Windows 8

Windows 8

Windows 8 is a personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. It was released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012, and was made generally available on October 26, 2012.

Features

Windows 8 introduced several new features and improvements compared to its predecessor, Windows 7. One of the most notable changes was the introduction of the Metro-style user interface, which featured a new Start screen with live tiles. This interface was designed to be touch-friendly and aimed at providing a consistent user experience across different devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Another significant feature of Windows 8 was the integration of the Windows Store, an online marketplace where users could download and install both free and paid applications. This allowed developers to distribute their software to a wide audience and provided users with a convenient way to discover and install new applications.

Windows 8 also introduced enhanced security features, such as Secure Boot, which helps protect the system against malware and unauthorized software. Additionally, it included improvements in performance and power efficiency, making it more suitable for mobile devices.

Reception

The release of Windows 8 was met with mixed reviews. While some praised the new interface and its touch-friendly features, others criticized the removal of the traditional Start menu and the learning curve associated with the new interface. The lack of compatibility with older software and hardware also drew criticism from some users.

Despite the initial criticism, Windows 8 gained a significant user base, with millions of copies sold within the first few months of its release. Microsoft continued to support and update Windows 8 until January 12, 2016, when mainstream support ended. Extended support for Windows 8 will continue until January 10, 2023.

Legacy

Windows 8 served as a transitional release for Microsoft, bridging the gap between traditional desktop computing and the emerging mobile market. It laid the foundation for future versions of Windows, such as Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, which incorporated user feedback and addressed some of the criticisms of Windows 8.

The Metro-style user interface introduced in Windows 8 also influenced the design of other Microsoft products, such as Windows Phone and Xbox One. The emphasis on touch-friendly interfaces and app ecosystems became a key aspect of Microsoft's strategy in the following years.

See also

• Windows 7
• Windows 8.1
• Windows 10