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Rescuing 175 sources and tagging 0 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5 |
Added a desktop screenshot as well, so I made both images to be put on a switcher. |
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{{Use American English|date=November 2012}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Distinguish|text=[[Windows 8.1]], the next version}}
{{Infobox OS
| name = Windows 8
| logo = Windows 8 logo and wordmark.svg
| logo_size = 200px
| screenshot = {{Switcher | [[File:Windows 8 Desktop.png|270px]] |Desktop| [[File:Windows 8 Start Screen.png|270px]] |[[Start menu#Windows 8/8.1|Start Screen]]}}
| caption = The default interfaces of Windows 8
| version of = [[Windows NT]]
| developer = Microsoft
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| source_model = {{ubl
| [[Proprietary software|Closed-source]]
| [[Source-available software|Source-available]] (through [[Shared Source Initiative]])<ref>{{cite web|title=Shared Source Initiative|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sharedsource/default.aspx|work=microsoft.com|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=October 28, 2013
}}
| supported_platforms = [[IA-32]], [[x86-64]]
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| succeeded_by = [[Windows 8.1]] (2013)
| support_status = ''All editions (except [[Windows Embedded 8 Standard]] and PCs with the [[Windows 8.1]] update installed):<br />''{{Plainlist|
* Unsupported as of January 12, 2016<ref name=maximumpc-81support>{{cite web|title=Microsoft Support Lifecycle, Windows 8|url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-8|work=Microsoft|access-date=January 21, 2023
}}<br />''[[Windows Embedded 8 Standard]]:''{{Plainlist|
* Mainstream support ended on July 10, 2018.<ref name=embedded-life>{{cite web|title=Product lifecycle Windows 8 Embedded|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/search?alpha=windows%208%20embedded|access-date=August 21, 2020|website=support.microsoft.com}}</ref>
* Extended support ended on July 11, 2023.<ref name=embedded-life />}}
{{Windows 8}}
'''Windows 8''' is<!--Do NOT change to "was". This violates [[MOS:TENSE]], which specifies that all articles on operating systems are written in present tense, even if discontinued.--> a major release of the [[Windows NT]] [[operating system]] developed by [[Microsoft]]. It was [[Software release life cycle#Release to manufacturing (RTM)|released to manufacturing]] on August 1, 2012,
Windows 8 introduced major changes to the operating system's platform and [[graphical user interface|user interface]] with the intention to improve its user experience on [[tablet computer|tablets]], where [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] competed with [[mobile operating system]]s such as [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]].<ref name=asd-win8ad /> In particular, these changes included a touch-optimized [[Windows shell]] and [[Start menu#Third version|start screen]] based on Microsoft's [[Metro (design language)|Metro]] design language, integration with online services, the [[Windows Store]], and a new keyboard shortcut for [[screenshot]]s.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Paul |first1=Ian |title=How to Take Screenshots in Windows 10, 8, and 7 |url=https://www.lifewire.com/take-screenshot-windows-7-8-10-4049964 |website=Lifewire |access-date=7 April 2023 |language=en
Windows 8 received a mostly negative reception. Although the reaction to its performance improvements, security enhancements, and improved support for touchscreen devices was positive, the new user interface was widely criticized as confusing and unintuitive, especially when used with a keyboard and mouse rather than a touchscreen. Despite these shortcomings, 60 million licenses were sold through January 2013, including upgrades and sales to [[OEM]]s for new PCs.<ref>{{cite web|last=Foley|first=Mary Jo|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-60-million-windows-8-licenses-sold-to-date
==Development==
===Early development===
Development started in 2009 while Microsoft was finishing work on [[Windows 7]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Steven Sinofsky, Tami Reller, Julie Larson-Green, Antoine Leblond, and Michael Angiulo: Windows 8 Consumer Preview|work=News Center|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/exec/ssinofsky/2012/02-29Windows8.aspx|access-date=April 27, 2012|date=February 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206154805/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/exec/ssinofsky/2012/02-29Windows8.aspx|archive-date=February 6, 2013}}</ref> At the [[Consumer Electronics Show]] in January 2011, it was announced that the next version of Windows would add support for [[ARM architecture|ARM]] [[System on a chip|System-on-chips]] alongside the existing [[x86|32-bit]] processors produced by vendors, especially [[AMD]] and [[Intel]]. Windows division president [[Steven Sinofsky]] demonstrated an early build of the port on prototype devices, while Microsoft CEO [[Steve Ballmer]] announced the company's goal for Windows to be "everywhere on every kind of device without compromise."<ref name=engadget-armbuild>{{cite web|title=Microsoft confirms ARM support is coming in Windows, will play nice with SoCs too|date=January 5, 2011 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/microsoft-confirms-arm-support-is-coming-in-windows-will-play-n/|publisher=Engadget|access-date=May 21, 2013
The earliest available build of Windows 8 is build 7700, compiled in January 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Windows 7 post RTM build 7700 spotted|url=https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-7-post-rtm-build-7700-leaks/|access-date=March 11, 2021|website=Neowin|language=en|archive-date=February 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228075203/https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-7-post-rtm-build-7700-leaks/|url-status=live}}</ref> The build was almost identical to [[Windows 7]] except for the wallpaper being different—the same one from the Beta and Release Candidate. In addition, there were a few references to Windows 8 in this build's Local Group Policy Editor Utility.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Windows 8 build 7700 |url=https://betawiki.net/wiki/Windows_8_build_7700 |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=BetaWiki |language=en |archive-date=March 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325115535/https://betawiki.net/wiki/Windows_8_build_7700 |url-status=live }}</ref>▼
In late 2010, an optional 3D desktop user interface for high-end systems named "Wind" was rumored.<ref>{{cite web|title="Wind": Windows 8 mit neuer 3D-Oberfläche?|url=https://winfuture.de/news,60086.html|website=winfuture.de|access-date=September 27, 2021|language=de|date=December 9, 2010|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927011056/https://winfuture.de/news,60086.html|url-status=live}}</ref>▼
▲The earliest available build of Windows 8 is build 7700, compiled in January 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Windows 7 post RTM build 7700 spotted|url=https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-7-post-rtm-build-7700-leaks/|access-date=March 11, 2021|website=Neowin|language=en
Two [[Pre-alpha|milestone releases]] of Windows 8 and one of [[Windows Server 2012]] [[Internet leak|leaked]] to the general public. Milestone 1, Build 7850, was leaked on April 12, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-8-build-7850-has-leaked|title=Windows 8 Build 7850 has leaked|date=April 12, 2012|access-date=December 28, 2012|first=Brad|last=Sams|work=[[Neowin]]|archive-date=November 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102235818/http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-8-build-7850-has-leaked|url-status=live}}</ref> It was the first build where the title of a window was written centered instead of aligned to the left. It was also probably the first appearance of the Metro-style font, and its wallpaper had the text ''shhh. let's not leak our hard work''. However, its detailed build number reveals that the build was created on September 22, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.redmondpie.com/windows-8-build-7850-m1-leaked-download/|title=Windows 8 Build 7850 M1 Has Been Leaked|date=April 12, 2011|access-date=December 28, 2012|work=Redmond Pie|first=Taimur|last=Asad|archive-date=December 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225052744/http://www.redmondpie.com/windows-8-build-7850-m1-leaked-download/|url-status=live}}</ref> The leaked copy was Enterprise edition, with other editions leaking later. In 2020, it was discovered that Metro existed in this build, after disabling the ''Redpill'' feature lockout. The start screen was very primitive, being a screen with a white background and gray tiles. The charms bar was also included, but was unusable. The OS still reads as "Windows 7". Milestone 2, Build 7955, was leaked on April 25, 2011. The traditional [[Blue Screen of Death]] (BSoD) was replaced by a new ''black'' screen,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/windows-8-build-7955-sporting-new-black-screen-of-death/12529|title=Windows 8 build 7955 sporting new 'Black' Screen of Death|date=April 27, 2012|access-date=December 28, 2012|first=Adrian|last=Kingsley-Hughes|work=[[ZDNet]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|archive-date=January 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122072440/http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/windows-8-build-7955-sporting-new-black-screen-of-death/12529|url-status=live}}</ref> although it was later reverted to a different blue color. This build introduced a new [[Ribbon (computing)|ribbon]] in [[Windows Explorer]]. The "Windows 7" logo was temporarily replaced with text displaying "Microsoft Confidential". Both builds 7850 and 7955 leaked alongside Windows Server 2012 build 7959. On June 17, 2011, build 7989 64-bit edition was leaked. It introduced a new boot screen featuring the same Betta fish as the default Windows 7 Beta wallpaper, which was later replaced, and the circling dots as featured in the final build (although the final version comes with smaller circling dots throbber). It also had the text ''Welcome'' below them, although this was scrapped.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.winrumors.com/windows-8-milestone-3-build-7989-leaks/|title=Windows 8 Milestone 3 build 7989 leaks|date=April 27, 2012|access-date=December 28, 2012|first=Tom|last=Warren|work=Winrumors|archive-date=November 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101133257/http://www.winrumors.com/windows-8-milestone-3-build-7989-leaks/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The boot screen was not new to this build though – it came from build 7973, a slightly earlier build. Most of these leaks "hid" the main Metro UI features that were to come in the aforementioned Redpill feature lockout in order to prevent relevant leaks. An unlocker tool named ''Redlock'' was necessary to reveal the new Metro UI as well as the redesigned Start Screen, Lock Screen and apps.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Redlock |url=https://betawiki.net/wiki/Redlock |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=BetaWiki |language=en |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209164634/https://betawiki.net/wiki/Redlock |url-status=live }}</ref> Although several other unlocker tools have tried to replicate this patch as closely as possible before Redlock, it is the most accurate, supporting the enabling of builds' Metro UI from 7814 to 8056. It also worked on the Developer Preview.{{Cn|date=April 2023}}▼
▲In late 2010, an optional 3D desktop user interface for high-end systems named "Wind" was rumored.<ref>{{cite web|title="Wind": Windows 8 mit neuer 3D-Oberfläche?|url=https://winfuture.de/news,60086.html|website=winfuture.de|access-date=September 27, 2021|language=de|date=December 9, 2010
▲Two [[Pre-alpha|milestone releases]] of Windows 8 and one of [[Windows Server 2012]] [[Internet leak|leaked]] to the general public. Milestone 1, Build 7850, was leaked on April 12, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-8-build-7850-has-leaked|title=Windows 8 Build 7850 has leaked|date=April 12, 2012|access-date=December 28, 2012|first=Brad|last=Sams|work=[[Neowin]]
On June 1, 2011, Microsoft unveiled Windows 8's new user interface, as well as additional features at both [[Computex Taipei]] and the [[All Things Digital|D9: All Things Digital]] conference in California.<ref>{{cite web|title=Live from Microsoft's Windows 8 preview event at Computex 2011.|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/live-from-microsofts-windows-8-preview-event-at-computex-2011/|work=Engadget|publisher=[[AOL]]|date=June 1, 2011|access-date=February 28, 2012
The "Building Windows 8" blog launched on August 15, 2011, featuring details surrounding Windows 8's features and its development process.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sinofsky|first=Steven|url=https://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/15/welcome-to-building-windows-8.aspx|title=Welcome to Building Windows 8 Blogs|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=August 15, 2011|access-date=September 8, 2011
===Previews===
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Microsoft would unveil more Windows 8 features and improvements on the first day of the first [[Build (developer conference)|build conference]] on September 13, 2011.<ref name="W8PreviewGuide">{{cite web|url=https://download.microsoft.com/download/1/E/4/1E455D53-C382-4A39-BA73-55413F183333/Windows_Developer_Preview-Windows8_guide.pdf|title=Windows 8 Developer Preview Guide|access-date=September 16, 2011|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007012704/https://download.microsoft.com/download/1/E/4/1E455D53-C382-4A39-BA73-55413F183333/Windows_Developer_Preview-Windows8_guide.pdf|archive-date=October 7, 2011}}</ref> The first public beta build of Windows 8—Windows Developer Preview (build 8102)—was released at the event. A [[Samsung Electronics|Samsung]] tablet running the build was also distributed to conference attendees.{{Cn|date=April 2023}}
The build was released for download later that day in 32-bit and 64-bit variants, and a special 64-bit variant which included SDKs and developer tools ([[Visual Studio Express]] and [[Expression Blend]]) for developing Metro-style apps.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.buildwindows.com/|title=Home—BUILD|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=February 29, 2012
On February 17, 2012, Microsoft unveiled a new logo for Windows 8. Designed by [[Pentagram (design firm)|Pentagram]] partner [[Paula Scher]], the Windows logo was changed to resemble a set of four window panes. Additionally, the entire logo is now rendered in a single solid color.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 17, 2012|title=Redesigning the Windows Logo|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2012/02/17/redesigning-the-windows-logo/|access-date=February 18, 2012
On February 29, 2012, Microsoft released Windows 8 Consumer Preview, the beta version of Windows 8, build 8250. Alongside other changes, the build brought over the big change from build 8195: removing the [[Start button]] from the taskbar for the first time in a public build since its debut on [[Windows 95]]; according to Windows manager Chaitanya Sareen, the Start button was removed to reflect their view that on Windows 8, the desktop was an app itself, and not the primary interface of the operating system.<ref name="cnet-warmblanket">{{cite web|title=Microsoft's Chaitanya Sareen gets candid on the evolution of Windows 8|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/chaitanya-sareen-microsofts-principal-program-manager-lead-on-windows-gets-candid-on-windows-8/|work=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=April 5, 2014
Many other builds may exist or were released until Japan's Developers Day conference when Sinofsky announced that Windows 8 Release Preview (build 8400) would be released during the first week of June.<ref>{{cite web|last=Musil|first=Steven|url=https://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57419612-75/windows-8-release-preview-due-in-early-june/|title=Windows 8 'release preview' due in early June|work=[[CNET]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|date=April 23, 2012|access-date=June 11, 2012
===Release===
[[File:Windows 8 launch event at Pier 57 in New York City 20121025.jpg|thumb|right|Windows 8 launch event at [[Pier 57]] in New York City]]
On August 1, 2012, Windows 8 (build 9200<ref>{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|title=Microsoft completes Windows 8 development, announces release to manufacturing|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/8/1/3188541/windows-8-rtm-development-complete|access-date=August 5, 2012|newspaper=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|date=August 1, 2012
Relatively few changes were made from the Release Preview to the final version. These included updated versions of bundled apps, the renaming of Windows Explorer to File Explorer, the replacement of the Aero Glass theme from Windows Vista and 7 with a new flat and solid-color theme as seen in build 8432, and the addition of new background options for the Start screen, lock screen, and desktop.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bott|first=Ed|title=Surprise! What you can expect from Windows 8 RTM|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/surprise-what-you-can-expect-from-windows-8-rtm
Microsoft began an advertising campaign centered around Windows 8 and its [[Microsoft Surface RT|Surface]] tablet in October 2012, starting with its first television advertisement premiering on October 14, 2012.<ref name=asd-win8ad>{{cite web|title=Windows Reimagined|url=https://allthingsd.com/20121014/microsoft-starts-tv-advertising-countdown-to-windows-8-launch/?refcat=news|work=All Things Digital|publisher=Dow Jones & Company|access-date=October 21, 2012
[[File:Windows 8 Pro DVD.jpg|thumb|Windows 8 Pro DVD case, containing a 32-bit and a 64-bit installation disc]]
In May 2013, Microsoft launched a new television campaign for Windows 8 illustrating the capabilities and pricing of Windows 8 tablets in comparison to the [[iPad]], which featured the voice of [[Siri]] remarking on the iPad's limitations in a parody of Apple's "[[Get a Mac]]" advertisements.<ref name=verge-msipadad>{{cite web|title=Microsoft recruits Siri to bad-mouth the iPad in new Windows 8 tablet ad|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/22/4357288/windows-8-ad-attacks-apple-ipad-with-siri|work=The Verge|date=May 22, 2013|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=October 26, 2013
==New and updated features==
{{Main|Features new to Windows 8}}
New features and functionality in Windows 8 include a faster startup through [[UEFI]] integration and the new "Hybrid Boot" mode (which [[Hibernation (computing)|hibernates]] the Windows [[kernel (operating system)|kernel]] on shutdown to speed up the subsequent boot),<ref>{{cite web|last=Woods|first=Ben|url=https://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/desktop-os/2011/09/09/windows-8-hybrid-mode-brings-faster-boot-40093896/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017125045/https://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/desktop-os/2011/09/09/windows-8-hybrid-mode-brings-faster-boot-40093896|archive-date=October 17, 2011|title=Windows 8 'hybrid' mode brings faster boot|work=[[ZDNet]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|date=September 9, 2011|access-date=January 27, 2012}}</ref> a new lock screen with a clock and notifications,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-secrets-welcome-screen-130065|title=Windows 8 Secrets: Welcome Screen|publisher=SuperSite for Windows|first=Paul|last=Thurrott|access-date=April 10, 2011|archive-date=April 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410072207/http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-secrets-welcome-screen-130065|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the ability for enterprise users to create [[live USB]] variants of Windows (also known as [[Windows To Go]]).<ref>{{cite web|last=Mackie|first=Kurt|url=https://mcpmag.com/articles/2011/09/16/microsoft-unveils-windows-to-go-for-the-enterprise.aspx|title=Windows 8 Will Run on Thumb Drive|work=Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine|publisher=1105 Media|date=September 16, 2011|access-date=January 27, 2012
[[Windows Explorer]], which has been renamed to File Explorer, now includes a [[Ribbon (computing)|ribbon]] in place of the command bar. File operation dialog boxes have been updated to provide more detailed statistics, the ability to pause file transfers, and improvements in the ability to manage conflicts when copying files.<ref>{{cite web|last=Paul|first=Iam|title=Microsoft Overhauls Windows Explorer in Windows 8|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/238699/microsoft_overhauls_windows_explorer_in_windows_8.html|work=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=February 10, 2012
[[Task Manager (Windows)|Task Manager]] has been redesigned, including a new processes tab with the option to display fewer or more details of running applications and background processes, a heat map using different colors indicating the level of resource usage, network and disk counters, grouping by process type (e.g. applications, background processes and Windows processes), friendly names for processes and a new option which allows users to search the web to find information about obscure processes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/13/the-windows-8-task-manager.aspx|title=The Windows 8 Task Manager|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=October 13, 2011
===Safety and security===
New security features in Windows 8 include two new authentication methods tailored towards touchscreens ([[Personal identification number|PINs]] and picture passwords),<ref name=ars-w8-pictureunsecure>{{cite web|last=Goodin|first=Dan|title=Experts: Windows 8 features make account passwords easier to steal|url=https://arstechnica.com/security/2012/10/experts-windows-8-features-make-account-passwords-easier-to-steal/|work=[[Ars Technica]]|date=October 18, 2012|publisher=[[Condé Nast]]|access-date=October 20, 2012
Windows 8 supports a feature of the [[Unified Extensible Firmware Interface|UEFI]] specification known as "Secure boot", which uses a [[public-key infrastructure]] to verify the integrity of the operating system and prevent unauthorized programs such as [[bootkit]]s from infecting the device's boot process.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/br259114.aspx|title=Hardware Design and Development for Windows 8|work=[[MSDN]]|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=December 21, 2011|access-date=August 3, 2012
===Online services and functionality===
Windows 8 provides tighter integration with online services from Microsoft and others. A user can now log into Windows with a [[Microsoft account]], which can be used to access services and [[Synchronization|synchronize]] applications and settings between multiple devices. A client app for Microsoft's SkyDrive [[cloud storage]] service allows apps to save files directly to SkyDrive. However, a SkyDrive client for the desktop and [[File Explorer]] is not included in Windows 8, and must be downloaded separately.<ref name=pcmag-win8skydrive>{{cite web|title=Windows 8 and the Cloud: SkyDrive|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2409155,00.asp|work=PC Magazine|publisher=Ziff Davis Media|access-date=September 9, 2012
[[Internet Explorer 10]] is included as two variants – a desktop program and a touch-optimized app. It also includes increased support for [[HTML5]], [[CSS3]], and [[hardware acceleration]]. The app does not support plugins or [[ActiveX]] components, but includes a variant of [[Adobe Flash Player]] that is optimized for touch and low-power usage. Initially, Adobe Flash would only work on sites included on a "Compatibility View" [[whitelist]]; however, after feedback from users and additional compatibility tests, an update in March 2013 changed this behavior to use a smaller [[blacklist]] of sites with known compatibility issues instead, allowing Flash to be used with most sites by default.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogs.msdn.com/b/ie/archive/2013/03/11/flash-in-windows-8.aspx|first=Rob|last=Mauceri|title=Flash in Windows 8|work=IEBlog|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=March 11, 2013|access-date=March 24, 2013
Windows 8 also incorporates improved support for [[mobile broadband]]; the operating system can now detect the insertion of a [[SIM card]] and automatically configure connection settings (including [[Access Point Name|APNs]] and carrier branding), and reduce its Internet usage to conserve bandwidth on [[Bandwidth cap|metered networks]]. An integrated [[airplane mode]] setting enables users to globally disable all wireless connectivity. Carriers can also offer account management systems through Windows Store apps, which can be automatically installed as a part of the connection process and offer usage statistics on their respective tile.<ref name=bw8-broadband>{{cite web|title=Engineering Windows 8 for mobile networks|url=https://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/01/20/engineering-windows-8-for-mobility.aspx|work=Building Windows 8|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=October 21, 2012
===Windows Store apps===
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[[File:Wikipedia App snapped to Windows 8 desktop.png|thumb|250px|Snap feature: [[Windows shell#Desktop|Desktop]], along [[Wikipedia App]] snapped into a sidebar to the right side of the screen. In Windows 8, desktop and everything on it is treated as one Metro-style app.]]
Windows 8 introduces a new style of application, ''[[Microsoft Store|Windows Store]] apps''. According to Microsoft developer Jensen Harris, these apps are optimized for [[touchscreen]] environments and are more specialized than current [[desktop application]]s. Apps can run either in a full-screen mode or be snapped to the side of a screen.<ref name="pcw-building"/> Apps can provide [[Toast (computing)|toast notifications]] on screen or animate their tiles on the Start screen with dynamic content. Apps can use "contracts"; a collection of [[Hooking|hooks]] to provide common functionality that can integrate with other apps, including search and sharing.<ref name="pcw-building"/> Apps can also provide integration with other services; for example, the People app can connect to a variety of different social networks and services (such as Facebook, [[Skype]], and [[People (Microsoft service)|People service]]), while the Photos app can aggregate photos from services such as Facebook and Flickr.<ref name=pl-windows8>{{cite web|title=Windows 8 review|date=August 29, 2012|url=https://www.pocket-lint.com/review/5972/microsoft-windows-8-pro-desktop-tablet-os-review|publisher=Pocket Lint|access-date=September 9, 2012
Windows Store apps run within a new set of [[Application programming interface|APIs]] known as [[Windows Runtime]], which supports [[programming language]]s such as [[C (programming language)|C]], [[C++]], [[Visual Basic .NET]], [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]], along with [[HTML5]] and [[JavaScript]].<ref name="pcw-building"/> If written in some "high-level" languages, apps written for Windows Runtime can be compatible with both Intel and [[ARM architecture|ARM]] variants of Windows,<ref name="bi-windows8"/> otherwise they are not [[Binary code compatibility|binary code compatible]]. Components may be compiled as Windows Runtime Components, permitting their use by all compatible languages.<ref name=msdn-winrt-javascript>{{cite web |title=Using the Windows Runtime in JavaScript |url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh710230(v=vs.94).aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605185039/https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh710230(v=vs.94).aspx |archive-date=June 5, 2013 |work=[[Microsoft Developer Network]] |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |access-date=August 30, 2023}}</ref> To ensure stability and security, apps run within a [[Sandbox (computer security)|sandboxed environment]], and require permissions to use certain other functionalities, such as accessing the Internet or a camera.<ref name=verge-talkswin8>{{cite web|title=Microsoft talks Windows Store features, Metro app sandboxing for Windows 8 developers|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/5/17/3026590/microsoft-windows-8-developers-windows-store-sandboxing|work=[[The Verge]]|date=May 17, 2012|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=September 8, 2012
Retail variants of Windows 8 are only able to install these apps through [[Windows Store]] – a namesake distribution platform that offers both apps, and listings for desktop programs certified for comparability with Windows 8.<ref name=bi-windows8>{{cite web|last=Rosoff|first=Matt|title=Here's Everything You Wanted To Know About Microsoft's Upcoming iPad Killers|url=https://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-02-09/tech/31040510_1_steven-sinofsky-pcs-microsoft-first|publisher=[[Business Insider]]|access-date=February 10, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122030754/https://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-02-09/tech/31040510_1_steven-sinofsky-pcs-microsoft-first|archive-date=January 22, 2013}}</ref><ref name=verge-talkswin8/> A method to [[Sideloading|sideload]] apps from outside Windows Store is available to devices running Windows 8 Enterprise and joined to a [[Windows domain|domain]]; Windows 8 Pro and [[Windows RT]] devices that are not part of a domain can also sideload apps, but only after special product keys are obtained through volume licensing.<ref name=installapps>{{cite web|title=How to Add and Remove Apps|url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh852635.aspx|work=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]]|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=May 31, 2012|access-date=October 4, 2012|quote=To enable sideloading on a Windows 8 Enterprise computer that is not domain-joined or on any Windows® 8 Pro computer, you must use a sideloading product activation key. To enable sideloading on a Windows® RT device, you must use a sideloading product activation key. For more information about sideloading product activation keys, see Microsoft Volume Licensing.
The term "Immersive app" had been used internally by Microsoft developers to refer to the apps prior to the first official presentation of Windows 8, after which they were referred to as "Metro-style apps" in reference to the [[Metro (design language)|Metro design language]]. The term was phased out in August 2012; a Microsoft spokesperson denied rumors that the change was related to a potential trademark issue, and stated that "Metro" was only a codename that would be replaced prior to Windows 8's release.<ref name=zdn-jupiter/><ref name=verge-metrotm>{{cite web|title=Microsoft advises developers to stop using 'Metro' name in apps following possible trademark dispute|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/8/2/3215039/microsoft-metro-name-dispute-developers|work=[[The Verge]]|date=August 2, 2012|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=August 3, 2012
====Web browsers====
Exceptions to the restrictions faced by Windows Store apps are given to [[web browsers]]. The user's default browser can distribute a Metro-style web browser in the same package as the desktop variant, which has access to functionality unavailable to other apps, such as being able to permanently run in the background, use multiple background processes, and use [[Windows API]] code instead of WinRT (allowing for code to be re-used with the desktop variant, while still taking advantage of features available to Windows Store apps, such as charms). Microsoft advertises this exception privilege "New experience enabled" (formerly "Metro-style enabled").
The developers of both [[Google Chrome|Chrome]] and [[Firefox]] committed to developing Metro-style variants of their browsers; while Chrome's "Windows 8 mode" (discontinued on Chrome version 49) uses a full-screen version of the existing desktop interface, Firefox's variant (which was first made available on the "Aurora" release channel in September 2013) uses a touch-optimized interface inspired by the [[Firefox for mobile|Android variant of Firefox]]. In October 2013, Chrome's app was changed to mimic the desktop environment used by [[ChromeOS]].<ref name=winrt-browsers>{{cite web|title=Windows 8 browsers: the only Metro apps to get desktop power|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/windows-8-browsers-the-only-metro-apps-to-get-desktop-power-1073930|work=TechRadar|date=March 27, 2012|publisher=Future Publishing|access-date=November 13, 2012
===Interface and desktop===
Windows 8 introduces significant changes to the operating system's user interface, many of which are aimed at improving its experience on [[tablet computer]]s and other [[touchscreen]] devices. The new user interface is based on Microsoft's [[Metro (design language)|Metro design language]] and uses a [[Start menu#Third version|Start screen]] similar to that of [[Windows Phone 7]] as the primary means of launching applications. The Start screen displays a customizable array of tiles linking to various apps and desktop programs, some of which can display constantly updated information and content through "live tiles".<ref name="pcw-building">{{Cite web|title=Build: More Details On Building Windows 8 Metro Apps|url=https://forwardthinking.pcmag.com/show-reports/287736-build-more-details-on-building-windows-8-metro-apps|work=PC Magazine|access-date=February 10, 2012|first=Michael|last=Miller
A vertical [[toolbar]] known as [[Windows shell#Charms|the charms]]<ref name="the-charms-msd"/> (accessed by swiping from the right edge of a touchscreen, swiping from the right edge of a touchpad, or pointing the cursor at [[Screen hotspot|hotspots]] in the right corners of a screen) provides access to system and app-related functions, such as search, sharing, device management, settings, and a Start button.<ref name="the-charms-msd">{{cite web|title=Charms: Search, share, start, devices, and settings|url=https://www.microsoft.com/Surface/en-US/support/getting-started/using-the-charms?lc=1033|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930201836/https://www.microsoft.com/Surface/en-US/support/getting-started/using-the-charms?lc=1033|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 30, 2013|work=Microsoft Surface documentation|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=May 21, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Otey|first=Michael|title=Top 10: Windows 8 Keyboard and Mouse Survival Guide|url=https://windowsitpro.com/windows-8/top-10-windows-8-keyboard-and-mouse-survival-guide-0|work=Windows IT Pro|publisher=[[Penton (company)|Penton]]|access-date=May 21, 2013|archive-date=September 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902120556/http://windowsitpro.com/windows-8/top-10-windows-8-keyboard-and-mouse-survival-guide-0|url-status=dead}}</ref> The traditional [[desktop environment]] for running desktop applications is accessed via a tile on the Start screen. The Start button on the taskbar from previous versions of Windows has been converted into a [[Screen hotspot|hotspot]] (or "hot corner") in the lower-left corner of the screen, which displays a large [[tooltip]] displaying a thumbnail of the Start screen. Windows 8.1 added the start button back to the taskbar after many complaints, but removed the preview thumbnail.<ref name=w8-nzh-farewell>{{Cite web|title=Windows 8: Farewell Start button?|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10784707|access-date=February 10, 2012|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=February 10, 2012
==Removed features==
{{Main|List of features removed in Windows 8}}
Several notable features were removed in Windows 8; support for playing [[DVD-Video]] was removed from [[Windows Media Player]] due to the cost of licensing the necessary decoders (especially for devices which do not include [[optical disc drive]]s at all) and the prevalence of online streaming services. For the same reasons, [[Windows Media Center]] is not included by default on Windows 8, but Windows Media Center and DVD playback support could be purchased in the "Pro Pack" (which upgrades the system to Windows 8 Pro) or the "Media Center Pack" add-on for Windows 8 Pro. As with prior versions, third-party [[DVD player]] software can still be used to enable DVD playback.<ref name=droppingDVD>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2403983,00.asp|title=Microsoft Dropping DVD Playback Support in Windows 8|first=Chloe|last=Albanesius|work=[[PC Magazine]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=May 4, 2012|access-date=May 20, 2012
[[Backup and Restore]], the [[backup software|backup component]] of Windows, was [[deprecated]]. It still shipped with Windows 8 and continues to work on preset schedules, but it was pushed to the background and can only be accessed through a Control Panel applet called "Windows 7 File Recovery".<ref name="cookbook"/>{{Rp|76|date=November 2012}} [[Shadow Copy]], a component of [[Windows Explorer]] that once saved previous versions of changed files, no longer protects local files and folders. It can only access previous versions of shared files stored on a [[Windows Server]] computer.<ref name="cookbook"/>{{Rp|74|date=November 2012}} The subsystem on which these components worked, however, is still available for other software to use.<ref name="cookbook">{{cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=27416|title=Windows and Windows Server Developer Preview Compatibility Cookbook|publisher=Microsoft|date=March 27, 2012|access-date=October 26, 2012
Support for older XPDM and [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]] display adapter drivers was removed in favor of heightened kernel stability, GPU scheduling performance and security.<ref>{{cite web|title=Windows 2000 Display Driver Model (XDDM) Design Guide|url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/ff570584.aspx|work=Windows Dev Center - Hardware|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=9 December 2013|date=16 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Windows Vista Display Driver Model|url=http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa480220|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20100506103556/http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa480220|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-05-06|work=[[MSDN]]|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=9 December 2013|date=July 2006}}</ref>
==Hardware requirements==
===PCs===
The minimum system requirements for Windows 8 are higher than [[Windows 7#System requirements|those of Windows 7]]. The [[Central processing unit|CPU]] must support the [[Physical Address Extension]] (PAE), [[NX bit]], and [[SSE2]]. Windows Store apps require a screen resolution of 1024×768 or higher to run; a resolution of 1366×768 or higher is required to use the snap functionality.<ref>{{cite web|title=Upgrade to Windows 8|url=https://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=October 25, 2012
{|class=wikitable style=text-align:center;margin:auto
|+Minimum hardware requirements for Windows 8<ref>{{cite web|title=Windows 8 system requirements|url=https://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/system-requirements|work=Windows Help|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=December 15, 2012
|-
!Component
Line 158 ⟶ 156:
|-
![[Central processing unit|Processor]]
|1 [[Gigahertz|GHz]] [[clock rate]]<br>[[IA-32]] or [[x64]] architecture<br>Support for [[Physical Address Extension|PAE]], [[NX bit|NX]] and [[SSE2]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/hh975398.aspx|title=PAE/NX/SSE2 Support Requirement Guide for Windows 8|access-date=June 4, 2012
|[[x64]] architecture<br>[[Second Level Address Translation]] (SLAT) support for [[Hyper-V]]
|-
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|}
Microsoft's [[Connected Standby]] specification, which hardware vendors may optionally comply with, sets new power consumption requirements that are higher than the above minimum specifications.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/jj248729.aspx|title=Introduction to Connected Standby|date=September 28, 2012|publisher=[[Microsoft]]
32-bit [[Stock keeping unit|SKUs]] of Windows 8 only support a maximum of 4 GB of RAM. 64-bit SKUs, however, support more: Windows 8 x64 supports 128 GB while Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise x64 support 512 GB.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa366778%28v=vs.85%29.aspx#physical_memory_limits_windows_8|title=Memory Limits for Windows and Windows Server Releases|work=[[MSDN]]|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|at=Physical Memory Limits: Windows 8
In January 2016, Microsoft announced that, effective July 17, 2018, it would no longer support Windows 8.1 or 7 on devices using Intel's [[Skylake (microarchitecture)|Skylake]] CPU family, and that all future CPU microarchitectures, as well as Skylake systems after this date, would only be supported on [[Windows 10]]. After the deadline, only critical security updates would be released for users on these platforms.<ref name=ars-skylake18months>{{cite web|title=Skylake users given 18 months to upgrade to Windows 10|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/01/skylake-users-given-18-months-to-upgrade-to-windows-10/|website=[[Ars Technica]]|date=January 16, 2016|publisher=[[Condé Nast]]|access-date=January 16, 2016
===Tablets and convertibles===
Microsoft released minimum hardware requirements for tablet and [[laplet]] devices to be "certified" for Windows 8 and defined a convertible form factor as a standalone device that combines the PC, display, and rechargeable power source with a mechanically attached keyboard and pointing device in a single chassis. A convertible can be transformed into a tablet where the attached input devices are hidden or removed, leaving the display as the only input mechanism.<ref>{{cite web|last=Crothers|first=Brooke|url=https://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-57360734-64/microsoft-lays-out-window-8-tablet-hardware-requirements/|title=Microsoft lays out Window 8 tablet hardware requirements |website= Nanotech |publisher=CNET News |date=January 17, 2012|access-date=April 22, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831010601/https://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-57360734-64/microsoft-lays-out-window-8-tablet-hardware-requirements/ |archive-date= Aug 31, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Newman|first=Jared|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/248279/windows_8_tablet_requirements_revealed.html|title=Windows 8 Tablet Requirements Revealed|publisher=PCWorld|date=January 27, 2012|access-date=April 22, 2012
{|class=wikitable style=margin:auto
|+Hardware certification requirements for Windows tablets<ref>{{cite web|url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/hh748200.aspx|title=Windows 8 Hardware Certification Requirements|work=[[MSDN]]|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=April 22, 2012
|-
![[Graphics card]]
Line 227 ⟶ 225:
|}
Updated certification requirements were implemented to coincide with Windows 8.1. As of 2014, all certified devices with integrated displays must contain a 720p webcam and higher quality speakers and microphones, while all certified devices that support Wi-Fi must support Bluetooth as well. As of 2015, all certified devices must contain [[Trusted Platform Module|Trusted Platform Module 2.0]] chips.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Nicole|title=Microsoft sets new hardware certification requirements for Windows 8.1|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/07/12/microsoft-new-hardware-certification-requirements-for-windows8.1/|work=[[Engadget]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=July 12, 2013|date=July 12, 2013|archive-date=July 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130715043927/http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/12/microsoft-new-hardware-certification-requirements-for-windows8.1|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=zdnet-cert1415>{{cite web|title=New Bluetooth, audio, TPM requirements coming for Windows 8 devices|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/new-bluetooth-audio-tpm-requirements-coming-for-windows-8-devices
==Editions==
{{Main|Windows 8 editions}}
Windows 8 is available in three different
Windows 8 was distributed as a retail box product on [[DVD]], and through a [[digital distribution|digital download]] that could be converted into DVD or [[USB flash drive|USB]] install media. From its launch until January 31, 2013, as part of a launch promotion, Microsoft offered ''Windows 8 Pro'' upgrades at a discounted price of US$39.99 online, or $69.99 for a retail box; afterward the ''Windows 8'' price has been $119.99 and the Pro price $199.99.<ref name="windowsblog8upgrade">{{cite web|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/07/02/upgrade-to-windows-8-pro-for-39-99.aspx|title=Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99|work=The Windows Blog|date=July 2, 2012|access-date=July 29, 2012|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|first=Brandon|last=LeBlanc
Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 was distributed at retail only under "Upgrade" licenses, which require an onboard version of Windows to install. The "full version software" SKU, which was more expensive but could be installed on computers without an eligible OS or none at all, was discontinued. In lieu of a full version, a specialized "System Builder" SKU was introduced. The "System Builder" replaced the [[original equipment manufacturer]] (OEM) SKU, which was only allowed for use on PCs meant for resale but added a "Personal Use License" exemption that officially allowed its purchase and personal use by users on [[homebuilt computer]]s.<ref name="zdnet-everything81"/><ref name=smh-misleading>{{cite web|last=Moses|first=Asher|title=Windows 8 upgrade boxes 'mislead' customers|url=https://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/computers/windows-8-upgrade-boxes-mislead-customers-20121128-2acwx.html|work=Sydney Morning Herald|date=November 28, 2012|publisher=[[Fairfax Media]]|access-date=November 29, 2012
Retail distribution of Windows 8 has since been discontinued in favor of [[Windows 8.1]]. Unlike Windows 8, 8.1 is available as "full version software" as both a packaged DVD and online for download, and does not require a previous version of Windows in order to be installed. Pricing for these new copies remains identical with that of Windows 8.<ref name=ms-8.1skus>{{cite web|title=Pricing and Packaging for Windows 8.1|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/09/17/pricing-and-packaging-for-windows-8-1.aspx|work=Blogging Windows|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=September 18, 2013|archive-date=September 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920164641/http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/09/17/pricing-and-packaging-for-windows-8-1.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> With the retail release of Windows 8.1 returning to being full version software, the "Personal Use License" exemption was removed from the OEM SKU, meaning that end users building their own PCs for personal use must use the full retail variant in order to satisfy the Windows 8.1 licensing requirements.<ref name="zdnet-everything81">{{cite web|last1=Bott|first1=Ed|title=Everything you need to know about your Windows 8.1 upgrade options|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-your-windows-8-1-upgrade-options/|website=ZDNet|access-date=January 26, 2015|date=October 4, 2013
==Software compatibility==
The three desktop editions of Windows 8 support 32-bit and 64-bit architectures; retail copies of Windows 8 include install DVDs for both architectures, while the online installer automatically installs the variant corresponding with the architecture of the system's existing Windows installation.<ref name="microsoftrevealsprice"/><ref name=pt-8box>{{cite web|title=Windows 8 Pro Retail Box|url=https://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-8-pro-retail-box|work=Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows|access-date=September 18, 2013|archive-date=September 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913143811/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-8-pro-retail-box|url-status=dead}}</ref> The 32-bit variant runs on CPUs compatible with the [[Intel 80786|3rd generation]] of the [[x86]] architecture (known as [[IA-32]]) or newer, and can run [[32-bit]] and [[16-bit]] [[application software|applications]], although 16-bit support must be enabled first.<ref name="neowin on 16-bit">{{cite web|last=Callaham|first=John|title=Microsoft: Windows 8 32-bit can still run 16-bit apps|url=https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-windows-8-32-bit-can-still-run-16-bit-apps|work=Neowin.net|publisher=Neowin|access-date=December 16, 2012|date=May 16, 2012
The 64-bit variant runs on CPUs compatible with the [[Intel 80786|8th generation]] of x86 (known as [[x86-64]], or x64) or newer, and can run 32-bit and [[64-bit]] programs. 32-bit programs and operating system are restricted to supporting only {{nowrap|4 [[gigabyte]]s}} of memory, while 64-bit systems can theoretically support {{nowrap|2048 gigabytes}} of memory.<ref name=64vs32>{{cite web|title=32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions|url=https://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions|work=Windows Support portal|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=December 16, 2012
Windows RT, the only edition of Windows 8 for systems with [[ARM architecture|ARM]] processors, only supports applications included with the system (such as a special variant of [[Office 2013]]), supplied through Windows Update, or Windows Store apps, to ensure that the system only runs applications that are optimized for the architecture. Windows RT does not support running IA-32 or x64 applications.<ref name="b8-20120209">{{cite web|url=https://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/02/09/building-windows-for-the-arm-processor-architecture.aspx|title=Building Windows for the ARM processor architecture|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=February 9, 2012|access-date=February 14, 2012
Support for IE10 on [[Windows Server 2012]]<ref name="cw-ie11support">{{Cite web|date=December 2015|title=Nearly 370M IE users have just 6 weeks to upgrade|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3010555/web-browsers/nearly-370m-ie-users-have-just-6-weeks-to-upgrade.html|access-date=December 12, 2015|website=Computerworld|publisher=IDG
==Reception==
Line 254 ⟶ 252:
===Pre-release===
<!--Maybe put reviews of the preview builds here too? -->
Following the unveiling of Windows 8, Microsoft faced criticism (particularly from [[free software]] supporters) for mandating that devices receiving its optional certification for Windows 8 have secure boot enabled by default using a key provided by Microsoft. Concerns were raised that secure boot could [[Vendor lock-in|prevent or hinder]] the use of alternate operating systems such as [[Linux]]. In a post discussing secure boot on the ''Building Windows 8'' blog, Microsoft developer Tony Mangefeste indicated that vendors would provide means to customize secure boot, stating that "At the end of the day, the customer is in control of their PC. Microsoft's philosophy is to provide customers with the best experience first, and allow them to make decisions themselves."<ref name="building-secureboot">{{cite web|url=https://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/09/22/protecting-the-pre-os-environment-with-uefi.aspx|title=Protecting the pre-OS environment with UEFI|first=Tony|last=Mangefeste|date=September 22, 2011|publisher=Building Windows 8|access-date=October 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802042640/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/09/22/protecting-the-pre-os-environment-with-uefi.aspx|archive-date=August 2, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/248342/windows_8_secure_boot_the_controversy_continues.html|title=Windows 8 Secure Boot: The Controversy Continues|work=PCWorld|publisher=IDG|first=Katherine|last=Noyes|date=January 18, 2012|access-date=August 3, 2012
Several notable video game developers criticized Microsoft for making its Windows Store a [[closed platform]], subject to its own regulations, as it conflicted with their view of the [[personal computer|PC]] as an [[open platform]]. [[Markus Persson|Markus "Notch" Persson]] (creator of the [[indie game]] ''[[Minecraft]]''),<ref name=bbc-win8minecraft>{{cite news|title=Minecraft creator attacks Microsoft's Windows 8 plan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19760977|publisher=BBC|work=BBC News|date=September 28, 2012|access-date=October 16, 2012
===Critical reception===
Reviews of the various editions of Windows 8 were mixed to negative. Tom Warren of ''[[The Verge]]'' said that although Windows 8's emphasis on touch computing was significant and risked alienating desktop users, he felt that Windows 8 tablets "[make] an [[iPad]] feel immediately out of date" due to the capabilities of the operating system's hybrid model and increased focus on cloud services.<ref name=verge-w8/> David Pierce of ''The Verge'' described Windows 8 as "the first desktop operating system that understands what a computer is supposed to do in 2012" and praised Microsoft's "no compromise" approach and the operating system's emphasis on Internet connectivity and cloud services. Pierce also considered the Start Screen to be a "brilliant innovation for desktop computers" when compared with "folder-littered desktops on every other OS" because it allows users to interact with dynamic information.<ref name="DavidPierce">{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/8/16/3246185/this-is-my-next-windows-8|title=This is my next: Windows 8|last=Pierce|first=David|date=August 16, 2012|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|work=The Verge|access-date=March 14, 2015
The user interface of Windows 8 has been the subject of negative reaction. Bright wrote that its system of hot corners and edge swiping "wasn't very obvious" due to the lack of instructions provided by the operating system on the functions accessed through the user interface, even by the video tutorial added on the [[Software release life cycle#RTM|RTM]] release (which only instructed users to point at corners of the screen or swipe from its sides). Despite this "[[stumbling block]]", Bright said that Windows 8's interface worked well in some places, but began to feel incoherent when switching between the "Metro" and desktop environments, sometimes through inconsistent means.<ref name=ars-w8review>{{cite web|last=Bright|first=Peter|title=Windows, reimagined: A review of Windows 8|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2012/10/windows-reimagined-a-review-of-windows-8/|work=[[Ars Technica]]|date=October 25, 2012|publisher=[[Condé Nast]]|access-date=October 26, 2012
In 2013, [[Frank X. Shaw]], a Microsoft corporate vice president, said that while many of the negative reviews were extreme, it was a "good thing" that Microsoft was "listening to feedback and improving a product".<ref>{{cite web|last=Crothers|first=Brooke|url=https://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57584029-75/microsoft-responds-to-extreme-windows-8-criticism/|title=Microsoft responds to 'extreme' Windows 8 criticism|work=[[CNET News]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|date=May 11, 2013|access-date=May 15, 2013
The [[American Customer Satisfaction Index]] (ACSI) reported a decline in Microsoft's customer satisfaction, the lowest it has been since [[Windows Vista]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theacsi.org/|title=The American Customer Satisfaction Index|website=The American Customer Satisfaction Index
===Market share and sales===
Microsoft says that about 4 million users upgraded to Windows 8 over the weekend after its release,<ref>{{cite web|last=Vormack|first=Lindsay|title=Microsoft confirms 4 million Windows 8 upgrades over opening weekend|url=https://www.itpro.co.uk/643867/microsoft-confirms-4-million-windows-8-upgrades-over-opening-weekend|work=IT PRO|publisher=Dennis Publishing|date=October 31, 2012|access-date=October 31, 2012
On November 27, 2012, Microsoft announced that it had sold 40 million licenses of Windows 8 in the first month, surpassing the pace of Windows 7.<ref name="40m-sold">{{cite web|title=Windows 8—40 Million Licenses Sold|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/11/27/windows-8-40-million-licenses-sold.aspx|work=Blogging Windows|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|first=Brandon|last=LeBlanc|date=November 27, 2012|access-date=November 27, 2012
However, according to research firm NPD, sales of devices running Windows in the United States had declined 21 percent compared to the same time period in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last=Albanesius|first=Chloe|title=Windows 8 Sees 'Slow Start,' Analysts Say|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2412635,00.asp|work=[[PC Magazine]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=November 29, 2012|access-date=December 4, 2012
Windows 8 surpassed [[Windows Vista]] in market share, with a 5.1% usage rate, according to numbers posted in July 2013 by [[Net Applications]], with usage on a steady upward trajectory.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harvey|first=Cynthia|url=https://www.datamation.com/news/net-applications-windows-8-captures-5.1-market-share.html|title=Net Applications: Windows 8 Captures 5.1% Market Share|work=Datamation|publisher=[[Quinstreet]]|date=July 1, 2013|access-date=July 8, 2013}}</ref> However, intake of Windows 8 still lagged behind that of [[Windows Vista]] and [[Windows 7]] at the same point in their release cycles. Windows 8's tablet market share also grew steadily, with 7.4% of tablets running Windows in Q1 2013, according to Strategy Analytics, up from nothing just a year before. However, this was still well below [[Android OS|Android]] and [[Apple iOS|iOS]], which posted 43.4% and 48.2% market share respectively, although both operating systems had been on the market much longer than Windows 8.<ref name="Strategy Analytics">{{cite web|first=Natasha|last=Lomas|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/04/25/strategy-analytics-q1-tablet-stats/|title=Windows 8 Wins 7.4% Share of Global Tablet OS Market in Q1 – "Niche" Portion Still Beats Windows Phone's Smartphone Share|work=[[TechCrunch]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|date=April 25, 2013|access-date=May 20, 2013
In March 2013, Microsoft also amended its certification requirements to allow tablets to use the 1024×768 resolution as a minimum; this change is expected to allow the production of certified Windows 8 tablets in smaller form factors—a market which is currently dominated by Android-based tablets.<ref name=zdnet-smallertab/> Despite the reaction of industry experts, Microsoft reported that they had sold 100 million licenses in the first six months. This matched sales of Windows 7 over a similar period.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-microsoft-windows8-sales-idUSBRE94603220130507 Windows 8 hits 100 million sales, tweaks for mini-tablets in works] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719205803/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-microsoft-windows8-sales-idUSBRE94603220130507|date=July 19, 2021}}, Reuters, May 7, 2013</ref> This statistic includes shipments to channel warehouses which now need to be sold in order to make way for new shipments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.channelregister.co.uk/2013/06/25/garnter_burns_2013_pc_forecast/|title=Windows 8 hype has hurt PC makers and distributors – Gartner|work=[[The Register|Channel Register]]|date=June 25, 2013|access-date=June 29, 2013
In January 2014, [[Hewlett-Packard]] began a promotion for desktops running Windows 7, saying that it was "back by popular demand". Outside sources have suggested that this might be because HP or its customers thought the Windows 8 platform would be more appropriate for mobile computing than desktop computing, or that they were looking to attract customers forced to switch from XP, who wanted a more familiar interface.<ref name=verge-hp7>{{cite web|title=HP brings back Windows 7 'by popular demand'|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/1/20/5326844/hp-brings-back-windows-7-by-popular-demand|work=The Verge|date=January 20, 2014|access-date=January 20, 2014
In February 2014, [[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]] reported that Microsoft would be lowering the price of Windows 8 licenses by 70% for devices that retail under US$250; alongside the announcement that an update to the operating system would allow OEMs to produce devices with as little as 1 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage, critics felt that these changes would help Windows compete against Linux-based devices in the low-end market, particularly those running [[ChromeOS]]. Microsoft had similarly cut the price of [[Windows XP]] licenses to compete against the early waves of Linux-based [[netbook]]s.<ref name=verge-springupdate>{{cite web|title=Microsoft announces 'spring' update for Windows 8.1|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/23/5438734/microsoft-announces-spring-update-for-windows-8-1|work=The Verge|date=February 23, 2014|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=February 23, 2014
Based on information gathered by Net Applications, the market share of Windows 8 had consistently dropped below the 1% mark by June 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Desktop Windows Version Market Share Worldwide|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/os-version-market-share/windows/desktop/worldwide#monthly-202103-202210|access-date=2024-01-27|website=StatCounter Global Stats|language=en
===Chinese government ban===
In May 2014, the [[Government of China]] banned the internal purchase of Windows 8–based products under government contracts requiring "energy-efficient" devices. The [[Xinhua News Agency]] claimed that Windows 8 was being banned in protest of Microsoft's support lifecycle policy and the end of support for [[Windows XP]] (which, as of January 2014, had a market share of 49% in China), as the government "obviously cannot ignore the risks of running an OS without guaranteed technical support." However, Ni Guangnan of the [[Chinese Academy of Sciences]] had also previously warned that Windows 8 could allegedly expose users to [[Mass surveillance in the United States|surveillance by the United States government]] due to its heavy use of Internet-based services.<ref name="reuters-win8ban">{{cite news
In June 2014, state broadcaster [[China Central Television]] (CCTV) broadcast a news story further characterizing Windows 8 as a threat to national security. The story featured an interview with Ni Guangnan, who stated that operating systems could aggregate "sensitive user information" that could be used to "understand the conditions and activities of our national economy and society", and alleged that per [[Global surveillance disclosures (2013–present)|documents leaked by Edward Snowden]], the U.S. government had worked with Microsoft to retrieve encrypted information. Yang Min, a computer scientist at [[Fudan University]], also stated that "the security features of Windows 8 are basically to the benefit of Microsoft, allowing them control of the users' data, and that poses a big challenge to the national strategy for information security." Microsoft denied the claims in a number of posts on the Chinese social network [[Sina Weibo]], posts which stated that the company had never "assisted any government in an attack of another government or clients" or provided client data to the U.S. government, never "provided any government the authority to directly visit", or placed any [[Backdoor (computing)|backdoors]] in its products and services, and that it had never concealed government requests for client data.<ref name="cnet-clash">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-china-clash-over-windows-8-and-charges-of-backdoor-spying/ |date=June 6, 2014 |first1=Lance |last1= Whitney |title=Microsoft, China clash over Windows 8, backdoor-spying charges|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=June 6, 2014|website=[[CNET]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140609014414/https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-china-clash-over-windows-8-and-charges-of-backdoor-spying/ |archive-date= Jun 9, 2014 }}</ref><ref name="bloomberg-spat">{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-06-05/china-s-jiangsu-dropped-windows-8-earlier-this-year-cctv.html|title=Apple, Microsoft Targets of Chinese Media in U.S. Spat|work=[[Bloomberg News]]|date=June 5, 2014|access-date=June 6, 2014
==Windows 8.1==
{{Main|Windows 8.1}}
A feature update to Windows 8, known as [[Windows 8.1]], was officially announced by Microsoft on May 14, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2013/03/26/looking-back-and-springing-ahead.aspx|title=Looking Back and Springing Ahead|work=The Official Microsoft Blog: News & Perspectives|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=March 26, 2013|access-date=July 17, 2013|first=Frank X.|last=Shaw|archive-date=July 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702224122/https://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2013/03/26/looking-back-and-springing-ahead.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="leblanc1">{{cite web|first=Brandon|last=LeBlanc|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/05/14/windows-keeps-getting-better.aspx|title=Windows Keeps Getting Better|work=Blogging Windows|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=May 14, 2013|access-date=May 15, 2013|archive-date=May 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515142421/http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/05/14/windows-keeps-getting-better.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following a presentation devoted to it at [[Build (developer conference)|Build 2013]], a public beta version of the upgrade was released on June 26, 2013.<ref name=pcw-81previewenterprise>{{cite web|title=Microsoft releases Windows 8.1 Enterprise preview with VDI, Windows to Go support|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2045561/microsoft-releases-windows-8-1-enterprise-preview-with-vdi-windows-to-go-support.html|work=PC World|access-date=August 6, 2013
Windows 8.1 addressed a number of criticisms faced by Windows 8 upon its release, with additional customization options for the Start screen, the restoration of a visible Start button on the desktop, the ability to snap up to four apps on a single display, and the ability to boot to the desktop instead of the Start screen. Windows 8's stock apps were also updated, a new [[Bing (search engine)|Bing]]-based unified search system was added, SkyDrive (now [[OneDrive]]) was given tighter integration with the operating system, and a number of new stock apps, along with a tutorial, were added.<ref name="verge-81handson">{{cite web|first=Evan|last=Rodgers|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/6/26/4465888/windows-8-1-preview-video|title=Windows 8.1: a first look at what Microsoft is changing|work=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|date=June 26, 2013|access-date=August 6, 2013
Microsoft marketed Windows 8.1 as an "update" rather than as a "[[service pack]]", as it had done with such revisions for previous versions of Windows.<ref name=cw-updatenotanupdate>{{cite web|title=When is a Windows update not an update? When it's an upgrade|url=https://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9241315/When_is_a_Windows_update_not_an_update_When_it_s_an_upgrade|work=[[Computerworld]]|date=August 2, 2013|access-date=October 19, 2013
Retail and OEM installations of Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and [[Windows RT]] can be upgraded through [[Windows Store]], free of charge. However, [[volume licensing|volume license]] customers, TechNet or MSDN subscribers, and users of Windows 8 Enterprise must acquire standalone installation media for 8.1 and install through the traditional Windows setup process, either as an in-place upgrade or clean install. This requires an 8.1-specific product key.<ref name=cw-81updateproblem>{{cite web|title=Small biz admins squawk over Windows 8.1 updates|url=https://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9243345/Small_biz_admins_squawk_over_Windows_8.1_updates|work=[[Computerworld]]|date=October 18, 2013|publisher=[[IDG]]|access-date=October 18, 2013
==See also==
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==Further reading==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2015107/downgrading-from-windows-8-to-7-what-you-need-to-know.html|title=Downgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 7: What you need to know|work=[[PC World]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=November 20, 2012|access-date=November 21, 2012|first=Ian|last=Paul
{{Refend}}
{{S-start}}
{{Succession box
| title = Windows 8
| years = 2012
| before = [[Windows 7]]
| after = [[Windows 10]]
}}
{{S-end}}
{{Microsoft Windows family}}
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{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Windows 8| ]]
[[Category:2012 software]]
[[Category:IA-32 operating systems]]
[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2023]]
[[Category:Microsoft criticisms and controversies]]
[[Category:Tablet operating systems]]
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