Content deleted Content added
reverting to 18:34, 29 May 2024 edit to rid article of too-massive addition of archive snapshots (keeping the two where the original link is determined to have died); keeping subsequent substantive edits as well |
Added a desktop screenshot as well, so I made both images to be put on a switcher. |
||
| (27 intermediate revisions by 24 users not shown) | |||
Line 2:
{{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
Line 39:
* 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}}</ref> Many of these features were adapted from [[Windows Phone]]. Windows 8 also added support for [[USB 3.0]], [[Advanced Format]], [[near-field communication]], and [[cloud computing]], as well as a new lock screen with clock and notifications
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}}</ref><ref name=zdnet-cesunveil>{{cite web|title=CES: Windows to run on ARM chips, says Microsoft|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/ces-windows-to-run-on-arm-chips-says-microsoft
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}}</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}}</ref>
Line 59:
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}}</ref>
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]]}}</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}}</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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430093300/http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/windows-8-build-7955-sporting-new-black-screen-of-death/12529|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 30, 2011|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]]}}</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>
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}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Previewing 'Windows 8'|url=https://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2011/jun11/06-01corporatenews.aspx|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=June 1, 2011|access-date=February 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307150940/https://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2011/jun11/06-01corporatenews.aspx|archive-date=March 7, 2012}}</ref>
Line 87 ⟶ 83:
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}}</ref>) was [[released to manufacturing]] with the build number 6.2.9200.16384,<ref name="rtmdate">{{cite web|date=August 1, 2012|title=Windows 8 has reached the RTM milestone|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2012/08/01/windows-8-has-reached-the-rtm-milestone|access-date=August 1, 2012|publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> and Microsoft planned to hold a launch event on October 25, 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57514205-75/microsoft-come-celebrate-windows-8-on-oct-25/|title=Microsoft: Come 'celebrate' Windows 8 on Oct. 25|work=[[CNET]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=September 17, 2012|last=Reisinger|first=Don}}</ref> before releasing it for [[general availability]] the next day.<ref name="availabilitydate">{{cite web|date=July 18, 2012|title=Windows 8 will be available on…|url=https://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/07/18/windows-8-will-be-available-on.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919111046/https://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/07/18/windows-8-will-be-available-on.aspx|archive-date=September 19, 2012|access-date=July 18, 2012|publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> However, only a day after its release to manufacturing, a copy of the final version of Windows 8 Enterprise N (a variant for European markets which lacks bundled media players to comply with an [[European Union Microsoft competition case|antitrust ruling]]) was leaked online, followed by leaks of the final versions of Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise a few days later.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Keizer|first=Gregg|title=Windows 8 Leaked in Final Form|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/260305/windows_8_leaked_in_final_form.html|access-date=August 9, 2012|work=[[Computerworld]]|publisher=[[IDG]]|date=August 3, 2012|archive-date=August 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805232513/http://www.pcworld.com/article/260305/windows_8_leaked_in_final_form.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Crothers|first=Brooke|title=Windows 8 final version allegedly leaks out already|url=https://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57485894-75/windows-8-final-version-allegedly-leaks-out-already/|access-date=August 9, 2012|newspaper=CNET|date=August 2, 2012}}</ref> On August 15, 2012, Windows 8 was made available to download for [[MSDN]] and [[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]] subscribers,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|title=Windows 8 now available to download for MSDN and TechNet subscribers|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/8/15/3243935/windows-8-download-msdn-technet-subscribers|access-date=August 16, 2012|newspaper=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|date=August 15, 2012}}</ref> and was made available to Software Assurance customers on August 16, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/springboard/archive/2012/08/16/windows-8-is-ready-for-your-enterprise.aspx|title=Windows 8 Is Ready For Your Enterprise|work=Springboard Series Blog|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=August 16, 2012|access-date=August 16, 2012|last=Rose|first=Stephen|archive-date=August 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818224724/http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/springboard/archive/2012/08/16/windows-8-is-ready-for-your-enterprise.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was made available for students with a [[DreamSpark Premium]] subscription on August 22, 2012, earlier than advertised.<ref name="Dreamspark">{{cite web|first=Lee|last=Stott|url=https://blogs.msdn.com/b/uk_faculty_connection/archive/2012/08/18/visual-studio-2012-and-windows-on-dreamspark.aspx|title=Visual Studio 2012 and Windows on DreamSpark|work=Microsoft UK Faculty Connection|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=August 18, 2012|access-date=August 24, 2012}}</ref> Windows 8 became generally available for retail purchase on October 26, 2012.{{Cn|date=April 2023}}
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}}</ref> The advertising budget of US$1.5–1.8 billion was significantly larger than the US$200 million campaign used to promote [[Windows 95]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/netapp/2012/10/11/windows-8-release-date-tablet-microsoft-cloud/|title=Microsoft Betting BIG on Cloud with Windows 8 and Tablets|last=Einstein|first=Dave|date=October 11, 2012|work=Forbes|access-date=October 27, 2012}}</ref> As part of its campaign, Microsoft set up 34 [[pop-up store]]s inside malls to showcase the Surface product line, and provided training for retail employees in partnership with [[Intel]]. In an effort to make retail displays of Windows 8 devices more "personal" by exemplifying real-world usage, Microsoft developed a character known in English-speaking markets as "Allison Brown", whose fictional profile (including personal photos, contacts, and emails) was featured on in-store demo units of Windows 8 devices.<ref name=wsj-retailwin8>{{cite news|title=Microsoft Dives into the Retail Scene|url=https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203400604578070662270723422.html|work=[[Wall Street Journal]]|date=October 22, 2012|publisher=[[Dow Jones & Company]]|access-date=August 22, 2013}}</ref>
Line 93 ⟶ 89:
[[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}}</ref><ref name=pcw-siriad>{{cite web|title=Microsoft turns Siri against Apple in hilarious new Windows 8 ad|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2039629/microsoft-turns-siri-against-apple-in-hilarious-new-windows-8-ad.html|work=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=October 26, 2013}}</ref> On June 12, 2013, during game 1 of the [[2013 Stanley Cup Finals]], Microsoft premiered the first ad in its "Windows Everywhere" campaign, which promoted Windows 8, [[Windows Phone 8]], and the company's suite of online services as an interconnected platform.<ref name=verge-81ad>{{cite web|title=First Windows 8.1 ad features the return of the Start button|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/9/29/4782384/first-windows-8-1-ad-start-button|work=[[The Verge]]|date=September 29, 2013|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=November 3, 2013}}</ref><ref name=zdnet-windowseverywhere>{{cite web|title=New Microsoft 'Windows Everywhere' ad crosses product boundaries|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/new-microsoft-windows-everywhere-ad-crosses-product-boundaries
==New and updated features==
Line 126 ⟶ 122:
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.}}</ref>
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}}</ref> Following these reports, the terms "Modern UI-style apps",<ref>{{Cite web|title=Microsoft now using 'Modern UI Style' to refer to Windows 8 'Metro Style' apps|date=August 10, 2012|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/8/10/3232921/microsoft-modern-ui-style-metro-style-replacement|access-date=August 10, 2012}}</ref> "Windows 8-style apps",<ref name=pcmag-metromess>{{cite web|title=Windows 8: The Metro Mess|url=https://forwardthinking.pcmag.com/none/301689-windows-8-the-metro-mess|work=PC Magazine|access-date=September 8, 2012|archive-date=September 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919015026/http://forwardthinking.pcmag.com/none/301689-windows-8-the-metro-mess|url-status=dead}}</ref> and "Windows Store apps" began to be used in various Microsoft documents and material to refer to the new apps. In an interview on September 12, 2012, Soma Somasegar (vice president of Microsoft's development software division) confirmed that "Windows Store apps" would be the official term for the apps.<ref name=zdnet-metroname>{{cite web|title=Microsoft finally comes clean(er) on post-Metro naming plans|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-finally-comes-cleaner-on-post-metro-naming-plans
====Web browsers====
Line 144 ⟶ 140:
[[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}}</ref>{{Rp|74|date=November 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==
Line 190 ⟶ 188:
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}}</ref>
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}}</ref><ref name=zdnet-newsupportpolicy>{{cite web|last1=Bott|first1=Ed|title=Microsoft updates support policy: New CPUs will require Windows 10|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-updates-support-policy-new-cpus-will-require-windows-10/|website=[[ZDNet]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=January 16, 2016}}</ref><ref name="ars-oemskylake">{{cite web|title=Skylake support on Windows 7 and 8.1 given a one-year extension|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/03/skylake-support-on-windows-7-and-8-1-given-a-one-year-extension/|website=[[Ars Technica]]|date=March 18, 2016|publisher=[[Condé Nast]]|access-date=March 18, 2016}}</ref><ref name="cw-skylakechange">{{cite web|title=Microsoft backtracks on Windows 7 support deadline|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3046032/windows-pcs/microsoft-backtracks-on-windows-7-support-deadline.html|website=[[Computerworld]]|date=March 18, 2016|publisher=[[IDG]]|access-date=March 18, 2016}}</ref> When this new policy faced criticism from users and enterprise customers, Microsoft partially retracted the change and stated that both operating systems would remain supported on Skylake hardware through the end of their extended-support lifecycle. Windows 8.1 remains officially unsupported on all newer CPU families, and neither AMD or Intel will provide official chipset [[device driver|drivers]] for Windows operating systems other than Windows 10.<ref>{{cite web|title=AMD: Sorry, there will be no official Ryzen drivers for Windows 7|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/3167279/computers/amd-sorry-there-will-be-no-official-ryzen-drivers-for-windows-7.html|website=PC World|date=February 8, 2017|publisher=IDG|access-date=April 23, 2017}}</ref><ref name="
===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}}</ref> On March 12, 2013, Microsoft amended its certification requirements to only require that screens on tablets have a minimum resolution of 1024×768 (down from the previous 1366×768). The amended requirement is intended to allow "greater design flexibility" for future products.<ref name=zdnet-smallertab>{{cite web|title=New Windows 8 hardware specs hint at 7-inch tablets and a Microsoft Reader|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/new-windows-8-hardware-specs-hint-at-7-inch-tablets-and-a-microsoft-reader
{|class=wikitable style=margin:auto
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}}</ref><ref name="15dollarupgradeconfirmed">{{cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9227649/Update_Microsoft_confirms_15_Windows_8_upgrade|title=Update: Microsoft confirms $15 Windows 8 upgrade|work=[[Computerworld]]|publisher=[[IDG]]|date=July 1, 2012|access-date=July 4, 2012|first=Gregg|last=Keizer}}</ref> Those who purchased new PCs pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013, could digitally purchase a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for US$14.99.<ref name="paulthurrottleak">{{cite web|url=https://www.winsupersite.com/blog/supersite-blog-39/windows8/windows-8-pro-pc-upgrade-cost-15-143077|title=Windows 8 Pro PC Upgrade Cost Is Just $15|work=Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows|publisher=[[Penton (company)|Penton]]|date=May 14, 2012|access-date=July 4, 2012|first=Paul|last=Thurrott|author-link=Paul Thurrott|archive-date=July 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702033234/http://www.winsupersite.com/blog/supersite-blog-39/windows8/windows-8-pro-pc-upgrade-cost-15-143077|url-status=dead}}</ref> Several PC manufacturers offered [[Rebate (marketing)|rebates]] and refunds on Windows 8 upgrades obtained through promotions on select models, such as those of [[Hewlett-Packard]] (in the U.S. and Canada on select models) and [[Acer Inc.|Acer]] (in Europe on selected [[Ultrabook]] models).<ref name=pcmag-acerup>{{cite web|title=Acer Offering Free Windows 8 Pro Upgrades for Ultrabook Buyers|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2407108,00.asp|work=PC Magazine|access-date=September 18, 2012}}</ref><ref name=ts-hpwin8>{{cite web|title=HP offering Windows 8 upgrade refund on select PCs|date=August 27, 2012 |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/49931-hp-offering-windows-8-upgrade-refund-on-select-pcs.html|publisher=TechSpot|access-date=September 18, 2012}}</ref> During these promotions, the Windows Media Center add-on for ''Windows 8 Pro'' was also offered for free.<ref name="microsoftrevealsprice"/>
Line 261 ⟶ 259:
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}}</ref> In contrast, an ''[[ExtremeTech]]'' article said that Windows 8 was Microsoft "flailing",<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.extremetech.com/computing/99967-windows-8-is-microsoft-flailing|title=Windows 8: Is Microsoft flailing?|last=Cardinal|first=David|newspaper=Extremetech |date=October 14, 2011|access-date=April 17, 2013}}</ref> and a review in ''[[PC Magazine]]'' condemned the Metro-style user interface.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2393037,00.asp#fbid=rTzT1ufXaJM|title=Microsoft Stops, Drops, and Rolls with Metro|last=Dvorak|first=John|date=September 15, 2011|access-date=April 17, 2013}}</ref> Some of the included apps in Windows 8 were considered to be basic and lacking in functionality, but the Xbox apps were praised for their promotion of a multi-platform entertainment experience. Other improvements and features (such as File History, Storage Spaces, and the updated Task Manager) were also regarded as positive changes.<ref name=verge-w8>{{cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|title=Windows 8 review|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/10/23/3537710/windows-8-review|work=[[The Verge]]|date=October 23, 2012|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref> Peter Bright of ''[[Ars Technica]]'' wrote that while its user interface changes may overshadow them, Windows 8's improved performance, updated file manager, new storage functionality, expanded security features, and updated Task Manager were still positive improvements for the operating system. Bright also said that Windows 8's duality towards tablets and traditional PCs was an "extremely ambitious" aspect of the platform as well, but criticized Microsoft for emulating [[Apple Inc.|Apple]]'s model of a closed distribution platform when implementing the Windows Store.<ref name=ars-w8review/>
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}}</ref> Tom Warren of ''The Verge'' wrote that the new interface was "as stunning as it is surprising", contributing to an "incredibly personal" experience once it is customized by the user, but had a steep learning curve, and was awkward to use with a keyboard and mouse. He noted that while forcing all users to use the new touch-oriented interface was a risky move for Microsoft as a whole, it was necessary in order to push the development of apps for the Windows Store.<ref name=verge-w8/> Others, such as Adrian Kingsley-Hughes from [[ZDNet]], considered the interface to be "clumsy and impractical" due to its inconsistent design (going as far as considering it "two operating systems unceremoniously bolted together"), and concluded that "Windows 8 wasn't born out of a need or demand; it was born out of a desire on Microsoft's part to exert its will on the PC industry and decide to shape it in a direction—touch and tablets—that allows it to compete against, and remain relevant in the face of Apple's iPad."<ref>{{cite web|last=Kingsley-Hughes|first=Adrian|url=https://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/final-thoughts-on-windows-8-a-design-disaster/20706|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608231415/http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/final-thoughts-on-windows-8-a-design-disaster/20706|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 8, 2012|title=Final thoughts on Windows 8: A design disaster|work=[[ZDNet]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|date=June 7, 2012|access-date=November 27, 2012}}</ref>
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}}</ref>
Line 268 ⟶ 266:
===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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kingsley-Hughes|first=Adrian|title=Microsoft's Ballmer not ready to reveal Windows 8, Surface sales|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsofts-ballmer-not-ready-to-reveal-windows-8-surface-sales
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}}</ref>
Line 299 ⟶ 297:
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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Why can't I find the update in the Store?|url=https://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/why-can-t-find-update-store|work=Windows portal|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=October 18, 2013}}</ref><ref name=supersite-81woes>{{cite web|title=Windows 8.1 Upgrade Woes|url=https://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-upgrade-woes|work=Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows|access-date=October 19, 2013|archive-date=October 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018210816/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-upgrade-woes|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=supersite-81enter>{{cite web|title=Windows 8.1 Tip: Upgrade from Windows 8 Enterprise|url=https://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-tip-upgrade-windows-8-enterprise|work=Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows|access-date=October 21, 2013|archive-date=October 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021154838/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-tip-upgrade-windows-8-enterprise|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==See also==
Line 315 ⟶ 309:
* {{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}}—Analysis of Windows 8 downgrade rights
{{Refend}}
{{S-start}}
{{Succession box
| title = Windows 8
| years = 2012
| before = [[Windows 7]]
| after = [[Windows 10]]
}}
{{S-end}}
{{Microsoft Windows family}}
Line 323 ⟶ 326:
[[Category:2012 software]]
[[Category:IA-32 operating systems]]
[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2023]]
[[Category:Microsoft criticisms and controversies]]
[[Category:Tablet operating systems]]
| |||