause the system to hang when installed on Intel Sandy Bridge hardware[8]. An updated Hardware Abstraction Layer was eventually pushed via Windows Update in KB2727113 fixes this issue.[9]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

Out-of-box experience[edit | edit source]

Interface[edit | edit source]

ARM32 version[edit | edit source]

Simplified Chinese variant[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]