The release of .NET Framework 4.5.1 was announced on 17 October 2013 along Visual Studio 2013. Open Personalization from the Desktop context menu and choose "release preview theme". The build was released for download later that day in standard 32-bit and 64-bit variants, plus a special 64-bit variant which included SDKs and developer tools (Visual Studio Express and Expression Blend) for developing Metro-style apps. With the Release Preview of Windows 8 finished, Microsoft began work on the final release. It was dropped in build 8432 and seen for two builds after 8423. Microsoft offers four main versions of Windows 8, but you’ll probably want only one: the aptly titled “Windows 8” version. Windows 8 development started before Windows 7 had shipped[1] in 2009. Microsoft stopped providing support and updates for Windows 8 RTM since January 12, 2016, and Windows 8.1 must be installed to maintain support and receive further updates per Microsoft lifecycle policies regarding service packs. [51] Windows 8 was made available to Software Assurance customers on August 16, 2012. [98] 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. [155], 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. This requires an 8.1 specific product key. [20] However, only a day after its release to manufacturing, a copy of the final version of Windows 8 Enterprise N (produced for European markets) leaked to the web and several days later there were Professional and Enterprise leaks both x86 and x64. Other sections of Windows, for example the Task Manager, were redesigned. [11] Support for IE10 on Windows Server 2012[12][13] and Windows Embedded 8 Standard[14] ended on January 31, 2020. File Size: 1.1 MB. [157]), The 64-bit variant runs on CPUs compatible with x86 8th generation (known as x86-64, or x64) or newer, and can run 32-bit and 64-bit programs. Market share had fallen to 1.06% by October 2020. applications, background processes and Windows processes), friendly names for processes and a new option which allows users to search the web to find information about obscure processes. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. Some Microsoft developed apps were also changed slightly.[26]. "[88][162] Microsoft's certification guidelines for Windows 8 ultimately revealed that vendors would be required to provide means for users to re-configure or disable secure boot in their device's UEFI firmware. It also worked on the Developer Preview. [6], A screenshot of Windows 8 Developer Preview running on a multi-monitor system, showcasing many features. The "System Builder" SKU replaced the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) SKU, which was only allowed to be used 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. [187], 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. The boot screen was not new to this build though - it came from build 7973, a slightly earlier build. 32-bit SKUs of Windows 8 only support a maximum of 4 GB of RAM. [55][56], Microsoft began an advertising campaign centered around Windows 8 and its Surface tablet in October 2012, starting with its first television advertisement premiering on October 14, 2012. [1] Beginning in Windows 8, Microsoft began releasing regular, major updates to Windows 8. Judging by the previews of the soon to be released Microsoft Windows 10 that is offered as a free upgrade to current Windows 8.1 users, the integrated design of the tiles in the return of the smart menu is much needed and appreciated. [61][62], New features and functionality in Windows 8 include a faster startup through UEFI integration and the new "Hybrid Boot" mode (which hibernates the Windows kernel on shutdown to speed up the subsequent boot),[63] a new lock screen with a clock and notifications,[64] and the ability for enterprise users to create live USB variants of Windows (known as Windows To Go). Four editions are available: Normal, Professional, RT and Enterprise. [143], Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 was distributed at retail in "Upgrade" licenses only, which require an existing version of Windows to install. 64-bit SKUs, however support more: Windows 8 x64 supports 128 GB while Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise x64 support 512 GB. It also had the text Welcome below them, although this was also scrapped. Windows 7 (2009) Preceded by Windows website as of August 26, 2013 If a mobile broadband device is integrated into a tablet or convertible system, then an assisted GPS radio is required. Although reaction towards its performance improvements, security enhancements, and improved support for touchscreen devices was positive, the new user interface of the operating system was widely criticized for being potentially confusing and difficult to learn, especially when used with a keyboard and mouse instead of a touchscreen. Windows 8.1 reached the end of Mainstream Support on January 9, 2018, and will reach end of Extended Support on January 10, 2023. Microsoft had similarly cut the price of Windows XP licenses to compete against the early waves of Linux-based netbooks. A user can now log into Windows with a Microsoft account, which can be used to access services and synchronize applications and settings between devices. [129], In January 2016, Microsoft announced that it would no longer support Windows 8.1 or 7 on devices using Intel's Skylake CPU family effective July 17, 2018, and that all future CPU microarchitectures, as well as Skylake systems after this date, would only be supported on Windows 10. [173] 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. [186] However, intake of Windows 8 still lags behind that of Windows Vista and Windows 7 at the same point in their release cycles. With the general availability of Windows 8.1, customers on Windows 8 had until January 12, 2016, to move to Windows 8.1 to remain supported. 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. Other improvements and features (such as File History, Storage Spaces, and the updated Task Manager) were also regarded as positive changes. Date Published: 12/20/2012. "[89][90][163] No mandate is made regarding the installation of third-party certificates that would enable running alternative programs. [170] Others, such as Adrian Kingsley-Hughes from ZDNet, considered the interface to be "clumsy and impractical" due to its inconsistent design (going as far as considering it "two operating systems unceremoniously bolted together"), and concluded that "Windows 8 wasn't born out of a need or demand; it was born out of a desire on Microsoft's part to exert its will on the PC industry and decide to shape it in a direction—touch and tablets – that allows it to compete against, and remain relevant in the face of Apple's iPad. Exceptions to the restrictions faced by Windows Store apps are given to web browsers. [76][77], New security features in Windows 8 include two new authentication methods tailored towards touchscreens (PINs and picture passwords),[78] the addition of antivirus capabilities to Windows Defender (bringing it in parity with Microsoft Security Essentials). Microsoft Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. PowerShell is Microsoft's strategic task automation platform and a core component of the overall management framework for Windows. Microsoft's Connected Standby specification, which hardware vendors may optionally comply with, sets new power consumption requirements that extend above the above minimum specifications. Additional security features were introduced, such as built-in antivirus software, integration with Microsoft SmartScreen phishing filtering service and support for UEFI Secure Boot on supported devices with UEFI firmware, to prevent malware from infecting the boot process. Build 8195 is largely the same as 8176, although it removes the Start Button from the taskbar. It does not include many of the advanced options still accessible from the normal Control Panel. [159], Windows RT, the only edition of Windows 8 for systems with ARM processors, only supports applications included with the system (such as a special variant of Office 2013), supplied through Windows Update, or Windows Store apps, to ensure that the system only runs applications that are optimized for the architecture. [18] At the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2011, it was announced that the next version of Windows would add support for ARM system-on-chips alongside the existing x86 processors produced by vendors, especially AMD and Intel. [106], On April 16, 2012, Microsoft announced that Windows 8 will be available in four main editions. [42] On May 31, 2012, Windows 8 Release Preview was released to the public by Microsoft. On August 1, 2012, Windows 8 graduated from the development stage and was released to manufacturing. In lieu of full version, a specialized "System Builder" SKU was introduced. [164][165][166], 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. 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. [204][205] Following a presentation devoted to it at Build 2013, a public beta version of the upgrade was released on June 26, 2013. In a post discussing secure boot on the Building Windows 8 blog, Microsoft developer Tony Mangefeste indicated that vendors would provide means to customize secure boot, stating that "At the end of the day, the customer is in control of their PC. ", "Memory Limits for Windows and Windows Server Releases", "Skylake users given 18 months to upgrade to Windows 10", "Microsoft updates support policy: New CPUs will require Windows 10", "Skylake support on Windows 7 and 8.1 given a one-year extension", "Microsoft backtracks on Windows 7 support deadline", "AMD: Sorry, there will be no official Ryzen drivers for Windows 7", "Microsoft extends again support for Windows 7, 8.1 Skylake-based devices", "Updates to Silicon Support Policy for Windows", "Microsoft lays out Window 8 tablet hardware requirements | Nanotech—The Circuits Blog—CNET News", "New Windows 8 hardware specs hint at 7-inch tablets and a Microsoft Reader", "Windows 8 Hardware Certification Requirements", "Microsoft sets new hardware certification requirements for Windows 8.1", "New Bluetooth, audio, TPM requirements coming for Windows 8 devices", "Microsoft Reveals Windows 8 Upgrade Price", "Windows 8 Secrets, Beyond the Book: Guide to Product Editions", "Update: Microsoft confirms $15 Windows 8 upgrade", "Windows 8 Pro PC Upgrade Cost Is Just $15", "Acer Offering Free Windows 8 Pro Upgrades for Ultrabook Buyers", "HP offering Windows 8 upgrade refund on select PCs", "Everything you need to know about your Windows 8.1 upgrade options", "Windows 8 upgrade boxes 'mislead' customers", "Windows 8 moves to BIOS-based product keys", "Helping our hardware partners build lower cost Windows devices", "Microsoft: Windows 8 32-bit can still run 16-bit apps", "Windows 8 will run 16-bit apps, says Microsoft", "32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions", "Building Windows for the ARM processor architecture", "Welcome to Windows 8—The Developer Preview", "Windows 8 Secure Boot: The Controversy Continues", "Microsoft mandating Secure Boot on ARM, making Linux installs difficult", "Is Microsoft Blocking Linux Booting on ARM Hardware? 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