Microsoft just released the Consumer Preview of Windows 8. Here is how to install in in VMware Workstation 8 to try it out. First download the ISO from here. Create a new virtual machine with Typical (recommended) installation. On the next screen, you want to choose ‘I will install the operating system later.’ and hit next.
For the Guest Operating System your going to choose Windows 7. I downloaded the 64 bit edition of Windows 8 so I will be using Windows 7 x64.
Then just choose the name and location of your virtual machine and how you want to store the virtual disk files.
Hit Finish on the next screen. Edit the new virtual machines settings, go to CD/DVD and Use ISO image file. Browse for where you saved the ISO file and then click OK.
Just power on your newly created virtual machine and install Windows 8.