Windows 8 is a Microsoft operating system for x86 and x64 PCs and tablets, combining a tile-based Start screen with a desktop for conventional Windows software. It supports touch input as well as a mouse and keyboard. The distinction between those two workspaces shapes how applications are opened and managed. Microsoft has ended support for Windows 8.
Start screen
The Start screen gathers application shortcuts into tiles that can also display information from their apps. A live tile can show changing content without requiring the app to occupy the screen. Users can pin applications and websites, arrange related tiles into groups, and choose which items deserve more space.
Semantic Zoom changes the scale of this layout. Zooming out reveals the groups across the Start screen, where they can be named and rearranged. The Start screen’s colors and background designs can also be changed independently of the desktop wallpaper.
Windows Store apps
Windows 8 introduced Windows Store apps alongside existing desktop programs. Its included applications cover tasks such as mail, calendar entries, contacts and photo viewing. The Windows Store supplied a catalog for discovering, buying and installing additional apps.
Desktop applications and Windows RT
The desktop remains the workspace for conventional Windows applications. Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro support x86 and x64 desktop software, whereas Windows RT is a separate ARM product with different application restrictions.
File transfers
File copying has controls that help distinguish an active transfer from a stalled one. The copy dialog includes a transfer graph, a pause control, and views of multiple copying operations in one place.
Task Manager
Task Manager separates applications, background processes and Windows processes. Its resource information helps identify which processes are using the computer, and users can end a selected process when necessary. A separate Startup tab controls which entries run when Windows starts, putting startup management beside the tools used to inspect running programs.
Multiple displays
For a desktop spread across several displays, Windows 8 can show taskbars on multiple monitors. Background settings allow different images on separate screens or a wide image spanning them.
File history
File History keeps successive copies of personal files on attached or network storage. It checks for changes at a chosen interval and saves changed files, allowing an earlier copy to be recovered after an unwanted edit or deletion. Its scope includes libraries, the desktop, contacts and favorites; adding a folder to a library can bring that folder into the backup set.
Users choose the destination, backup frequency and retention settings, and can exclude folders they do not want copied repeatedly. Restoration involves browsing the saved files or folders and selecting the version to bring back. File Explorer can also open the history for a selected item, connecting recovery to the file being managed.
This history protects personal content rather than backing up Windows and installed applications.
PC recovery
Windows 8 provides Refresh and Reset for rebuilding the operating system. Refresh reinstalls Windows while retaining personal data, Windows Store apps and important settings. Conventional desktop applications are outside that retained app set.
Reset takes a different approach: it removes personal data, applications and settings and reinstalls Windows.
Windows 8 Pro
Windows 8 Pro adds controls for computers used within managed networks. Domain joining and Group Policy place a PC under organizational management, beyond the personal desktop and app functions available in the standard edition. Pro also includes BitLocker encryption and Client Hyper-V virtualization.
Windows Media Center is a separate add-on for Pro rather than part of the standard Windows 8 feature set.
