User:Jasper Deng/Windows 8 editions

Windows 8 has four editions, each with different amounts of features.[1] Unlike Windows 7, there are no Starter, Ultimate, Home Premium, or Home Basic editions.[2] Windows 8 Enterprise has the same features as Windows 8 Pro, but also has features intended to help with IT organization.[3]

The lowest edition, Windows RT, is dedicated to ARM-based tablet and laptop computers. The lowest edition for x86-64 and IA-32 computers is simply Windows 8, while the highest editions are Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Enterprise. Windows 8 Pro aims to succeed Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate, while Windows 8 Enterprise succeeds Windows 7 Enterprise.[3][4] All editions except Windows RT support both 32-bit (IA-32) and 64-bit (x86-64) platforms.[3]

The Windows RT edition was named for the Windows Runtime (WinRT) development platform that Microsoft is introducing in Windows 8, which is intended to succeed Win32.[5] This edition will be only available pre-installed on devices such as tablet PCs.[5]

Windows Media Center functionality will be only available as a "Media Pack" for Windows 8 Pro.[4]

Unlike Windows 7, all editions have the ability to use language packs, and thus multiple user interface languages.[4] This functionality was previously only available in Windows 7 Ultimate or Enterprise. However, in China and a small number of other emerging markets, an edition of Windows 8 without this capability will be offered.[3]

Upgrading from Windows 7

edit

The following in-place upgrade paths are supported from Windows 7.[3]

Windows 8 edition Windows RT Windows 8 Windows 8 Pro and
Enterprise
Windows 7 edition
Ultimate In-place upgrade not possible In-place upgrade not possible In-place upgrade possible
Professional
Home Premium In-place upgrade possible
Home Basic
Starter

Comparison table

edit

Microsoft has not yet released maximum-supported system specifications, such as the maximum amount of RAM or logical processors.

Comparison of Windows 8 editions[3]
Feature Windows RT Windows 8 Windows 8 Pro and
Windows 8 Enterprise
Availability[6] Pre-installed on devices[5] Most channels Windows 8 Enterprise will
only be available to
Software Assurance customers.
Windows 8 Pro will be
available in most channels.
Start screen, Semantic Zoom, Live Tiles Yes
Windows Store Yes
Apps (Mail, Calender, People Messaging Photos, SkyDrive, Reader, Music, Video) Yes
Microsoft Office included (only Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote) Yes No
Internet Explorer 10 Yes Yes
Device encryption Yes No
Connected standby Yes
Microsoft account Yes
Desktop Yes
Architecture ARM IA-32 or x86-64
Updated Windows Explorer Yes
Windows Defender Yes
SmartScreen Yes
Windows Update Yes
New Windows Task Manager Yes
Language Packs Yes
Better multi-monitor support Yes
Storage Spaces No Yes
Windows Media Player No Yes
Exchange ActiveSync No Yes
File history Yes
ISO and VHD mounting Yes
Mobile broadband features Yes
Picture password Yes
Play To Yes
Remote Desktop Client only Client and host
Refresh and reset of OS Yes
Snap Yes
Touch and Thumb keyboard Yes
Trusted boot Yes
VPN client Yes
BitLocker and BitLocker To Go No Yes
Boot from VHD No Yes
Hyper-V No Yes
Domain Join No Yes
Encrypting File System No Yes
Group Policy No Yes

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ Bradley, Tom (17 April 2012). "Windows 8: Which Version Should You Choose?". PCWorld. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
  2. ^ Taylor, Bill (17 April 2012). "Microsoft Announces Revamped Windows 8 Editions". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d e f LeBlanc, Brandon (2012). "Announcing the Windows 8 Editions". Retrieved 17 April 2012.
  4. ^ a b c Foley, Mary Jo (2012). ""Microsoft: Here are the four editions of Windows 8". Retrieved 17 April 2012. {{cite web}}: Text "ZDNet"" ignored (help)
  5. ^ a b c Mackie, Kurt (17 April 2012). "Microsoft Names Windows 8 Editions, Unveils ARM-Based 'Windows RT'". Redmonad Channel Partner. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
  6. ^ Thurott, Paul (16 April 2012). "News Flash! Microsoft Stops SKUing Customers with Windows 8". Penton Media. Retrieved 17 April 2012.