Windows 8

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Windows 8
Version of the
Windows Embedded 8 Standard and PCs with the Windows 8.1
update installed):

Windows Embedded 8 Standard
:
  • Mainstream support ended on July 10, 2018.[5]
  • Extended support ended on July 11, 2023.[5]

Windows 8 is a major release of the Windows NT operating system developed by Microsoft. It was released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012, and was made available for download via MSDN and TechNet on August 15, 2012.[6] Nearly three months after its initial release, it finally made its first retail appearance on October 26, 2012.[7]

Windows 8 introduced major changes to the operating system's platform and

Windows Store, and a new keyboard shortcut for screenshots.[9] 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. Additional security features—including built-in antivirus software, integration with Microsoft SmartScreen phishing filtering, and support for Secure Boot on supported devices—were introduced. It was the first Windows version to support ARM architecture under the Windows RT branding. No CPUs without PAE, SSE2 and NX
are supported in this version.

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

OEMs for new PCs.[10]

Microsoft released Windows 8.1 in October 2013, which addressed some aspects of Windows 8 that were criticized by reviewers and early adopters and also incorporated various improvements.[11] Windows 8 was ultimately succeeded by Windows 10 in July 2015. Support for RTM editions of Windows 8 ended on January 12, 2016, and with the exception of Windows Embedded 8 Standard users, all users are required to install the Windows 8.1 update. Mainstream support for the Embedded Standard edition of Windows 8 ended on July 10, 2018, and extended support ended on July 11, 2023.

Development

Early development

Development started in 2009 while Microsoft was finishing work on

application store.[17]

The earliest available build of Windows 8 is build 7700, compiled in January 2010.[18] The build was 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.[citation needed]

In late 2010, an optional 3D desktop user interface for high-end systems named "Wind" was rumored.[19]

Two

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.[23] 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.[24] 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.[citation needed
]

This build also leaked in the x86 architecture as a debug build, with the setup having a slight change – the theme was now Windows Basic in setup, rather than Classic.[citation needed]

Build 8008 was the first build to remove the User Tile. A new wallpaper was introduced and Metro was updated to be more like the final version of Windows 8.[25]

On June 1, 2011, Microsoft unveiled Windows 8's new user interface, as well as additional features at both

Computex Taipei and the D9: All Things Digital conference in California.[26][27]

The "Building Windows 8" blog launched on August 15, 2011, featuring details surrounding Windows 8's features and its development process.[28]

Previews

A screenshot of Windows Developer Preview running on a multi-monitor system, showcasing some features

Microsoft would unveil more Windows 8 features and improvements on the first day of the first

build conference on September 13, 2011.[29] The first public beta build of Windows 8—Windows Developer Preview (build 8102)—was released at the event. A Samsung tablet running the build was also distributed to conference attendees.[citation needed
]

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 (

Expression Blend) for developing Metro-style apps.[30] The Windows Store was also announced during the presentation, but was not available in this build.[31][32] According to Microsoft, there were about 535,000 downloads of the developer preview within the first 12 hours of its release.[33] Originally set to expire on March 11, 2012, in February 2012 the Developer Preview's expiry date was changed to January 15, 2013.[34]

On February 17, 2012, Microsoft unveiled a new logo for Windows 8. Designed by 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.[35]

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.[36][37] Windows president Steven Sinofsky said more than 100,000 changes had been made since the developer version went public.[37] The day after its release, Windows 8 Consumer Preview had been downloaded over one million times.[38] Like the Developer Preview, the Consumer Preview expired on January 15, 2013.[citation needed
]

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.[39] On May 28, 2012, Windows 8 Release Preview (Standard Simplified Chinese x64 edition, not China-specific variant, build 8400) was leaked online on various Chinese and BitTorrent websites.[40] On May 31, 2012, Windows 8 Release Preview was released to the public by Microsoft.[41] Major items in the Release Preview included the addition of Sports, Travel, and News apps, along with an integrated variant of Adobe Flash Player in Internet Explorer.[42] Like the Developer Preview and the Consumer Preview, the release preview expired on January 15, 2013.[citation needed]

Release

Windows 8 launch event at Pier 57 in New York City

On August 1, 2012, Windows 8 (build 9200

MSDN and TechNet customers on August 15 and for retail purchase on October 26, 2012.[citation needed
]

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.

Microsoft began an advertising campaign centered around Windows 8 and its

pop-up stores 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.[56]

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.[57][58] 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.[59][60] Microsoft also announced that it would partner with electronics store chain Best Buy to convert PC departments at locations in the United States and Canada into a Windows-branded store-within-a-store that would showcase Microsoft products, services, and Windows devices.[61][62][63]

New and updated features

New features and functionality in Windows 8 include a faster startup through

near field communication to facilitate sharing and communication between devices.[71]

breadcrumb hierarchy of the address bar in File Explorer.[75]

Blue Screen of Death has been updated with a simpler and modern design with less technical information displayed.[77][78]

Safety and security

New security features in Windows 8 include two new authentication methods tailored towards touchscreens (

system recovery through the new "Refresh" and "Reset" functions,[85] including system recovery from USB drive.[86] Windows 8's first security patches would be released on November 13, 2012; it would contain three fixes deemed "critical" by the company.[87]

Windows 8 supports a feature of the

ARM-based Windows RT devices must have secure boot permanently enabled.[89][90][91]

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

Facebook Connect service changes, Facebook support is disabled in all bundled apps effective June 8, 2015.[95]

blacklist of sites with known compatibility issues instead, allowing Flash to be used with most sites by default.[96] The desktop variant does not contain these limitations.[97]

Windows 8 also incorporates improved support for

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.[98]

Windows Store apps

Snap feature: Xbox Music, alongside Photos snapped into a sidebar to the right side of the screen
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,

People service), while the Photos app can aggregate photos from services such as Facebook and Flickr.[94]

Windows Store apps run within a new set of

binary code compatible. Components may be compiled as Windows Runtime Components, permitting their use by all compatible languages.[101] To ensure stability and security, apps run within a sandboxed environment, and require permissions to use certain other functionalities, such as accessing the Internet or a camera.[102]

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.[100][102] A method to sideload apps from outside Windows Store is available to devices running Windows 8 Enterprise and joined to a 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.[103]

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. 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.[17][104] Following these reports, the terms "Modern UI-style apps",[105] "Windows 8-style apps",[106] 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.[107] An MSDN page explaining the Metro design language uses the term "Modern design" to refer to the language as a whole.[108]

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

Android variant of Firefox. In October 2013, Chrome's app was changed to mimic the desktop environment used by ChromeOS.[109][110][111][112][113][114] Development of the Firefox app for Windows 8 has since been cancelled, citing a lack of user adoption of the beta versions.[115]

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 computers and other touchscreen devices. The new user interface is based on Microsoft's Metro design language and uses a 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".[99] As a form of multi-tasking, apps can be snapped to the side of a screen.[99] Alongside the traditional Control Panel, a new simplified and touch-optimized settings app known as "PC Settings" is used for basic configuration and user settings. It does not include many of the advanced options still accessible from the Control Panel.[116]

A vertical toolbar known as the charms[117] (accessed by swiping from the right edge of a touchscreen, swiping from the right edge of a touchpad, or pointing the cursor at 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.[117][118] 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 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.[119][120] Swiping from the left edge of a touchscreen or clicking in the top-left corner of the screen allows one to switch between apps and Desktop. Pointing the cursor at the top-left corner of the screen and moving down reveals a thumbnail list of active apps.[120] Aside from the removal of the Start button and the replacement of the Aero Glass theme with a flatter and solid-colored design, the desktop interface on Windows 8 is similar to that of Windows 7.[121]

Removed features

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 drives 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.[122]

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.[123]: 74  The subsystem on which these components worked, however, is still available for other software to use.[123]
: 74 

Hardware requirements

PCs

The minimum system requirements for Windows 8 are higher than

better source needed
]

Minimum hardware requirements for Windows 8[126]
Component Minimum Recommended
Processor 1
x64 architecture
Support for PAE, NX and SSE2[127][128]
x64 architecture
Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) support for Hyper-V
Memory (RAM) IA-32 edition: 1 GB
x64 edition: 2 GB
4 GB
Graphics Card
DirectX 9 graphics device
WDDM
1.0 or higher driver
DirectX 10
graphics device
Display screen 1024×768 pixels
Input device
mouse
multi-touch display screen
Hard disk space IA-32 edition: 16 GB
x64 edition: 20 GB
Other UEFI v2.3.1 Errata B with Microsoft Windows Certification Authority in its database
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
Internet connectivity

Microsoft's

Cold Boot Attacks
.

32-bit 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.[130]

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 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.[131][132][133][134] 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 drivers for Windows operating systems other than Windows 10.[135][136] However, in August 2016, Microsoft again extended the Skylake support policy until the end of support for Windows 7 and 8.1 (2020 and 2023, respectively).[137][136]

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.[138][139] 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.[140]

Hardware certification requirements for Windows tablets[141]
Graphics card DirectX 10 graphics device with WDDM 1.2 or higher driver
Storage 10 GB free space, after the out-of-box experience completes
Standard buttons Power, Rotation lock, Windows key, Volume up, Volume down
Screen
Touch screen supporting a minimum of 5-point digitizers and resolution of at least 1024×768. The physical dimensions of the display panel must match the aspect ratio of the native resolution, which can be greater than 1024 (horizontally) and 768 (vertically). Minimum native color depth is 32-bits. If the display resolution is below 1366×768, disclaimers must be included in documentation to notify users that the Snap function is not available.[140]
Camera Minimum 720p
Accelerometer 3 axes with data rates at or above 50 Hz
USB 2.0
At least one controller and exposed port.
Connect
Bluetooth 4.0 + LE (low energy)
Other .

If a mobile broadband device is integrated into a tablet or convertible system, then an

near field communication need to have visual marks to help users locate and use the proximity technology. The new interrupt button combination, to replace Ctrl + Alt + Del
, is Windows Key + Power.

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 2.0 chips.[142][143]

Editions

Windows 8 is available in three different editions—Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows 8 Enterprise—were sold at retail in most countries, with Windows 8, the most basic, being pre-loaded on new computers. Each edition of Windows 8 includes all of the capabilities and features of the edition preceding it, and add additional features oriented towards their market segments. For example, Pro added

ARM architecture, Windows RT, is marketed as an edition of Windows 8, but was only included as pre-loaded software on devices specifically developed for it.[146]

Windows 8 was distributed as a retail box product on DVD, and through a digital download that could be converted into DVD or 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.[147][148] 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.[149] Several PC manufacturers offered 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 (in Europe on selected Ultrabook models).[150][151] During these promotions, the Windows Media Center add-on for Windows 8 Pro was also offered for free.[144]

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 computers.[152][153][154]

Retail distribution of Windows 8 has since been discontinued in favor of

Bing search engine.[156]

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.

x86 2nd generation, first conceived in 1978. Microsoft started moving away from this architecture after Windows 95.[158]
)

The 64-bit variant runs on CPUs compatible with the

64-bit programs. 32-bit programs and operating system are restricted to supporting only 4 gigabytes of memory, while 64-bit systems can theoretically support 2048 gigabytes of memory.[160] 64-bit operating systems require a different set of device drivers than those of 32-bit operating systems.[160]

Windows RT, the only edition of Windows 8 for systems with

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.[161] Windows Store apps can either support both the x86 and ARM architectures, or can be compiled to support another specific architecture.[162]

Support for IE10 on

ended on January 31, 2020.

Reception

Windows 8 ultrabooks device showcase in a Microsoft Store in Toronto

Pre-release

Following the unveiling of Windows 8, Microsoft faced criticism (particularly from

ARM devices (Windows RT) would be required to have secure boot permanently enabled, with no way for users to disable it. However, Tom Warren of The Verge noted that other vendors have implemented similar hardware restrictions on their own ARM-based tablet and smartphone products (including those running Microsoft's own Windows Phone platform), but still argued that Microsoft should "keep a consistent approach across ARM and x86, though, not least because of the number of users who'd love to run Android alongside Windows 8 on their future tablets."[90][91][167] No mandate was given regarding the installation of third-party certificates that would enable running alternative programs.[168][169][170]

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 PC as an open platform. Markus "Notch" Persson (creator of the indie game Minecraft),[171] Gabe Newell (co-founder of Valve and developer of software distribution platform Steam),[172] and Rob Pardo from Activision Blizzard voiced concern about the closed nature of the Windows Store.[173] However, Tom Warren of The Verge stated that Microsoft's addition of the Store was simply responding to the success of both Apple and Google in pursuing the "curated application store approach."[174]

Critical reception

Reviews of the various editions of Windows 8 were mixed to negative. Tom Warren of

PC Magazine condemned the Metro-style user interface.[177] 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.[174] 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's model of a closed distribution platform when implementing the Windows Store.[178]

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

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."[179]

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".[180]

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) reported a decline in Microsoft's customer satisfaction, the lowest it has been since Windows Vista.[181]

Market share and sales

Microsoft says that about 4 million users upgraded to Windows 8 over the weekend after its release,[182][183] which CNET says was well below Microsoft's internal projections and was described inside the company as disappointing.[184]

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.[185]

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.

IDC reported an overall drop in PC sales for the quarter, and said the drop may have been partly due to consumer reluctance to embrace the new features of the OS and poor support from OEM for these features.[188] This capped the first year of declining PC sales to the Asia Pacific region, as consumers bought more mobile devices than Windows PCs.[189]

Windows 8 surpassed

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.[191] Strategy Analytics also noted "a shortage of top tier apps" for Windows tablets despite Microsoft strategy of paying developers to create apps for the operating system (in addition to those for Windows Phone).[191]

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.[140] 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.[192] This statistic includes shipments to channel warehouses which now need to be sold in order to make way for new shipments.[193]

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.[194][195]

In February 2014,

Bing. Some media outlets falsely reported that the SKU associated with this plan, "Windows 8.1 with Bing", was a variant which would be a free or low-cost variant of Windows 8 for consumers using older versions of Windows.[198] On April 2, 2014, Microsoft ultimately announced that it would be removing license fees entirely for devices with screens smaller than 9 inches,[199] and officially confirmed the rumored "Windows 8.1 with Bing" OEM SKU on May 23, 2014.[156]

Based on information gathered by Net Applications, the market share of Windows 8 had consistently dropped below the 1% mark by June 2022.[200]

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 surveillance by the United States government due to its heavy use of Internet-based services.[201][202][203][204]

In June 2014, state broadcaster

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 backdoors in its products and services, and that it had never concealed government requests for client data.[205][206][207]

Windows 8.1

A feature update to Windows 8, known as

MSDN Plus and TechNet Plus were initially unable to obtain the RTM version upon its release; a spokesperson said the policy was changed to allow Microsoft to work with OEMs "to ensure a quality experience at general availability."[214][215] However, after criticism, Microsoft reversed its decision and released the RTM build on MSDN and TechNet on September 9, 2013.[216]

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

NFC printing, and Wi-Fi Direct.[222]

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.[223] Nonetheless, Microsoft's support lifecycle policy treats Windows 8.1 similarly, to previous Windows service packs: With the exception of Windows Embedded 8 Standard users, upgrading to 8.1 has been required to maintain access to mainstream support and updates after January 12, 2016.[4][224][225] Although Windows 8 RTM is unsupported, Microsoft released an emergency security patch in May 2017 for Windows 8 RTM, as well as other unsupported versions of Windows (including Windows XP and Windows Server 2003), to address a vulnerability that was being leveraged by the WannaCry ransomware attack.[226][227] Updates to apps published on Windows Store after July 1, 2019, are no longer available to Windows 8 RTM users.[228]

Retail and OEM installations of Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and

Windows Store, free of charge. However, 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.[229][230][231][232]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Shared Source Initiative". microsoft.com. Microsoft. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  2. ^ Windows 8 has reached the RM milestone Archived September 19, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. August 1, 2012
  3. ^ "Windows reimagined. #Windows8". Blogging Windows. Archived from the original on October 27, 2012.
  4. ^ a b "Microsoft Support Lifecycle, Windows 8". Microsoft. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  5. ^ a b "Product lifecycle Windows 8 Embedded". support.microsoft.com. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  6. ^ a b Rodgers, Evan (June 26, 2013). "Windows 8.1: a first look at what Microsoft is changing". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved August 6, 2013.
  7. CBS Interactive
    . July 18, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2012.
  8. ^ a b "Windows Reimagined". All Things Digital. Dow Jones & Company. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  9. ^ Paul, Ian. "How to Take Screenshots in Windows 10, 8, and 7". Lifewire. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  10. CBS Interactive
    . Retrieved March 24, 2013.
  11. ^ Waters, Richard (May 7, 2013). "Microsoft prepares rethink on Windows 8 flagship software". Financial Times.
  12. ^ "Steven Sinofsky, Tami Reller, Julie Larson-Green, Antoine Leblond, and Michael Angiulo: Windows 8 Consumer Preview". News Center. Microsoft. February 29, 2012. Archived from the original on February 6, 2013. Retrieved April 27, 2012.
  13. ^ "Microsoft confirms ARM support is coming in Windows, will play nice with SoCs too". Engadget. January 5, 2011. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
  14. CBS Interactive
    . Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  15. ^ "Microsoft Announces Support of System on a Chip Architectures From Intel, AMD, and ARM for Next Version of Windows" (Press release). Microsoft. January 5, 2011. Archived from the original on April 7, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2011.
  16. ^ Rosoff, Matt (January 5, 2011). "OK, So Windows Is Coming To ARM Tablets...Someday (MSFT)". San Francisco Chronicle. Hearst Communications. Business Insider. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved January 5, 2011.
  17. ^
    CBS Interactive
    . Retrieved March 30, 2013.
  18. ^ "Windows 7 post RTM build 7700 spotted". Neowin. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  19. ^ ""Wind": Windows 8 mit neuer 3D-Oberfläche?". winfuture.de (in German). December 9, 2010. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  20. ^ Sams, Brad (April 12, 2012). "Windows 8 Build 7850 has leaked". Neowin. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
  21. ^ Asad, Taimur (April 12, 2011). "Windows 8 Build 7850 M1 Has Been Leaked". Redmond Pie. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
  22. CBS Interactive
    . Retrieved December 28, 2012.
  23. ^ Warren, Tom (April 27, 2012). "Windows 8 Milestone 3 build 7989 leaks". Winrumors. Archived from the original on November 1, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
  24. ^ "Redlock". BetaWiki. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  25. ^ "Windows 8 build 8008". BetaWiki. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  26. ^ "Live from Microsoft's Windows 8 preview event at Computex 2011". Engadget. AOL. June 1, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  27. ^ "Previewing 'Windows 8'" (Press release). Microsoft. June 1, 2011. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  28. ^ Sinofsky, Steven (August 15, 2011). "Welcome to Building Windows 8 Blogs". Microsoft. Retrieved September 8, 2011.
  29. ^ "Windows 8 Developer Preview Guide" (PDF). Microsoft. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 7, 2011. Retrieved September 16, 2011.
  30. ^ "Home—BUILD". Microsoft. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  31. Ziff Davis, LLC
    . Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  32. ^ "Microsoft releases Windows 8 Developer Preview, announces Windows Store (update: it's out early!)". The Verge. September 13, 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  33. ^ Melanson, Donald (September 14, 2011). "Steve Ballmer touts 500,000 Windows 8 downloads in less than 12 hours". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved September 16, 2011.
  34. ^ "An update that postpones the expiration date of Windows 8 Developer Preview and Windows 8 Server Developer Preview is available". Microsoft. February 16, 2012. Archived from the original on April 20, 2012. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  35. ^ "Redesigning the Windows Logo". February 17, 2012. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
  36. ^ "Microsoft's Chaitanya Sareen gets candid on the evolution of Windows 8". CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  37. ^ a b "Windows 8: Microsoft unveils consumer preview". BBC. February 29, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  38. ^ Heater, Brian (March 1, 2012). "Windows 8 Consumer Preview hits one million downloads in a day". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved March 4, 2012.
  39. CBS Interactive
    . Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  40. ^ Warren, Tom (May 29, 2012). "Windows 8 Release Preview leaks out ahead of official debut". The Verge. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  41. ^ Warren, Tom (May 31, 2012). "Windows 8 Release Preview now available to download". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved October 27, 2012.
  42. ^ LeBlanc, Brandon (May 31, 2012). "The Windows 8 Release Preview & Windows Upgrade Offer". Windows Experience Blog. Microsoft. Archived from the original on October 11, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  43. ^ Warren, Tom (August 1, 2012). "Microsoft completes Windows 8 development, announces release to manufacturing". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved August 5, 2012.
  44. ^ "Windows 8 has reached the RTM milestone". Microsoft. August 1, 2012. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  45. CBS Interactive
    . Retrieved September 17, 2012.
  46. ^ "Windows 8 will be available on…". Microsoft. July 18, 2012. Archived from the original on September 19, 2012. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
  47. IDG. Archived from the original
    on August 5, 2012. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  48. ^ Crothers, Brooke (August 2, 2012). "Windows 8 final version allegedly leaks out already". CNET. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  49. ^ Warren, Tom (August 15, 2012). "Windows 8 now available to download for MSDN and TechNet subscribers". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  50. ^ Rose, Stephen (August 16, 2012). "Windows 8 Is Ready For Your Enterprise". Springboard Series Blog. Microsoft. Archived from the original on August 18, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  51. ^ Stott, Lee (August 18, 2012). "Visual Studio 2012 and Windows on DreamSpark". Microsoft UK Faculty Connection. Microsoft. Retrieved August 24, 2012.
  52. CBS Interactive
    . Retrieved August 27, 2012.
  53. Condé Nast Digital
    . Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  54. ^ Thurrott, Paul (October 10, 2012). "Windows 8 App Update: Mail, Calendar, People And Messaging". Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows. Penton. Archived from the original on October 12, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  55. ^ Einstein, Dave (October 11, 2012). "Microsoft Betting BIG on Cloud with Windows 8 and Tablets". Forbes. Retrieved October 27, 2012.
  56. Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company
    . October 22, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  57. ^ "Microsoft recruits Siri to bad-mouth the iPad in new Windows 8 tablet ad". The Verge. Vox Media. May 22, 2013. Retrieved October 26, 2013.
  58. ^ "Microsoft turns Siri against Apple in hilarious new Windows 8 ad". PC World. IDG. Retrieved October 26, 2013.
  59. ^ "First Windows 8.1 ad features the return of the Start button". The Verge. Vox Media. September 29, 2013. Retrieved November 3, 2013.
  60. CBS Interactive
    . Retrieved November 3, 2013.
  61. ^ "Why the grim reaper of retail hasn't come to claim Best Buy". Los Angeles Times. July 17, 2017. Archived from the original on July 28, 2017. Retrieved July 28, 2017.
  62. ^ Keizer, Gregg (June 13, 2013). "Microsoft seizes floor space in Best Buy for Windows mega mini-stores". Computerworld. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  63. ^ Warren, Tom (June 13, 2013). "Microsoft and Best Buy team up to create a 'Windows Store' inside 600 retail locations". The Verge. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  64. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original
    on October 17, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2012.
  65. ^ Thurrott, Paul. "Windows 8 Secrets: Welcome Screen". SuperSite for Windows. Archived from the original on April 10, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
  66. ^ Mackie, Kurt (September 16, 2011). "Windows 8 Will Run on Thumb Drive". Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine. 1105 Media. Retrieved January 27, 2012.
  67. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original
    on October 6, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2012.
  68. ^ "Building robust USB 3.0 support". Microsoft. August 22, 2011.
  69. CBS Interactive. August 2011. Archived from the original
    on September 26, 2011. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  70. ^ "Advanced format (4K) disk compatibility update (Windows)". Microsoft. November 28, 2012. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  71. ^ "Windows 8 spurs new touchscreen hybrid PC designs". BBC News Online. BBC. August 30, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  72. ^ Paul, Iam. "Microsoft Overhauls Windows Explorer in Windows 8". PC World. IDG. Retrieved February 10, 2012.
  73. ^ Anthony, Sebastian (July 11, 2012). "Using File History, Windows 8's built-in backup tool". ExtremeTech. Ziff Davis Media. Retrieved September 4, 2012.
  74. ^ Sinofsky, Steven. "Virtualizing storage for scale, resiliency, and efficiency". Microsoft.
  75. ^ Amobi, Onuora (April 28, 2011). "Windows 8 drag and drop icons into breadcrumb links". Eye on Windows. Nnigma Inc. Archived from the original on December 27, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2016.
  76. ^ "The Windows 8 Task Manager". Microsoft. October 13, 2011.
  77. ^ Kooser, Amanda (September 16, 2011). "Windows 8 Blue Screen of Death gets sad face :(". CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  78. ^ O'Brien, Terrence (September 14, 2011). "Windows 8 BSoD ditches confusing error codes for uninformative frowny face". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  79. ^ Goodin, Dan (October 18, 2012). "Experts: Windows 8 features make account passwords easier to steal". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
  80. IDG
    . June 4, 2012. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
  81. ^ Tung, Liam. "Win8 SmartScreen nudges software sellers to buy code signing certs". CSO. IDG. Archived from the original on November 2, 2013. Retrieved September 12, 2012.
  82. ^ "Keeping your family safer with Windows 8". Microsoft. May 14, 2012. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  83. ^ "Windows 8 'Family Safety' feature chaperones underage users through the World Wild Web". Engadget. AOL. May 14, 2012. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  84. ^ "Microsoft: Win8 Simplifies, Improves Parental Monitoring of Kids Computer Activities". PC World. IDG. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  85. Conde Nast
    . September 18, 2011. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
  86. CBS Interactive
    . Retrieved April 12, 2013.
  87. ^ Mello, John P. (November 10, 2012). "Windows 8 security patches to be released". PC World. IDG. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
  88. MSDN. Microsoft
    . December 21, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  89. ^ a b Mangefeste, Tony (September 22, 2011). "Protecting the pre-OS environment with UEFI". Building Windows 8. Archived from the original on August 2, 2012. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
  90. ^ a b Warren, Tom (January 16, 2012). "Windows 8 ARM devices won't have the option to switch off Secure Boot". The Verge. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  91. ^
    Wired.com
    . Condé Nast. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  92. ^ "Windows 8 and the Cloud: SkyDrive". PC Magazine. Ziff Davis Media. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  93. ^ Case, Loyd (August 15, 2012). "Test Driving Windows 8 RTM". PC World. IDG. Archived from the original on September 15, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  94. ^ a b "Windows 8 review". Pocket Lint. August 29, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  95. ^ "Facebook Connect is no longer available". Microsoft. Retrieved June 8, 2015.
  96. ^ Mauceri, Rob (March 11, 2013). "Flash in Windows 8". IEBlog. Microsoft. Retrieved March 24, 2013.
  97. ^ Hachamovitch, Dean (May 31, 2012). "Windows Release Preview: The Sixth IE10 Platform Preview". Microsoft. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
  98. ^ "Engineering Windows 8 for mobile networks". Building Windows 8. Microsoft. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  99. ^ a b c d e Miller, Michael. "Build: More Details On Building Windows 8 Metro Apps". PC Magazine. Retrieved February 10, 2012.
  100. ^ a b Rosoff, Matt. "Here's Everything You Wanted To Know About Microsoft's Upcoming iPad Killers". Business Insider. Archived from the original on January 22, 2013. Retrieved February 10, 2012.
  101. ^ "Using the Windows Runtime in JavaScript". Microsoft Developer Network. Microsoft. Archived from the original on June 5, 2013. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  102. ^ a b "Microsoft talks Windows Store features, Metro app sandboxing for Windows 8 developers". The Verge. Vox Media. May 17, 2012. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  103. ^ "How to Add and Remove Apps". TechNet. Microsoft. May 31, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2012. 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.
  104. ^ "Microsoft advises developers to stop using 'Metro' name in apps following possible trademark dispute". The Verge. Vox Media. August 2, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  105. ^ "Microsoft now using 'Modern UI Style' to refer to Windows 8 'Metro Style' apps". August 10, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
  106. ^ "Windows 8: The Metro Mess". PC Magazine. Archived from the original on September 19, 2012. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  107. ^ "Microsoft finally comes clean(er) on post-Metro naming plans". ZDNet. CBS Interactive. Retrieved September 13, 2012.
  108. ^ "Modern design". MSDN. Microsoft. Retrieved December 28, 2013.
  109. ^ "Windows 8 browsers: the only Metro apps to get desktop power". TechRadar. Future Publishing. March 27, 2012. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  110. ^ Newman, Jared (June 12, 2012). "Google Chrome Gets Early Metro-Style App for Windows 8". PCWorld. IDG. Archived from the original on September 9, 2012. Retrieved June 13, 2012.
  111. IDG
    . October 8, 2012. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  112. ^ "Developing a new experience enabled desktop browser". Microsoft. October 22, 2012. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  113. ^ "Firefox for Windows 8 enters Aurora channel with touch and gesture support". Engadget. September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
  114. ^ "Google is building Chrome OS straight into Windows 8". The Verge. October 5, 2013. Retrieved October 5, 2013.
  115. ^ Nightingale, Johnathan (March 14, 2014). "Update on Metro". Firefox Future Releases Blog. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
  116. ^ "Windows Blue: a video preview of what's next for Windows 8". The Verge. Vox Media. March 25, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  117. ^ a b "Charms: Search, share, start, devices, and settings". Microsoft Surface documentation. Microsoft. Archived from the original on September 30, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
  118. ^ Otey, Michael. "Top 10: Windows 8 Keyboard and Mouse Survival Guide". Windows IT Pro. Penton. Archived from the original on September 2, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
  119. ^ "Windows 8: Farewell Start button?". The New Zealand Herald. February 10, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2012.
  120. ^ a b "A Guide to Getting Around the Windows 8 Beta With a Mouse". PC World. March 2012. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  121. ^ "RIP Aero Glass; Windows 8 Sticks a Fork in Familiar UI". PC Magazine. May 19, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  122. PC Magazine. Ziff Davis
    . Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  123. ^ a b c "Windows and Windows Server Developer Preview Compatibility Cookbook". Microsoft. March 27, 2012. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  124. ^ "Upgrade to Windows 8". Microsoft. Retrieved October 25, 2012.
  125. ^ "Windows 8 Secrets: PC and Device Requirements". Withinwindows.com. January 16, 2012. Archived from the original on May 2, 2012. Retrieved April 22, 2012.
  126. ^ "Windows 8 system requirements". Windows Help. Microsoft. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
  127. ^ "PAE/NX/SSE2 Support Requirement Guide for Windows 8". Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  128. ^ "What is PAE, NX, and SSE2 and why does my PC need to support them to run Windows 8?". Windows Help. Microsoft. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
  129. ^ "Introduction to Connected Standby". Microsoft. September 28, 2012.
  130. MSDN. Microsoft
    . Physical Memory Limits: Windows 8.
  131. ^ "Skylake users given 18 months to upgrade to Windows 10". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. January 16, 2016. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
  132. CBS Interactive
    . Retrieved January 16, 2016.
  133. ^ "Skylake support on Windows 7 and 8.1 given a one-year extension". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. March 18, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2016.
  134. IDG
    . March 18, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2016.
  135. ^ "AMD: Sorry, there will be no official Ryzen drivers for Windows 7". PC World. IDG. February 8, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
  136. ^ a b Jo Foley, Mary (August 11, 2016). "Microsoft extends again support for Windows 7, 8.1 Skylake-based devices". Retrieved May 9, 2017.
  137. ^ Larsen, Shad (August 11, 2016). "Updates to Silicon Support Policy for Windows". Windows. Archived from the original on April 25, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
  138. ^ Crothers, Brooke (January 17, 2012). "Microsoft lays out Window 8 tablet hardware requirements". Nanotech. CNET News. Archived from the original on August 31, 2012. Retrieved April 22, 2012.
  139. ^ Newman, Jared (January 27, 2012). "Windows 8 Tablet Requirements Revealed". PCWorld. Retrieved April 22, 2012.
  140. ^ a b c "New Windows 8 hardware specs hint at 7-inch tablets and a Microsoft Reader". ZDNet. Retrieved March 29, 2013.
  141. MSDN. Microsoft
    . Retrieved April 22, 2012.
  142. ^ Lee, Nicole (July 12, 2013). "Microsoft sets new hardware certification requirements for Windows 8.1". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on July 15, 2013. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  143. ^ "New Bluetooth, audio, TPM requirements coming for Windows 8 devices". ZDNet. CBS Interactive. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  144. ^ a b c McDougall, Paul (July 3, 2012). "Microsoft Reveals Windows 8 Upgrade Price". InformationWeek. Archived from the original on July 5, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
  145. ^ "Windows 8 Secrets, Beyond the Book: Guide to Product Editions". Supersite for Windows. Penton. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  146. ^ a b c "Announcing the Windows 8 Editions". Microsoft. April 16, 2012. Archived from the original on August 2, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2012.
  147. ^ LeBlanc, Brandon (July 2, 2012). "Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99". The Windows Blog. Microsoft. Retrieved July 29, 2012.
  148. IDG
    . Retrieved July 4, 2012.
  149. ^ Thurrott, Paul (May 14, 2012). "Windows 8 Pro PC Upgrade Cost Is Just $15". Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows. Penton. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
  150. ^ "Acer Offering Free Windows 8 Pro Upgrades for Ultrabook Buyers". PC Magazine. Retrieved September 18, 2012.
  151. ^ "HP offering Windows 8 upgrade refund on select PCs". TechSpot. August 27, 2012. Retrieved September 18, 2012.
  152. ^ a b Bott, Ed (October 4, 2013). "Everything you need to know about your Windows 8.1 upgrade options". ZDNet. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  153. ^ Moses, Asher (November 28, 2012). "Windows 8 upgrade boxes 'mislead' customers". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
  154. ^ Whitney, Lance. "Windows 8 moves to BIOS-based product keys". CNET. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
  155. ^ a b "Pricing and Packaging for Windows 8.1". Blogging Windows. Microsoft. Archived from the original on September 20, 2013. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  156. ^ a b "Helping our hardware partners build lower cost Windows devices". Windows Experience Blog. Microsoft. Archived from the original on May 23, 2014. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
  157. ^ "Windows 8 Pro Retail Box". Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows. Archived from the original on September 13, 2013. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  158. ^ a b Callaham, John (May 16, 2012). "Microsoft: Windows 8 32-bit can still run 16-bit apps". Neowin.net. Neowin. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  159. ^ "Windows 8 will run 16-bit apps, says Microsoft". WinBeta. May 16, 2012. Archived from the original on February 28, 2013. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  160. ^ a b "32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions". Windows Support portal. Microsoft. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  161. ^ "Building Windows for the ARM processor architecture". Microsoft. February 9, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2012.
  162. ^ "Welcome to Windows 8—The Developer Preview". Microsoft. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
  163. ^ "Nearly 370M IE users have just 6 weeks to upgrade". Computerworld. IDG. December 2015. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  164. ^ "Lifecycle FAQ - Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge". docs.microsoft.com.
  165. ^ "Internet Explorer Support Lifecycle Policy FAQ". Microsoft Lifecycle Support Website. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  166. ^ Noyes, Katherine (January 18, 2012). "Windows 8 Secure Boot: The Controversy Continues". PCWorld. IDG. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  167. ^ Brodkin, Jon (January 16, 2012). "Microsoft mandating Secure Boot on ARM, making Linux installs difficult". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  168. IDG
    .
  169. IDG. January 13, 2012. Archived from the original
    on May 18, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2012.
  170. IDG
    . Retrieved January 27, 2012.
  171. ^ "Minecraft creator attacks Microsoft's Windows 8 plan". BBC News. BBC. September 28, 2012. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
  172. ^ "Valve's Gabe Newell on the Future of Games, Wearable Computers, Windows 8 and More". All Things D. Dow Jones & Company. Retrieved October 27, 2012.
  173. ^ "Blizzard's Rob Pardo: Windows 8 is "not awesome" for the company". Neowin. Neowin, LLC. Retrieved October 27, 2012.
  174. ^ a b c d Warren, Tom (October 23, 2012). "Windows 8 review". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  175. ^ Pierce, David (August 16, 2012). "This is my next: Windows 8". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
  176. ^ Cardinal, David (October 14, 2011). "Windows 8: Is Microsoft flailing?". Extremetech. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
  177. ^ Dvorak, John (September 15, 2011). "Microsoft Stops, Drops, and Rolls with Metro". Retrieved April 17, 2013.
  178. ^ a b Bright, Peter (October 25, 2012). "Windows, reimagined: A review of Windows 8". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  179. CBS Interactive
    . Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  180. CBS Interactive
    . Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  181. ^ "The American Customer Satisfaction Index". The American Customer Satisfaction Index.
  182. ^ Vormack, Lindsay (October 31, 2012). "Microsoft confirms 4 million Windows 8 upgrades over opening weekend". IT PRO. Dennis Publishing. Retrieved October 31, 2012.
  183. CBS Interactive
    . Retrieved October 31, 2012.
  184. CBS Interactive
    . Retrieved November 19, 2012.
  185. ^ LeBlanc, Brandon (November 27, 2012). "Windows 8—40 Million Licenses Sold". Blogging Windows. Microsoft. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  186. PC Magazine. Ziff Davis
    . Retrieved December 4, 2012.
  187. ^ Wingfield, Nick (December 23, 2012). "Windows 8 Sales Disappoint in Shaky PC Market". The New York Times. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
  188. ^ Greene, Tim (January 11, 2013). "Windows 8 Update: IDC blames bad quarter for PC sales on Windows 8". Network World. IDG. Archived from the original on April 4, 2013. Retrieved March 24, 2013.
  189. ^ Muncaster, Phil (January 23, 2013). "APAC PC shipments FALL for first time ever in 2012". The Register. Situation Publishing. Retrieved March 24, 2013.
  190. Quinstreet
    . Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  191. ^ a b Lomas, Natasha (April 25, 2013). "Windows 8 Wins 7.4% Share of Global Tablet OS Market in Q1 – "Niche" Portion Still Beats Windows Phone's Smartphone Share". TechCrunch. AOL. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  192. ^ Windows 8 hits 100 million sales, tweaks for mini-tablets in works Archived July 19, 2021, at the Wayback Machine, Reuters, May 7, 2013
  193. ^ "Windows 8 hype has hurt PC makers and distributors – Gartner". Channel Register. June 25, 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2013.
  194. ^ "HP brings back Windows 7 'by popular demand'". The Verge. January 20, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  195. ^ "Ouch: HP brings Windows 7 'back by popular demand'". PC World. IDG. January 20, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  196. ^ "Microsoft announces 'spring' update for Windows 8.1". The Verge. Vox Media. February 23, 2014. Retrieved February 23, 2014.
  197. ^ "Microsoft combats Chromebooks by cutting Windows licensing fees by 70 percent". The Verge. February 21, 2014. Retrieved February 23, 2014.
  198. ^ "Leaked help files reveal details on Windows 8.1 Update, and Windows 8.1 with Bing". BetaNews. March 6, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  199. ^ "Microsoft making Windows free on devices with screens under 9 inches". The Verge. April 2, 2014. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  200. ^ "Desktop Windows Version Market Share Worldwide". StatCounter Global Stats. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  201. ^ Carsten, Paul (May 20, 2014). Crosse, G; Cushing, Christopher (eds.). "China bans use of Microsoft's Windows 8 on government computers". Reuters. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
  202. ^ Ward, Mark (March 5, 2014). "XP – the operating system that will not die". BBC News. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  203. ^ Ramzy, Austin (March 9, 2014). "China Warns of Risks in Plan to Retire Windows XP". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 31, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
  204. PCWorld. IDG. Archived
    from the original on July 24, 2021.
  205. from the original on June 9, 2014. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  206. ^ "Apple, Microsoft Targets of Chinese Media in U.S. Spat". Bloomberg News. June 5, 2014. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  207. ComputerWeekly. TechTarget
    . Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  208. ^ Shaw, Frank X. (March 26, 2013). "Looking Back and Springing Ahead". The Official Microsoft Blog: News & Perspectives. Microsoft. Archived from the original on July 2, 2013. Retrieved July 17, 2013.
  209. ^ LeBlanc, Brandon (May 14, 2013). "Windows Keeps Getting Better". Blogging Windows. Microsoft. Archived from the original on May 15, 2013. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  210. ^ "Microsoft releases Windows 8.1 Enterprise preview with VDI, Windows to Go support". PC World. Retrieved August 6, 2013.
  211. ^ Thurrott, Paul (June 26, 2013). "Download and Install the Windows 8.1 Preview". Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows. Penton. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  212. ^ LeBlanc, Brandon. "Mark your calendars for Windows 8.1!". Blogging Windows. Microsoft. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
  213. Time Warner
    . August 14, 2013. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
  214. Ziff Davis Media
    . Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  215. ^ Wilhelm, Alex (February 16, 2011). "Windows 7 SP1 RTM is out for MSDN and TechNet customers". TheNextWeb.com. The Next Web. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  216. ^ "Windows 8.1 now available on MSDN and TechNet following developer complaints". The Verge. Vox Media. September 9, 2013. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  217. ^ "Windows 8.1 review: The great compromise". PC World. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
  218. ^ "Hands-On with Windows 8.1: New Utility Apps". Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
  219. Penton. Archived from the original
    on June 20, 2013. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
  220. ^ "Windows 8.1 to support 3D printing through native API". Engadget. June 26, 2013. Retrieved August 6, 2013.
  221. ^ "3D Printing Support in Windows 8.1 Explained". Extreme Windows. Microsoft. Archived from the original on August 22, 2013. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  222. ^ "Modern Business in Mind: Windows 8.1 at TechEd 2013". Windows for your business. Microsoft. June 3, 2013. Archived from the original on June 3, 2013. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  223. ^ "When is a Windows update not an update? When it's an upgrade". Computerworld. August 2, 2013. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  224. IDG
    . July 30, 2013. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
  225. ^ Singh, Manish (January 12, 2016). "Microsoft Ends Support for Windows 8 on Tuesday". Gadgets 360. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  226. ^ "Microsoft issues 'highly unusual' Windows XP patch to prevent massive ransomware attack". The Verge. Vox Media. May 13, 2017. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  227. ^ "Customer Guidance for WannaCrypt attacks". Microsoft. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  228. ^ Popa, Bogdan (April 19, 2019). "Microsoft Kills Off Windows 8 App Updates Earlier than Anticipated". softpedia. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
  229. IDG
    . October 18, 2013. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  230. ^ "Why can't I find the update in the Store?". Windows portal. Microsoft. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  231. ^ "Windows 8.1 Upgrade Woes". Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows. Archived from the original on October 18, 2013. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  232. ^ "Windows 8.1 Tip: Upgrade from Windows 8 Enterprise". Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved October 21, 2013.

Further reading