Windows 8 Editions
Windows 8 has the flexibility you need - whether you’re on an x86/64 or a WOA PC. You can use a touch screen or a keyboard and mouse – and switch anytime. It’s beautiful, fast, and fluid design is perfect for a wide range of hardware. And you’ll love browsing through the Windows Store and downloading all the apps you want. And those apps can work together too so you can share photos, maps, contacts, links and whatever else you want faster and easier. All editions of Windows 8 offer a no-compromise experience.
For PCs and tablets powered by x86 processors (both 32 and 64 bit), we will have two editions: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. For many consumers, Windows 8 will be the right choice. It will include all the features above plus an updated Windows Explorer, Task Manager, better multi-monitor support and the ability to switch languages on the fly, which was previously only available in Enterprise/Ultimate editions of Windows.
Windows 8 Pro is designed to help tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals obtain a broader set of Windows 8 technologies. It includes all the features in Windows 8 plus features for encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity. Windows Media Center will be available as an economical “media pack” add-on to Windows 8 Pro. If you are an enthusiast or you want to use your PC in a business environment, you will want Windows 8 Pro.
Windows RT is the newest member of the Windows family – also known as Windows on ARM or WOA . This single edition will only be available pre-installed on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors and will help enable new thin and lightweight form factors with impressive battery life. Windows RT will include touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
For more details and update about Windows 8 editions, click here.
The below chart breaks down key features by edition (this list should not be considered an exhaustive list of features):
Feature name |
Windows 8 |
Windows 8 Pro |
Windows RT |
Upgrades from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium |
x |
x |
|
Upgrades from Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate |
x |
||
Start screen, Semantic Zoom, Live Tiles |
x |
x |
x |
Windows Store |
x |
x |
x |
Apps (Mail, Calendar, People, Messaging, Photos, SkyDrive, Reader, Music, Video) |
x |
x |
x |
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote) |
x |
||
Internet Explorer 10 |
x |
x |
x |
Device encryption |
x |
||
Connected standby |
x |
x |
x |
Microsoft account |
x |
x |
x |
Desktop |
x |
x |
x |
Installation of x86/64 and desktop software |
x |
x |
|
Updated Windows Explorer |
x |
x |
x |
Windows Defender |
x |
x |
x |
SmartScreen |
x |
x |
x |
Windows Update |
x |
x |
x |
Enhanced Task Manager |
x |
x |
x |
Switch languages on the fly (Language Packs) |
x |
x |
x |
Better multiple monitor support |
x |
x |
x |
Storage Spaces |
x |
x |
|
Windows Media Player |
x |
x |
|
Exchange ActiveSync |
x |
x |
x |
File history |
x |
x |
x |
ISO / VHD mount |
x |
x |
x |
Mobile broadband features |
x |
x |
x |
Picture password |
x |
x |
x |
Play To |
x |
x |
x |
Remote Desktop (client) |
x |
x |
x |
Reset and refresh your PC |
x |
x |
x |
Snap |
x |
x |
x |
Touch and Thumb keyboard |
x |
x |
x |
Trusted boot |
x |
x |
x |
VPN client |
x |
x |
x |
BitLocker and BitLocker To Go |
x |
||
Boot from VHD |
x |
||
Client Hyper-V |
x |
||
Domain Join |
x |
||
Encrypting File System |
x |
||
Group Policy |
x |
||
Remote Desktop (host) |
x |