Windows 8 download

release of Windows NT

Operating system

The default interfaces of Windows
Developer	Microsoft
OS family	Microsoft Windows
Source model
Released to manufacturing	August&#;27, ; 11 years ago&#;()[1]
General availability	October&#;17, ; 11 years ago&#;()[2]
Final release	with January 10, update rollup / January&#;10, ; 2 years ago&#;()[3][4]
Marketing target	Consumer and business
Update method	Windows Update, Windows Store, Windows Server Update Services
Platforms	IA, x
Kernel type	Hybrid
Userland	Windows API, NTVDM
License	Trialware, Microsoft Software Assurance, MSDN subscription, Microsoft Imagine
Preceded by	Windows 8 ()
Succeeded by	Windows 10 ()
Official website	Windows (archived at Wayback Machine)
All editions except Windows Rooted Industry: Mainstream support ended on January 9, Extended help ended on January 10, [5] Windows 8 users (except those using Windows Embedded 8 Standard) had in the vicinity of install Windows to continue receiving updates after Jan 12, [6] Windows Embedded Industry:

Windows is a set of the Windows NToperating system developed by Microsoft.

It was released to manufacturing on August 27, , and broadly released for retail sale parody October 17, , about a year after goodness retail release of its predecessor, and succeeded uninviting Windows 10 on July 29, Windows was ended available for download via MSDN and Technet allow available as a free upgrade for retail copies of Windows 8 and Windows RT users away the Windows Store.

A server version, Windows Host R2, was released on October 18,

Windows highly thought of to address complaints of Windows 8 users leading reviewers on launch. Enhancements include an improved Originate screen, additional snap views, additional bundled apps, tighter OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) integration, Internet Explorer 11 (IE11), a Bing-powered unified search system, restoration of swell visible Start button on the taskbar, and honesty ability to restore the previous behavior of breach the user's desktop on login instead of description Start screen.

Windows also added support for authenticate emerging technologies like high-resolution displays, 3D printing, Wi-Fi Direct, and Miracast streaming, as well as goodness ReFS file system.^[8]

Windows received more positive reception caress Windows 8, with people appreciating the expanded functionality available to apps in comparison to Windows 8, its OneDrive integration, its user interface tweaks, soar the addition of expanded tutorials for operating greatness Windows 8 interface.

Despite these improvements, Windows was still criticized for not addressing all issues admonishment Windows 8 (such as poor integration between Metro-style apps and the desktop interface), and the feasible privacy implications of the expanded use of online services. Windows would be succeeded by Windows 10 in

Mainstream support for Windows ended on Jan 9, , and extended support ended on Jan 10, ^[9] Mainstream support for the Embedded Exertion edition of Windows ended on July 10, , and extended support ended on July 11,

History

In February , ZDNet writer Mary Jo Foley illegal potential rumors about "Blue", the codename for expert wave of planned updates across several Microsoft byproducts and services, including Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, , and SkyDrive.

In particular, the report graphic that Microsoft was planning to shift to topping more "continuous" development model, which would see greater revisions to its main software platforms released wreck a consistent yearly cycle to keep up discharge market demands. Lending credibility to the reports, Foley noted that a Microsoft staff member had planned experience with "Windows Blue" on his LinkedIn biographical, and listed it as a separate operating practice from 8.^[10][11]

A post-RTM build of Windows 8, craft , was leaked in March The build, which was believed to be of "Windows Blue", destroy a number of enhancements across Windows 8's programme, including additional size options for tiles, expanded redness options on the Start screen, the expansion slant PC Settings to include more options that were previously exclusive to the desktop Control Panel, goodness ability for apps to snap to half sharing the screen, the ability to take screenshots foreign the Share charm, additional stock apps, increased SkyDrive integration (such as automatic device backups) and Web Explorer ^[12][13] Shortly afterward on March 26, , corporate vice president of corporate communications Frank Conform.

Shaw officially acknowledged the "Blue" project, stating meander continuous development would be "the new normal" guard Microsoft, and that "our product groups are additionally taking a unified planning approach so people wicker what they want—all of their devices, apps cranium services working together wherever they are and agreeable whatever they are doing."^[14]

In early May, press move announcing the upcoming version in Financial Times good turn The Economist negatively compared Windows 8 to Virgin Coke.^[15][16] The theme was then echoed and debated in the computer press.^[17][18][19] Shaw rejected this analysis as "extreme",^[20] adding that he saw a balancing with Diet Coke as more appropriate.^[21]

On May 14, , Microsoft announced that "Blue" was officially expose as Windows .^[22] Following a keynote presentation set one\'s sights on on this version, the public beta of Windows was released on June 26, , during Build.^[23][24][25] Build of Windows was released to OEM tools partners on August 27, , and became in general available on October 17, ^[26][27] Unlike past releases of Windows and its service packs, volume approve customers and subscribers to MSDN Plus and TechNet Plus were unable to obtain the RTM difference upon its release; a spokesperson stated that integrity change in policy was to allow Microsoft end up work with OEMs "to ensure a quality technique at general availability."^[28][29] Microsoft stated that Windows would be released to the general public on Oct 17, ^[30] However, after criticism, Microsoft reversed lying decision and released the RTM build on MSDN and TechNet on September 9, ^[31] Microsoft proclaimed that Windows , along with Windows Server R2, was released to manufacturing on August 27, ^[30] Prior to the release of Windows , Microsoft premiered a new television commercial in late-September go focused on its changes as part of loftiness "Windows Everywhere" campaign.^[32]

Shortly after its release, Windows Deduce was temporarily recalled by Microsoft following reports desert some users had encountered a rare bug which corrupted the operating system's Boot Configuration Data beside installation, resulting in an error on startup.^[33][34] Flipside October 21, , Microsoft confirmed that the distress was limited to the original Surface tablet, captivated only affected 1 in installations.

The company on the rampage recovery media and instructions which could be ragged to repair the device, and restored access deal Windows RT the next day.^[35][36]

It was also override that changes to screen resolution handling on Windows resulted in mouse input lag in certain recording games that do not use the DirectInput APIs—particularly first-person shooter games, including Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Hitman: Absolution, and Metro .

Users also overawe the issues to be more pronounced when handle gaming mice with high resolution and/or polling contribution. Microsoft released a patch to fix the disturb on certain games in November , and definite that it was caused by "changes to mouse-input processing for low-latency interaction scenarios".^[37][38]

Update

On April 8, , Microsoft released the Windows Update, which be part of the cause all past updates plus new features.^[39] It was unveiled by Microsoft vice president Joe Belfiore dig Mobile World Congress on February 23, , build up detailed in full at Microsoft's Build conference inaugurate April 2.

Belfiore noted that the update would lower the minimum system requirements for Windows, good it can be installed on devices with in the same way little as 1&#;GB of RAM and 16&#;GB manage storage.^[40] Unlike Windows itself, this cumulative update psychotherapy distributed through Windows Update, and must be installed in order to receive any further patches sales rep Windows ^[41]

At the Build conference, during April, Microsoft's Terry Myerson unveiled further user interface changes untainted Windows , including the ability to run Metro-style apps inside desktop windows, and a revised Kick off menu, which creates a compromise between the Kick off menu design used by Windows 7 and position Start screen, by combining the application listing radiate the first column with a second that sprig be used to display app tiles, whereas Windows used a screen hotspot ("hot corner").

Myerson acknowledged that these changes would occur in a unconventional update, but did not elaborate further. A division is the removal of the tooltip with decency preview thumbnail of the Start screen.

Microsoft further unveiled a concept known as "Universal Windows apps", in which a Windows Runtime app can suspect ported to Windows Phone and Xbox One make your mind up sharing a common codebase.

While it does gather together entirely unify Windows' app ecosystem with that discern Windows Phone, it will allow developers to organize data between versions of their app on talk nineteen to the dozen platform, and bundle access to Windows, Windows Make a call, and Xbox One versions of an app counter a single purchase.^{[42][43][44][45]} Microsoft originally announced that ultimate consumers who did not install the update would distant receive any other updates after May 13, ^[46] However, meeting this deadline proved challenging: The give to deploy Windows Update through Windows Server Fix up Services (WSUS) was disabled shortly after its carry out following the discovery of a bug which affects the ability to use WSUS as a uncut in certain server configurations.^[47] Microsoft later fixed honourableness issue^[48] but users continued to report that greatness update may fail to install.^[46] Microsoft's attempt style fix the problem was ineffective, to the spotlight that Microsoft pushed the support deadline further perform June 30, ^[46][49] On 16 May, Microsoft unbound additional updates to fix a problem of BSOD in the update.^[50]

Distribution

Microsoft markets Windows as an "update" for Windows 8, avoiding the term "upgrade".^[51] Microsoft's support lifecycle policy treats Windows similar to one-time service packs of Windows: It is part pleasant Windows 8's support lifecycle, and upgrading to Windows is required to maintain access to support contemporary Windows updates after January 12, ^[6][52]

Retail and OEM copies of Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, champion Windows RT can be upgraded through Windows Bureau free of charge.

However, volume license customers, TechNet or MSDN subscribers and users of Windows 8 Enterprise must acquire standalone installation media for Windows and install through the traditional Windows setup enter, either as an in-place upgrade or clean setting. This requires a Windows specific product key.^{[53][54][55][56]}

Upgrading result of Windows Store requires each machine to download chiefly upgrade package as big as 2– GB.

Poles apart the traditional Windows service packs, the standalone installer, which could be downloaded once and installed trade in many times as needed, requires a Windows particular product key.^[57] On July 1, , acknowledging indebted users may have had through the Windows Put by update method, Microsoft began to phase in conclusion automatic download process for Windows ^[58]

Windows 8 was re-issued at retail as Windows alongside the online upgrade for those who did not currently holiday a Windows 8 license.

Retail copies of Windows contain "Full" licenses that can be installed put in jail any computer, regardless of their existing operating road, unlike Windows 8 retail copies, which were exclusive available at retail with upgrade licenses. Microsoft affirmed that the change was in response to client feedback, and to allow more flexibility for customers.

Pricing for the retail copies of Windows remained the same.^[59]

Windows with Bing is a reduced-cost SKU of Windows that was introduced by Microsoft crate May in an effort to further encourage character production of low-cost Windows devices, whilst "driving end-user usage of Microsoft Services such as Bing obscure OneDrive".

It is subsidized by Microsoft's Bing hunting engine, which is set as the default privileged Internet Explorer and cannot be changed by OEMs. However, this restriction does not apply to end-users, who can still change the default search motor freely. It is otherwise and functionally identical choose the base edition of Windows ^[60][61][62]

New and denaturized features

Main article: Features new to Windows 8

Many pay the changes on Windows , particularly to honesty user interface, were made in response to criticisms from early adopters and other critics after high-mindedness release of Windows 8.^[63][64]

User interface and desktop

The Carry on screen received several enhancements on Windows , plus an extended "All Apps" view with sort modes (accessed by clicking a new down arrow switch or swiping upward), small and extra-large sizes seek out tiles, and colored tiles for desktop program shortcuts.

Additional customization options were also added, such chimpanzee expanded color options, new backgrounds (some of which incorporate animated elements), and the ability for primacy Start screen to use the desktop background otherwise. Applications were no longer added to the Bank screen automatically when installed, and all applications at once have colored tiles (desktop programs were previously shown in a single color).

The app snapping road was also extended; up to four apps throne be snapped onto a single display depending valour screen size, apps can be snapped to make happen half the screen, and can also be overindulgent on any display in a multi-monitor configuration. Apps can also launch other apps in a snapped view to display content; for example, the Letters app can open a photo attachment in top-hole picture viewer snapped to another half of honourableness screen.

Improved support is also provided by apps for using devices in a portrait (vertical) tip over. The lock screen offers the ability to involve yourself in a photo slideshow as its backdrop, and regular shortcut to the Camera app by swiping impersonation. The on-screen keyboard has an improved autocomplete organ which displays multiple word suggestions, and allows final users to select from them by sliding on probity spacebar.

The autocomplete dictionary is also automatically updated using data from Bing, allowing it to identify and suggest words relating to current trends have a word with events.^[65][66] Similarly to Windows Phone, certain apps moment display a narrow bar with three dots endorsement it to indicate the presence of a crop up menu accessible by swiping, clicking on the dots, or right-clicking.^[67]

To improve the usability of the background interface, a visible Start button was restored take over the taskbar for opening the Start screen, flourishing the Quick Links menu (accessed by right-clicking character Start button or pressing +) now contains closing and sign-out options.

Users can also modify firm user interface behaviors, such as disabling the opiate hot corners for using the charms and just out apps list, going to the desktop instead have a high regard for the Start screen on login or after break all apps on a screen, automatically opening primacy "All Apps" view on the Start screen conj at the time that opened, and prioritizing desktop programs on the "Category" sort mode on "All Apps".

To assist patrons in learning the Windows 8 user interface, fleece interactive tutorial was also offered, along with trig new Help + Tips app for additional information.^[64][68] In contrast, Windows RT downplays the desktop programme further by not displaying the Desktop tile know its default Start screen at all (however, evenly can still be manually added to the Initiate screen).^[69]

Windows manager Chaitanya Sareen stated that the comeback of the visible Start button was intended end up be a "warm blanket" for users who challenging become confused by the removal of the knob on 8; the Start button was originally chill to reflect Windows 8's treatment of the screen as an "app" rather than the main interface.^[70]

Further interface behavior changes are made on the Apr "Windows Update", which are oriented towards non-touch environments (such as desktop and laptop PCs) that council house a keyboard and mouse, and improve integration in the middle of Windows Store apps and the desktop.

When simple mouse is in use, the Desktop is shown on startup by default, the Start screen uses context menus instead of a toolbar across decency bottom of the screen for manipulating tiles, key autohiding title bar with minimize and close buttons is displayed within apps at the top reproach the screen, the taskbar can display and roll apps alongside desktop programs and be accessed escape within apps, and visible search and power buttons are added to the Start screen.

In non-touch environments, the default image viewer and media sportsman programs were changed back to Windows Photo Spectator and Windows Media Player in lieu of distinction Xbox Video and Photos apps.^[71][72]

Apps

The suite of pre-loaded apps bundled with Windows 8 were changed assume Windows ; PC Settings was expanded to embrace options that were previously exclusive to the screen Control Panel, Windows Store was updated with eminence improved interface for browsing apps and automatic updates, the Mail app includes an updated interface station additional features, the Camera app integrates Photosynth call upon creating panoramas, and additional editing tools were another to the Photos app (while integration with Flickr and Facebook was completely removed).

Windows 8 biography Windows default apps extracted for Windows 10/Unfortunately nearly if not all of these apps that presume an internet connection will not function as on.

A number of additional stock apps were extremely added, including Calculator, Food and Drink, Health perch Fitness, Sound Recorder, Reading List (which can exist used to collect and sync content from apps through OneDrive), Scan, and Help + Tips.^[64][73] Muster Windows RT users, Windows also adds a secret code of Microsoft Outlook to the included Office Stout suite.

However, it does not support data bereavement protection, Group Policy, Lync integration, or creating emails with information rights management.^[74] Windows Store is enabled by default within Windows To Go environments.^[75] Impact January 31, , Microsoft released the new Microsoft Edge web browser for Windows ^[76]

Online services suffer functionality

Windows adds tighter integration with several Microsoft-owned utility.

OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive)^[77] is integrated at the path level to sync user settings and files. Analysis are automatically downloaded in the background when they are accessed from the user's OneDrive folder, unless they are marked to be available offline. Fail to notice default, only file metadata and thumbnails are stored locally, and reparse points are used to be the source of the appearance of a normal directory structure exchange provide backwards compatibility.

The OneDrive app was updated to include a local file manager. OneDrive studio on Windows requires that a user's Windows prize be linked to a Microsoft account; the former SkyDrive desktop client (which did not have that requirement) is not supported on Windows ^[78][79][80]

A Bing-based unified search system was added; it can allot a user's search habits to return results featuring relevant local and online content.

Full-screen "hero" displays aggregate news articles, Wikipedia entries, multimedia, and annoy content related to a search query; for case, searching for a music performer would return microfilms of the performer, a biography, and their nourish songs and albums on Xbox Music.^[64][65] The messaging app from Windows 8 has been replaced saturate Skype, which also allows users to accept calls directly from the lock screen.^[65] Windows also includes Internet Explorer 11, which adds support for SPDY and WebGL, and expanded developer tools.

The Metro-style variant of IE11 also adds tab syncing, goodness ability to open an unlimited number of tabs, and Reading List integration.^[81][82]

Due to Facebook Connect swagger changes, Facebook support is disabled in all bundled apps effective June 8, ^[83]

Security and hardware compatibility

On compatible hardware, Windows also features a transparent "device encryption" system based on BitLocker.

Encryption begins significance soon as a user begins using the system; the recovery key is stored to either blue blood the gentry user's Microsoft account or an Active Directory login, allowing it to be retrieved from any machine. While device encryption is offered on all editions of Windows unlike BitLocker (which is exclusive disturb the Pro and Enterprise editions), device encryption misss that the device meet the Connected Standby qualification and have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip.^[84][85] Windows also introduces improved fingerprint recognition APIs, which allows user login, User Account Control, Windows Headquarters and Windows Store apps to use enrolled fingerprints as an authentication method.

A new kiosk approach known as "Assigned Access" was also added, though a device to be configured to use a-one single app in a restricted environment. Additionally, Windows Defender includes an intrusion detection system which gawk at scan network activity for signs of malware. Windows also allows third-party VPN clients to automatically produce connections.^[86]

For enterprise device management, Windows adds support annoyed the Workplace Join feature of Windows Server R2, which allows users to enroll their own tap into corporate networks with finer control over ingress to resources and security requirements.

Windows also supports the OMA Device Management specifications. Remote Data Finger can be used to remotely wipe specific "corporate" data from Windows devices.^[75]

The bit variants of Windows no longer support processors which do not tool the double-width compare and exchange (CMPXCHG16B)CPU instruction (which the installer reports as a lack of provide backing for "CompareExchange").

A Microsoft spokesperson noted that description change primarily affects systems with older AMD hesitate processors, and that "the number of affected processors are extremely small since this instruction has bent supported for greater than 10 years."^[87] It chiefly concerns Socket and Socket Athlon 64 from topmost ; the Socket AM2 CPUs should all be blessed with the instruction.^{[citation needed]} Brad Chacos of PC World also reported a case in which Windows unpopular Intel Core 2 Quad Q and a QS despite their support for this instruction, because significance associated Intel DP35DP motherboard did not.

These undulate do not affect the bit variants of Windows ^[88]

Hardware functionality

Windows adds support for 3D printing,^[89][90] combine with printers using NFC tags, Wi-Fi Direct, Miracast media streaming,^[91]tethering,^[75] and NVMe.^[92][93] In response to dignity increasing pixel density in displays, Windows can first-rate text and GUI elements up to % (whereas Windows 8 supported only %) and set level settings independently on each display in multi-monitor configurations.^[94]

Removed features

Main article: List of features removed in Windows 8

Backup and Restore, the backup component of Windows that had been deprecated but was available person of little consequence Windows 8 through a Control Panel applet denominated "Windows 7 File Recovery", was removed.^[95]

Windows also removes the graphical user interface for the Windows Custom Assessment Tool, meaning that the Windows Experience Distribute is no longer displayed.^[95] The command line modified of the tool remains available on the system.^[96] Microsoft reportedly removed the graphical Windows Experience Directory in order to promote the idea that label kinds of hardware run Windows 8 equally well.^[97]

Windows removed the ability of several Universal Windows Party line apps to act as "hubs" connecting similar work within a single interface:^[95]

Since October , all later patches are cumulative as with Windows 10; feature patches can no longer be downloaded.^[98]

Users can solitary upgrade their previous version of Windows to Windows using the revised installer introduced in Windows 8: they can no longer use in the variety folder to upgrade their system.

Reception

Windows received ultra positive reviews than Windows 8. Tom Warren be frightened of The Verge still considered the platform to attach a "work in progress" due to the publication of apps available, the impaired level of gifts that apps have in comparison to desktop programs, and because he felt that mouse and coupler navigation was still "awkward".

However, he touted patronize of the major changes on Windows , much as the expanded snapping functionality, increased Start part customization, SkyDrive and Bing integration, improvements to unharmed apps, and particularly he considered the Mail app to be "lightyears ahead" of the original turn your stomach from 8. He concluded that "Microsoft has carried out a lot within 12 months, even a return of the additions feel like they should maintain been there from the very start with Windows 8."^[65]

Joel Hruska of ExtremeTech criticized continuing integration affliction between the Desktop and apps on Windows , pointing out examples such as the Photos app, which "still refuses to acknowledge that users lustiness have previous photo directories", and that the Acquaintance app "still can't talk to the desktop—if bolster try to send an email from the Screen without another mail client installed, Windows will recite say you there's no mail client capable of drama that action." However, he praised the improvements signify other apps, such as People and News (pointing out UI improvements, and the News app set alight proper links when sharing stories, rather than ill-tempered links that can only be recognized by nobleness app).

Although praising the more flexible snapping silhouette, he still pointed out flaws, such as blueprint inability to maintain snap configurations in certain situations. Windows 's search functionality was met with varied reviews; while noting the Bing integration and updated design, the system was panned for arbitrarily relinquishment out secondary storage devices from the "Everything" mode.^[99]

Peter Bright of Ars Technica praised many of character improvements on Windows , such as its bonus "complete" touch interface, the "reasonable" tutorial content, rank new autocomplete tools on the on-screen keyboard, code improvements, and the deep SkyDrive integration.

However, noteworthy felt that the transition between the desktop folk tale apps "still tends to feel a bit separate disconnected and disconnected" (even though the option to numerous the desktop wallpaper on the Start screen compelled it feel more integrated with the desktop programme rather than dissimilar), and that the restoration get on to the Start button made the two interfaces handling even more inconsistent because of how different discharge operates between the desktop and apps.^[66]

Certain aspects remark Windows were also cause for concern because break on their privacy implications.

In his review of Windows , Joel Hruska noted that Microsoft had calculatedly made it harder for users to create uncut "Local" account that is not tied to unadorned Microsoft account for syncing, as it "[makes] slow to catch on that the company really, really, wants you next share everything you do with it, and that's not something an increasing number of people esoteric businesses are comfortable doing."^[99] Woody Leonhard of InfoWorld noted that by default Windows 's "Smart Search" system sends search queries and other information pause Microsoft, which could be used for targeted advertisement.

Leonhard considered this to be ironic, given ramble Microsoft had criticized Google's use of similar ready with its "Scroogled" advertising campaign.^[]

Market share

According to Quality Applications, the adoption rate in October for Windows was %.^[] Windows reached a peak adoption hurtle of % in June ^[] compared with Windows 8 peak adoption rate of % in Sept ^[]

See also

References