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{{
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2015}}
{{Windows 8}}
The transition from [[Windows 7]] to [[Windows 8]] introduced a number of
==Development platform==
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==Shell and user interface==
[[File:Windows 8 pre-login.png|thumb|The revised lock screen interface in Windows 8]]
Windows 8 features a redesigned user interface built upon the [[Metro (design language)|Metro design language]],<ref name="Pietroforte">{{cite web |url=http://4sysops.com/archives/windows-8-new-features-the-complete-list-updated/ |title=Windows 8 new features – The complete list (updated) |last=Pietroforte |first=Michael |work=4sysops |date=August 28, 2012
[[Metro-style apps]] can either run in a full-screen environment, or be snapped to the side of a screen alongside another app or the desktop; snapping requires a screen resolution of 1366×768 or higher.<ref name=zdnet-smallertab>{{cite news|title=New Windows 8 hardware specs hint at 7-inch tablets and a Microsoft Reader|url=
[[File:Windows 8
▲[[File:Windows 8 Tutorial.png|thumb|The tutorial that appears after the installation of Windows 8 and when a new user signs in for the first time]]
The interface also incorporates a taskbar on the right side of the screen known as "[[Windows shell#Charms|the charms]]" (lowercase), which can be accessed from any app or the desktop by sliding from the right edge of a touchscreen or compatible touchpad, by moving the mouse cursor to one of the right corners of the screen, or by pressing {{key press|Win|C}}. The charms include Search, Share, [[Start menu|Start]], Devices and Settings charms. The Start charm invokes or dismisses the Start screen. Other charms invoke context-sensitive sidebars that can be used to access app and system functionality. Because of the aforementioned changes involving the use of [[screen hotspot|hot corners]], user interface navigation in Windows 8 is fundamentally different when compared with previous versions of Windows. To assist new users of the operating system, Microsoft incorporated a tutorial that appears during the installation of Windows 8, and also during the first sign-in of a new user account, which visually instructs users to move their mouse cursor into any corner of the screen (or swipe the corners on devices with touchscreens) to interact with the operating system.<ref name="Windows8OOBE">{{cite web |url=http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-8-to-get-oobe-tutorial |title=Windows 8 to get OOBE tutorial |last=Sams |first=Brad |publisher=Neowin |date=May 3, 2012 |access-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-date=April 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405133937/http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-8-to-get-oobe-tutorial |url-status=live }}</ref> The tutorial can be disabled so that it does not appear for new user accounts.<ref name="DisableT">{{cite web |url=http://windowsitpro.com/windows-8/stop-windows-8-intro-animation-users |title=Stop the Windows 8 Intro Animation for Users |last=Savill |first=John |date=April 14, 2013 |publisher=[[Penton]] |work=Windows IT Pro |access-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916083456/http://windowsitpro.com/windows-8/stop-windows-8-intro-animation-users |archive-date=September 16, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Windows 8.1 introduces navigation hints with instructions that are displayed during the first use of the operating system, and also includes a help and support app.<ref name="Help+Tips">{{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/hands-windows-81-help-tips |title=Hands-On with Windows 8.1: Help + Tips |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |date=August 17, 2013 |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |work=Supersite for Windows |access-date=February 22, 2015 |archive-date=March 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317015345/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/hands-windows-81-help-tips |url-status=live }}</ref>
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===Start screen===
{{Main|Start menu#Windows 8|l1=Start screen}}
[[File:Windows 8 Start Screen.png|thumb|The new Start screen in Windows 8 replaces the Start menu seen in previous versions of Windows.]]
Windows 8 introduces a new form of [[start menu]] called Start screen, which resembles the home screen of [[Windows Phone]], and is shown in place of the desktop on startup. The Start screen serves as the primary method of launching applications and consists of a grid of app tiles which can be arranged into columnar groups; groups can be arranged with or without group names.<ref name="DesignStartScreen">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/04/designing-the-start-screen.aspx |title=Designing the Start screen |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=October 4, 2011 |work=Building Windows 8 |access-date=February 26, 2015 |archive-date=
Windows 8.1 makes the following changes to the Start screen:
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* Start screen tiles can be locked in place to prevent accidental manipulation of tiles.<ref name=PCWorld-Blue-Deep-10>{{cite web|last=Chacos|first=Brad|title=Deep inside Windows Blue: 10 coolest features in Microsoft's leaked OS|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2031946/deep-inside-windows-blue-10-coolest-features-in-microsofts-leaked-os.html|work=[[PC World]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|access-date=April 23, 2013|date=March 25, 2013|archive-date=April 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424060150/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2031946/deep-inside-windows-blue-10-coolest-features-in-microsofts-leaked-os.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* The uninstall command allows [[Windows Store apps]] to be uninstalled from multiple computers.<ref>{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Thurrott |author-link=Paul Thurrott |title=In Blue: Multi-PC App Uninstall |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/blue-multi-pc-app-uninstall |work=Supersite for Windows |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |date=April 24, 2013 |access-date=January 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220015237/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/blue-multi-pc-app-uninstall |archive-date=December 20, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* More size options for live tiles on Start screen: small, medium, wide, and large.<ref name=verge-blueleak>{{cite web|title=Windows Blue: a video preview of what's next for Windows 8|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/3/25/4144618/windows-blue-video-preview-screenshots|work=[[The Verge]]|date=March 25, 2013 |publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=March 26, 2013|archive-date=March 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327022633/http://www.theverge.com/2013/3/25/4144618/windows-blue-video-preview-screenshots|url-status=live}}</ref> The "small" size is one quarter of the default size in Windows 8.<ref name=ars-wblue /><ref name=infoworld-bluedesktop />
* Expanded color options on the Start screen, which now allows users to customize a color and a shade of one's own choice instead of choosing from limited colors.<ref name=verge-blueleak />
* New background options for the Start screen, including animated backgrounds and the ability to use the desktop wallpaper.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |title=Windows 8.1 Preview ... Visually |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-preview-visually |work=Supersite for Windows |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |date=June 5, 2013 |access-date=January 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608150415/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-preview-visually |archive-date=June 8, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Enhanced synchronization settings, including those for app tile arrangement, tile sizes, and background.<ref name="StartScreenSync">{{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/blue-s-clues-start-screen-sync |title=Blue's Clues: Start Screen Sync |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |date=March 27, 2013 |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |work=Supersite for Windows |access-date=February 22, 2015 |archive-date=March 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317211058/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/blue-s-clues-start-screen-sync |url-status=live }}</ref>
* In a [[multi-monitor]] configuration, Windows 8.1 can optionally display the Start screen only on the primarily display monitor instead of the currently active monitor when the {{keypress|Win}} key is pressed.<ref name="OptimizeDesktop"/>
* Multiple desktop applications can be selected from the Start screen and pinned to the taskbar at once, or multiple desktop applications and Metro-style apps can be selected from the "All Apps" view and pinned to the Start screen at once.<ref name="Personalize">{{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-tip-personalize-start-screen |title=Windows 8.1 Tip: Personalize the Start Screen |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |date=October 2, 2013 |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |work=Supersite for Windows |access-date=March 11, 2015 |archive-date=March 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311081908/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-tip-personalize-start-screen |url-status=live }}</ref> Windows 8.1 Update augments this capability by allowing Metro-style apps to be pinned to the taskbar.<ref name="Tutorial">{{cite web |url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/start-screen-tutorial |author=Microsoft |title=Start screen - Windows tutorial: Page 3 of 11 |access-date=March 11, 2015 |archive-date=March 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309123914/http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/start-screen-tutorial |url-status=live }}</ref> The Start menu in previous versions of Windows allowed only one desktop application to be selected and/or pinned at a time.
* By default, Windows 8.1 no longer displays recently installed apps and their related entries on the Start screen; users must manually pin these items.<ref name="FindApps">{{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-tip-find-your-installed-apps |title=Windows 8.1 Tip: Find Your Installed Apps |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |date=September 11, 2013 |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |work=Supersite for Windows |access-date=February 25, 2015 |archive-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223165820/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-tip-find-your-installed-apps |url-status=live }}</ref>
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Windows 8.1 reverts two changes that were featured in Windows 8. Windows 8 removed the [[Start button]] on the [[taskbar]] in favor of other ways of invoking the Start screen. Windows 8.1 restores this button.<ref name=pt-win8startbutton>{{cite web |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |title=Coming in Blue: Boot to Desktop, Start Button, and More! |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/coming-blue-boot-desktop-start-button-and-more |work=Supersite for Windows |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |date=May 29, 2013 |access-date=January 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607181355/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/coming-blue-boot-desktop-start-button-and-more |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=pt-startisback>{{cite web |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |title=In Blue: Start Experience Changes |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/blue-start-experience-changes |work=Supersite for Windows |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |date=May 29, 2013 |access-date=January 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530005326/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/blue-start-experience-changes |archive-date=May 30, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Windows 8 also showed the Start screen upon logon, as opposed to other editions of Windows that show the desktop. In Windows 8.1, user may now choose which one to see first.<ref name=pt-win8startbutton/> Windows 8.1 Update boots to the desktop by default on non-tablet devices<ref name="PFE"/> and introduces the ability to switch to the taskbar from the Start screen or from an open Metro-style app by directing the mouse cursor toward the bottom of the screen.<ref name="WhatsNew"/>
Windows 8.1 introduces a new "slide to shutdown" option which allows users to drag their partially revealed [[lock screen]] image toward the bottom of the screen to shut down the operating system.<ref name="SlidetoShutdown">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/amar/archive/2014/05/20/slide-to-shutdown-in-windows-8-1-great-for-touch-devices.aspx |title=Slide to shutdown in Windows 8.1 – great for touch devices |last=Nityananda |first=Amar |date=May 19, 2014 |publisher=Microsoft |work=MSDN Blogs |access-date=February 28, 2015 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402154026/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/amar/archive/2014/05/20/slide-to-shutdown-in-windows-8-1-great-for-touch-devices.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Windows 8.1 Update introduces a visible power button on the Start screen.<ref name="BloggingWindows">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2014/04/10/some-tips-and-tricks-for-using-the-windows-8-1-update-updated/ |title=Some tips and tricks for using the Windows 8.1 Update [UPDATED!] |last=LeBlanc |first=Brandon |date=April 10, 2014 |publisher=Microsoft |work=Blogging Windows |access-date=February 20, 2015 |archive-date=February 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221212103/http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2014/04/10/some-tips-and-tricks-for-using-the-windows-8-1-update-updated/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This power button does not appear on all hardware device types.<ref name="PowerShutdown">{{cite web |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2959188 |title=Power/shutdown button may be missing from the Windows 8.1 start screen |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=February 20, 2015 |archive-date=February 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222060416/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2959188 |url-status=live }}</ref> By default, new account profiles in Windows 8.1 Update also receive four additional tiles pinned to the Start screen: This PC, PC Settings, [[My Documents|Documents]], and Pictures. In [[Windows RT]], only the PC Settings tile is added.<ref name="PFE"/>
===Search===
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Windows 8.1 Update enhances the Bing Smart Search feature by providing support for [[Natural language user interface|natural language queries]], which can detect misspellings and display apps or settings relevant to a query. For example, typing "get apps for Windows" will display a shortcut to the Windows Store.<ref name="W8.1UReview"/><ref name="MakingSmartSearchSmarter">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.bing.com/search/2014/04/30/making-smart-search-smarter/ |title=Making Smart Search Smarter |publisher=Microsoft |work=Bing |date=April 30, 2014 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |archive-date=February 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214055245/http://blogs.bing.com/search/2014/04/30/making-smart-search-smarter/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Windows 8.1 Update also introduces a visible search button on the Start screen that acts as a shortcut to the Metro-style flyout interface.<ref name="PFE"/>
The ''Kind'' property introduced in Windows Vista to express a more friendly notion of file type has been expanded to include support for ''Playlist'' (where items are playlists) in Windows 8. In Windows 8.1, ''Unknown'' (where the kind of item is not known) is also introduced.<ref name="SystemKind">{{cite web |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/properties/props-system-kind |title=System.Kind |date=January 7, 2021 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |work=[[Microsoft Developer Network|MSDN]] |access-date=December 1, 2022}}</ref>
===User login===
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* '''Badge notifications:''' display numeric counters with a value from 1-99 that indicate certain events, such as the amount of unread e-mail messages or amount of available updates for a particular app. Additional information may also be displayed by a badge notification, such as the status of an [[Xbox Music]] app.
The PC Settings component includes options to globally disable all toast notifications, app notifications on the lock screen, or notification sounds; notifications can also be disabled on a per-app basis. In the Settings charm, Windows 8 provides additional options to suppress toast notifications during 1 hour, 3 hour, or 8 hour time intervals.<ref name="GuidingTech">{{cite web |url=http://www.guidingtech.com/14628/control-windows-8-notifications-tiles-toast/ |title=Understanding Windows 8 Notifications and How to Control Them |last=Mundhra |first=Ashish |work=Guiding Tech |date=September 12, 2012 |access-date=April 9, 2015 |archive-date=March 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318020022/http://www.guidingtech.com/14628/control-windows-8-notifications-tiles-toast |url-status=live }}</ref>
Windows 8.1 introduces a Quiet Hours feature, also available on Windows Phone, that allows users to suppress notifications based on the time of day (e.g., notifications can be disabled from 12:00 AM to 6:00 PM).<ref name="QuietHours">{{cite web |url=http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/32486-quiet-hours-enable-disable-windows-8-1-a.html |title=How to Enable or Disable Quiet Hours in Windows 8.1 |last=Brink |first=Shawn |date=October 7, 2013 |access-date=February 22, 2015 |archive-date=March 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327050121/http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/32486-quiet-hours-enable-disable-windows-8-1-a.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=April 2015}}
===Microsoft account integration===
Windows 8 allows users to link profiles with a [[Microsoft account]] to provide additional functionality, such as the synchronization of user data and settings,<ref name="8SS">{{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-8-feature-focus-settings-sync |title=Windows 8 Feature Focus: Settings Sync |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |date=November 8, 2012 |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |work=Supersite for Windows |access-date=February 21, 2015 |archive-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223150154/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-8-feature-focus-settings-sync |url-status=live }}</ref> including those belonging to the desktop, and allows for integration with other Microsoft services such as [[Xbox Live]], [[Xbox Music]], [[Xbox Video]] (for gaming and multimedia) and [[OneDrive|SkyDrive]] [[online file storage]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Signing in to Windows 8 with a Windows Live ID |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/09/26/signing-in-to-windows-8-with-a-windows-live-id.aspx |work=Microsoft |date=September 2011 |quote=Saved settings are available when you sign in to your account on any Windows 8 PC |access-date=February 11, 2012 |archive-date=
===Display screen===
[[File:Windows 8 on two monitors.png|thumb|Windows 8.1 displaying the multi-monitor taskbar in "Duplicated on all taskbars" mode]]
Windows 8 includes improved support for multi-monitor configurations; the [[taskbar]] can now optionally be shown on multiple displays, and each display can also show its own dedicated taskbar. In addition, options are available which can prevent taskbar buttons from appearing on certain monitors. Wallpapers can also be spanned across multiple displays, or each display can have its own separate wallpaper.<ref name="MultipleMonitors">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/05/21/enhancing-windows-8-for-multiple-monitors.aspx |title=Enhancing Windows 8 for multiple monitors |publisher=Microsoft |work=Building Windows 8 |date=May 21, 2012 |access-date=February 22, 2015 |archive-date=February 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222084457/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/05/21/enhancing-windows-8-for-multiple-monitors.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
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Windows Explorer, which has been renamed as File Explorer, now incorporates a [[Ribbon (computing)|ribbon]] toolbar, designed to bring forward the most commonly used commands for easy access. The "Up" button (which advances the user back a level in the folder hierarchy) that was removed from Explorer after [[Windows XP]] has also been restored.<ref name="Explorer Improvements">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/29/improvements-in-windows-explorer.aspx |title=Improvements in Windows Explorer |publisher=Microsoft |date=August 2011 |access-date=August 30, 2011 |archive-date=November 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107021845/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/29/improvements-in-windows-explorer.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, File Explorer features a redesigned preview pane that takes advantage of widescreen layouts.<ref name="Explorer Improvements" /> File Explorer also provides a built-in function for mounting [[ISO image|ISO]], [[IMG (file format)|IMG]], and [[VHD (file format)|VHD]] files as virtual drives.<ref>{{cite web |title=Accessing data in ISO and VHD files |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/30/accessing-data-in-iso-and-vhd-files.aspx |work=Microsoft |date=August 2011 |access-date=August 30, 2011 |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106080406/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/30/accessing-data-in-iso-and-vhd-files.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> For easier management of files and folders, Windows 8 introduces the ability to move selected files or folders via [[drag and drop]] from a parent folder into a subfolder listed within the [[Breadcrumb (navigation)|breadcrumb]] hierarchy of the [[address bar]] in File Explorer.<ref name="DragandDrop">{{cite web |url=http://www.eyeonwindows.com/2011/04/28/windows-8-drag-and-drop-icons-into-breadcrumb-links/ |title=Windows 8 drag and drop icons into breadcrumb links |last=Amobi |first=Onuora |publisher=Nnigma Inc. |work=Eye on Windows |date=April 28, 2011 |access-date=February 21, 2015 |archive-date=February 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222050555/http://www.eyeonwindows.com/2011/04/28/windows-8-drag-and-drop-icons-into-breadcrumb-links/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Progress windows for file operations have also been redesigned; offering the ability to show multiple operations at once, a graph for tracking transfer speeds, and the ability to pause and resume a file transfer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/23/improving-our-file-management-basics-copy-move-rename-and-delete.aspx |title=Improving our file management basics: copy, move, rename and delete |work=Microsoft |date=August 2011 |access-date=August 30, 2011 |archive-date=February
[[Features new to Windows 7#Libraries|Libraries]]
HomeGroup has been updated in Windows 8 to display in the navigation pane the user profile photo of each member sharing content in the homegroup; in Windows 7, only a generic user icon for each user was displayed in the navigation pane.
===Internet Explorer===
Windows 8 ships with [[Internet Explorer 10]], which can run as either a desktop program (where it operates similarly to [[Internet Explorer 9]]), or as an app with a new full-screen interface optimized for use on touchscreens. Internet Explorer 10 also contains an integrated version of [[Adobe Flash Player|Flash Player]], which will be available in full on the desktop, and in a limited form within the "Metro" app.<ref name="winsupersite1">{{cite web | url = http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-release-preview-internet-explorer-10-143034 | work = Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows | title = Windows 8 Release Preview: Changes to Internet Explorer 10 | author = Paul Thurrott | date = May 31, 2012 | access-date = August 26, 2012 | archive-url = https://
Windows 8.1 ships with [[Internet Explorer 11]]<ref name=ars-wblue /><ref name=infoworld-bluedesktop>{{cite web |title=Windows Blue: Demise Of The Desktop? |url=http://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/windows-blue-demise-of-the-desktop/240151656 |work=[[InfoWorld]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |access-date=March 26, 2013 |archive-date=October 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024202043/http://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/windows-blue-demise-of-the-desktop/240151656 |url-status=live }}</ref> which includes tab syncing, [[WebGL]] and [[SPDY]] support, along with expanded developer tools. The Metro version also adds access to favorites and split-screen snapping of multiple tabs;<ref name=ars-wblue /><ref name=cnet-ie11dev>{{cite web|title=Latest Windows 8.1 build beefs up IE developer tools|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57582508-75/latest-windows-8.1-build-beefs-up-ie-developer-tools/|work=CNET|access-date=May 29, 2013|archive-date=July 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727020307/http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57582508-75/latest-windows-8.1-build-beefs-up-ie-developer-tools/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=verge-ie11webgl>{{cite web|title=Microsoft teases Internet Explorer 11 WebGL support on Vine|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/22/4355942/internet-explorer-11-webgl-support-teased-on-vine|work=The Verge|date=May 22, 2013 |access-date=May 29, 2013|archive-date=June 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607055004/http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/22/4355942/internet-explorer-11-webgl-support-teased-on-vine|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=pt-ie11review>{{cite web|title=Hands-On with Windows 8.1: Internet Explorer 11|url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/hands-windows-81-internet-explorer-11|work=Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows|access-date=September 16, 2013|archive-date=September 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922052915/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/hands-windows-81-internet-explorer-11|url-status=live}}</ref> an additional option to always display the address bar and tabs is also available.<ref name="ShowAddressBarTabs">{{cite web |url=http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/32039-internet-explorer-11-modern-show-address-bar-tabs.html |title=Internet Explorer 11 Modern - Show Address Bar and Tabs |last=Brink |first=Shawn |date=September 27, 2013 |access-date=February 21, 2015 |archive-date=February 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222052403/http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/32039-internet-explorer-11-modern-show-address-bar-tabs.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Metro version can also detect and highlight phone numbers on a web page and turn them into clickable links that, when clicked, initiate a call with a compatible app such as Skype.<ref name="PhoneNumbers">{{cite web |url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ie/dn265018(v=vs.85).aspx |title=Phone number format recognition |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=February 21, 2015 |archive-date=January 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110220129/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ie/dn265018(v=vs.85).aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Task Manager===
[[File:Windows 8 task manager.png|thumb|The new [[Windows Task Manager|Task Manager]] in Windows 8 offers a detailed look at how system resources are being used.]]
Windows 8 includes an overhauled version of [[Windows Task Manager|Task Manager]], which features the following changes:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/13/the-windows-8-task-manager.aspx |title=The Windows 8 Task Manager |date=October 2011 |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=March 24, 2012 |archive-date=January 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125002701/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/13/the-windows-8-task-manager.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Task Manager defaults to a simple view which only displays a list of [[computer program]]s with a [[window (computing)|window]]. The expanded view is an updated version of the previous Task Managers with several tabs.
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===File History===
'''File History''' is a [[continuous data protection]] component. File History automatically creates [[incremental backup]]s of files stored in Libraries, including those for users participating in a [[Features new to Windows 7#HomeGroup|HomeGroup]], and user-specified folders to a different storage device (such as another internal or external hard drive, Storage Space, or network share). Specific revisions of files can then be tracked and restored using the "History" functions in File Explorer. File History replaces both [[Backup and Restore]] and [[Shadow Copy]] (known in Windows Explorer as "Previous Versions") as the main backup tool of Windows 8.<ref name="File History">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/07/10/protecting-user-files-with-file-history.aspx |title=Protecting user files with File History |last=Raciborski |first=Bohdan |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |work=Building Windows 8 |editor-first=Steven |editor-last=Sinofsky |editor-link=Steven Sinofsky |date=July 10, 2012 |access-date=February 27, 2015 |archive-date=September 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://
===Hardware support===
Windows 8 adds native support for [[USB 3.0]], which allows for faster data transfers and improved power management with compatible devices.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dennis |last=Flanagan |editor-first=Steven |editor-last=Sinofsky |editor-link=Steven Sinofsky |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/22/building-robust-usb-3-0-support.aspx |title=Building robust USB 3.0 support |website=Building Windows 8 |publisher=Microsoft |date=August 2011 |access-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-date=February 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224014118/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/22/building-robust-usb-3-0-support.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsoft-to-provide-usb-30-support-for-better-battery-life-in-windows-8/10396 |title=Microsoft to provide USB 3.0 support for better battery life in Windows 8 |website=[[ZDNet]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=August 2011 |access-date=August 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926134525/http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsoft-to-provide-usb-30-support-for-better-battery-life-in-windows-8/10396 |archive-date=September 26, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This native stack includes support for the newer, more efficient [[USB Attached SCSI]] (UAS) protocol,<ref>{{cite web |first=Jerome |last=Myers |url=http://plugable.com/2012/10/25/usb-3-0-support-on-windows-8 |title=New USB 3.0 Support Built-In to Windows 8 |website=Plugable |date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=January 20, 2014 |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201154348/http://plugable.com/2012/10/25/usb-3-0-support-on-windows-8 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn423379%28v=vs.85%29.aspx#loadeddriver |title=USB in Windows - FAQ (Windows Drivers) |website=[[MSDN]] |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=November 16, 2013 |access-date=January 20, 2014 |archive-date=January 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105230801/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn423379(v=vs.85).aspx#loadeddriver |url-status=live }}</ref> which is turned on by default even for USB 2.0 devices,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/jj248714.aspx |title=USB Attached SCSI (UAS) Best Practices for Windows 8 |website=[[MSDN]] |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |format=[[Office Open XML]] |page=6 |date=July 24, 2012 |access-date=January 20, 2014 |archive-date=February 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206235329/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/jj248714.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> although these must however have supporting firmware/hardware to take advantage of it. Windows 8.1 enhanced support for power saving features of USB storage devices, but this addition was not without problems, with some poorly implemented hardware degrading user experience by hangs and disconnects.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jim |last=Bovee |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/usbcoreblog/archive/2013/11/01/help-after-installing-windows-8-1-my-usb-drive-disappears-or-file-transfers-stop-unexpectedly-r-a-post-title.aspx |title=Help! After installing Windows 8.1, my USB drive disappears or file transfers stop unexpectedly… |website=Microsoft Windows USB Core Team Blog |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=October 31, 2013 |access-date=January 20, 2014 |archive-date=January 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122103020/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/usbcoreblog/archive/2013/11/01/help-after-installing-windows-8-1-my-usb-drive-disappears-or-file-transfers-stop-unexpectedly-r-a-post-title.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Windows 8 adds support for [[Human interface device|HID]] over [[I²C|I2C]].<ref>[https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/hid/hid-over-i2c-guide Introduction to HID over I2C]</ref>
Support for [[Advanced Format]] hard drives without emulation is included for the first time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Advanced format (4K) disk compatibility update (Windows) |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/hh848035(v=vs.85).aspx |website=[[MSDN]] |publisher=Microsoft |date=November 28, 2012 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |archive-date=January 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111233631/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/hh848035(v=vs.85).aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
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Windows 8.1 improves hardware support with [[DirectX]] 11.2.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/apps/bg182410 |title=Windows 8.1 Preview: New APIs and features for developers |work=[[MSDN#Library|MSDN Library]] |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=June 26, 2013 |access-date=June 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628080725/http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/apps/bg182410 |archive-date=June 28, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Windows 8.1 adds native support for [[NVM Express]]. Windows 8.1 adds support for Precise Touchpad, which allows operating system to management gestures of USB and I2C [[touchpad]]s.<ref>{{cite web | title=Windows precision touchpad devices - Compatibility Cookbook | url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/precision-touchpad-devices }}</ref>
Windows 8 adds support for UEFI Secure Boot, and [[Trusted Platform Module|TPM]] 2.0. UEFI with secure boot enabled is a requirement on computers shipped with Windows 8.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/738394/microsoft-subnet-next-gen-boot-spec-could-forever-lock-linux-off-windows-8-pcs.html | title=Next-gen boot spec could forever lock Linux off Windows 8 PCS }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2011/09/windows-8-secure-boot-will-complicate-linux-installs/ | title=Windows 8 secure boot could complicate Linux installs | date=September 21, 2011 }}</ref>
===Installation===
Alongside the existing [[WinPE]]-based [[Windows Setup]] (which is used for installations that are initiated by booting from DVD, USB, or [[Preboot Execution Environment|network]]), '''Upgrade Assistant''' is offered to provide a simpler and faster process for upgrading to Windows 8 from previous versions of Windows. The program runs a compatibility check to scan the device's hardware and software for Windows 8 compatibility, and then allows the user to purchase, download, generate installation media with a DVD or [[USB flash drive]] and install Windows 8. The new installation process also allows users to transfer user data into a clean installation of Windows.<ref name="microsoftrevealsprice">{{cite web | first=Paul | last=McDougall | url=http://www.informationweek.com/windows/microsoft-news/microsoft-reveals-windows-8-upgrade-pric/240003119 | title=Microsoft Reveals Windows 8 Upgrade Price | website=[[InformationWeek]] | publisher=[[UBM plc|UBM]] | date=July 3, 2012 | access-date=July 4, 2012 | archive-date=August 10, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810013404/http://www.informationweek.com/windows/microsoft-news/microsoft-reveals-windows-8-upgrade-pric/240003119 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=bw8-improvingsetup>{{cite web|title=Improving the setup experience|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/11/21/improving-the-setup-experience.aspx|work=Building Windows 8|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=September 18, 2012|archive-date=September
Windows 8 implements OEM Activation 3.0, which allows Microsoft to digitally distribute Windows licenses to [[original equipment manufacturer]]s (OEMs). Windows 8 devices store [[product key]]s directly in firmware rather than printed on a Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) sticker. This new system is designed to prevent OEM product keys from being used on computers they are not licensed for, and also allows the installer to automatically detect and accept the product key in the event of re-installation.<ref name=cnet-productkey>{{cite web|last=Whitney|first=Lance|title=Windows 8 moves to BIOS-based product keys|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33642_7-57554240-292/windows-8-moves-to-bios-based-product-keys/|work=CNET|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=November 29, 2012|archive-date=November 29, 2012|archive-url=https://
Windows 8.1 Update adds a new installation mode known as "WIMBoot", where the [[Windows Imaging Format|WIM image]] that contains the Windows installation is left compressed rather than being extracted, and the system is configured to use files directly from within the system image. This installation method was primarily designed to reduce the footprint of the Windows installation on devices with small amounts of storage. The system image also doubles as the recovery image, speeding up Refresh and Reset operations.<ref name=msdn-wimboot>{{cite web|title=What is Windows Image Boot (WIMBoot)?|url=http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/springboard/archive/2014/04/10/what-is-windows-image-boot-wimboot.aspx|work=Springboard Series Blog|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=April 11, 2014|archive-date=April 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413124550/http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/springboard/archive/2014/04/10/what-is-windows-image-boot-wimboot.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> It is only supported in systems with a [[Unified Extensible Firmware Interface]] (UEFI), where Windows is located on a [[solid-state drive]] or [[eMMC]].<ref name=technet-wimbootoverview>{{cite web|title=Windows Image File Boot (WIMBoot) Overview|url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn594399.aspx|work=TechNet|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=April 11, 2014|archive-date=April 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412001236/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn594399.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
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===Startup===
[[File:Windows 8 booting.png|thumb|The default Windows 8 [[boot screen]]; OEMs can replace the Windows logo above the [[throbber]] with their own logo in firmware]]
Windows 8 defaults to a "
The Advanced Startup menu now uses a graphical interface with mouse and touch support in place of the text-based menu used by previous versions. As the increased boot speed of devices with UEFI can make it difficult to access it using keyboard shortcuts during boot, the menu can now be launched from within Windows—using either the PC Settings app, holding down Shift while clicking the Restart option in the Power menu, or by using the new "-o" switch on [[shutdown.exe]].<ref name=reengineering-boot>{{cite web|title=Reengineering the Windows boot experience|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/09/20/reengineering-the-windows-boot-experience.aspx|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=September 12, 2012|archive-date=May
UEFI firmware can be exposed to Windows via [[class driver]]s. Updated firmware capsules can be distributed as an update to this "[[device drivers|driver]]" in a signed package with an [[INF file]] and security catalog, similarly to those for other devices. When the "driver" is installed, Windows prepares the update to be installed on the next boot, and [[Windows Boot Manager]] renders status information on the device's boot screen.<ref name=ms-uefiplatform>{{cite web|title=Windows UEFI Firmware Update Platform|url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/download/details.aspx?id=38405|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=October 9, 2013|format=[[Microsoft Word|DOCX]]|archive-date=August 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812073951/http://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/download/details.aspx?id=38405|url-status=live}}</ref>
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Windows 8 includes [[Windows Display Driver Model|WDDM]] 1.2 and [[DirectX Graphics Infrastructure]] (DXGI) 1.2. The [[Desktop Window Manager]] now runs at all times (even on systems with unsupported graphics cards; where DWM now also supports [[software rendering]]), and now also includes support for [[stereoscopy|stereoscopic 3D]] content.<ref name=dwm-alwayson>{{cite web|title=Desktop Window Manager is always on|url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/hh848042%28v=vs.85%29.aspx|work=Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 Compatibility Cookbook|publisher=MSDN|access-date=September 4, 2012|archive-date=July 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728004613/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/hh848042(v=vs.85).aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
Other major features include [[preemptive multitasking]] with finer [[granularity#Computing|granularity]] ([[Direct memory access|DMA]] buffer, primitive, triangle, pixel, or instruction-level),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/hh404504 |title=DXGI_Graphics_Preemption_Granularity Enumeration |publisher=Microsoft |work=[[Microsoft Developer Network]] |date=November 16, 2013 |access-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-date=
Windows 8.1 introduces WDDM 1.3<ref name="WDDM1.3">{{cite web |url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn265512%28v=vs.85%29.aspx |title=What's new for Windows 8.1 display drivers (WDDM 1.3) |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=February 21, 2015 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402113112/https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn265512%28v=vs.85%29.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> and adds support for [[Miracast]], which enables wireless or wired delivery of compressed [[SD video|standard-]] or [[high-definition video]] to or from desktops, tablets, mobile phones, and other devices.<ref name="windows1"/>
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Windows 8 adds support for printer driver architecture version 4. This adds a Metro friendly interface as well as changes the way the architecture was written.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/07/25/simplifying-printing-in-windows-8.aspx | title=Simplifying printing in Windows 8 | publisher=[[Microsoft]] | work=Building Windows 8 | date=July 25, 2012 | access-date=June 4, 2013 | first=Adrian | last=Lannin | editor-first=Steven | editor-last=Sinofsky | editor-link=Steven Sinofsky | archive-date=May 28, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528051733/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/07/25/simplifying-printing-in-windows-8.aspx | url-status=live }}</ref>
Windows 8.1 adds support for [[Wi-Fi Direct]] printing,<ref name="windows1"/> [[Near field communication|NFC]] printing,<ref name="windows1"/> and native APIs for [[3D printing]] through the [[XML]]-based [[3D Manufacturing Format]] (3MF).<ref name=engadget-81-3dprinting>{{cite web|title=Windows 8.1 to support 3D printing through native API|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/06/26/windows-8-1-to-natively-support-3d-printing/|work=Engadget|date=June 26, 2013 |access-date=August 6, 2013|archive-date=August 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825201936/http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/26/windows-8-1-to-natively-support-3d-printing/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=windowsex-3dprinting81>{{cite web|title=3D Printing Support in Windows 8.1 Explained|url=http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/extremewindows/archive/2013/08/22/3d-printing-support-in-windows-8-1-explained.aspx|work=Extreme Windows|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=August 22, 2013|archive-date=August 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822184811/http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/extremewindows/archive/2013/08/22/3d-printing-support-in-windows-8-1-explained.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Windows PowerShell===
{{Main|Windows PowerShell}}
Windows PowerShell is Microsoft's task automation framework, consisting of a [[command-line shell]] and associated [[scripting language]] built on .NET Framework. PowerShell provides full access to COM and WMI, enabling administrators to perform administrative tasks on both local and remote Windows systems. Windows 8 includes Windows PowerShell v3.0.<ref>{{cite web|title=Installing Windows PowerShell|url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh847837.aspx|work=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]]|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=September 15, 2013|archive-date=September 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918031402/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh847837.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Windows 8.1 comes with Windows PowerShell v4.0 which features a host of new commands for managing the Start screen, Windows Defender, Windows components, hardware and network.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rivera|first=Rafael|title=Windows 8.1, PowerShell 4.0, and new cmdlets|url=http://withinwindows.com/within-windows/2013/4/7/windows-81-powershell-40-and-new-cmdlets|work=Within Windows|access-date=April 25, 2013|date=April 24, 2013|archive-date=May
===Windows To Go===
[[File:Windows To Go USB Drive.png|thumb|Bootable [[Windows To Go]] USB flash drive]]
{{Main|Windows To Go}}
Windows To Go is a feature exclusive to the Enterprise version of Windows 8 which allows an organization to provision [[Live USB|bootable USB flash drive]]s with a Windows installation on them, allowing users to access their [[Standard Operating Environment|managed environment]] on any compatible PC.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Gregg Keizer |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9220004/Windows_8_will_run_from_USB_thumb_drive?taxonomyId=125 |title=Windows 8 will run from USB thumb drive |magazine=Computerworld |access-date=September 16, 2011 |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012085732/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9220004/Windows_8_will_run_from_USB_thumb_drive?taxonomyId=125 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/232480/scitech/windows-8-fits-on-a-thumb-drive |title=Windows 8 fits on a thumb drive - Technology - GMA News On-line - Latest Philippine News |date=September 15, 2011 |publisher=Gmanews.tv |access-date=September 16, 2011 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402093419/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/232480/scitech/windows-8-fits-on-a-thumb-drive |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-8-Running-on-a-USB-Windows-To-Go-221470.shtml |title=Windows 8 Running on a USB – Windows To Go - Softpedia |date=September 13, 2011 |publisher=News.softpedia.com |access-date=September 16, 2011 |archive-date=October 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004135900/http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-8-Running-on-a-USB-Windows-To-Go-221470.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/windows-8-to-feature-usb-runnable-portable-workspaces-sales-of/ |title=Windows 8 to feature USB-runnable Portable Workspaces, sales of 16GB thumb drives set to soar |publisher=Engadget |date=April 15, 2011 |access-date=September 16, 2011 |archive-date=August 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828165858/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/windows-8-to-feature-usb-runnable-portable-workspaces-sales-of |url-status=live }}</ref> Windows 8.1 updates this feature to enable booting from a USB composite device with a storage and a smart card function.<ref name="Security">{{cite web |url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/apps/bg182886.aspx |title=Security |publisher=Microsoft |work=Windows Dev Center |access-date=February 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324225208/https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/apps/bg182886.aspx |archive-date=March 24, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Maintenance==
The [[Action Center]] introduced in Windows 7 is expanded to include controls and notifications for new categories,
PC Settings app in Windows 8 can be used to interact with [[Windows Update]], although the traditional interface from Control Panel is retained. Windows 8 is able to distribute firmware updates on compatible devices and can be configured not to automatically download Windows updates over metered networks.<ref name="Windows8Updates">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/olivnie/archive/2013/04/05/updates-and-maintenance.aspx |title=Windows 8: Updates and Maintenance |last=Niehus |first=Oliver |date=April 5, 2013 |publisher=Microsoft |work=Oliver's Blog |access-date=March 3, 2015 |archive-date=February 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228141700/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/olivnie/archive/2013/04/05/updates-and-maintenance.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> A new set of [[Windows PowerShell]] cmdlets enable adding or removing features of Windows, as ''Programs and Features'' applet in Control Panel does.<ref name="Windows8Updates"/> The [[Windows Imaging Format#DISM|Deployment Image Servicing and Management]] (DISM) utility in Windows 8 includes all features that were previously available in [[Windows Imaging Format#ImageX|ImageX]] and is able to periodically check for component store corruption and repair it. It can report the amount of disk space in use by [[WinSxS]] folder and can also determine if a cleanup should be performed.<ref name="DetermineSize">{{cite web |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn251566.aspx |title=Determine the Actual Size of the WinSxS Folder |publisher=Microsoft |date=October 20, 2013 |work=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]] |access-date=March 3, 2015 |archive-date=April 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411092737/https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn251566.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Servicing">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.technet.com/b/askcore/archive/2014/03/06/what-s-new-in-windows-servicing-part-1.aspx |title=What's New in Windows Servicing: Part 1 |editor-last=Marlin |editor-first=John |first=Aditya |last=Kapur |date=March 6, 2014 |publisher=Microsoft |work=Ask the Core Team |access-date=March 3, 2015 |archive-date=March 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150308151211/http://blogs.technet.com/b/askcore/archive/2014/03/06/what-s-new-in-windows-servicing-part-1.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
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Windows 8 can now detect when a system is experiencing issues that have been preventing the system from functioning correctly, and automatically launch the Advanced Startup menu to access diagnostic and repair functions.<ref name="bw8-bootfasterdesign"/>
For [[recovery partition|system recovery]], Windows 8 introduced new functions known collectively as "Push-button reset",<ref name=technet-wimbootoverview/> which allows a user to re-install Windows without needing to use installation media. The feature consists of "Reset" and "Refresh" functions, accessible from within the advanced boot options menu and PC Settings. Both of these options reboot the system into the [[Windows Recovery Environment]] to perform the requested operation; Refresh preserves user profiles, settings, and Windows Store apps, while Reset performs a clean installation of Windows. The reset function may also perform specialized [[disk wiping]] and [[Disk formatting|formatting]] procedures for added security. Both operations will remove all installed desktop applications from the system. Users can also create a custom disk image for use with Refresh and Reset.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/01/04/refresh-and-reset-your-pc.aspx |title=Refresh and reset your PC |work=Building Windows 8 |editor-first=Steven |editor-last=Sinofsky |first=Desmond |last=Lee |publisher=Microsoft |date=January 2012 |access-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-date=February 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://
==Security==
===Address space layout randomization improvements===
[[Address space layout randomization]] (ASLR) introduced in Windows Vista<ref name="ASLRVista">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/michael_howard/archive/2006/05/26/608315.aspx |title=Address Space Layout Randomization in Windows Vista |last=Howard |first=Michael |date=May 26, 2006 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |work=[[Microsoft Developer Network|MSDN]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060529215417/http://blogs.msdn.com/michael_howard/archive/2006/05/26/608315.aspx |archive-date=May 29, 2006 |access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> was improved in Windows 8<ref name="Security8">{{cite web |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn169048.aspx |title=What's Changed in Security Technologies in Windows 8 |author=[[Microsoft]] |date=April 12, 2013 |work=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]] |access-date=April 19, 2015 |archive-date=July 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708125243/https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn169048.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> and has been updated in Windows 8.1 to allow randomization to be unique across devices.<ref name="Security8.1">{{cite web |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn344918.aspx |title=What's Changed in Security Technologies in Windows 8.1 |author=[[Microsoft]] |date=July 24, 2013 |work=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]] |access-date=April 19, 2015 |archive-date=February 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217073244/https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn344918.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Biometrics===
Windows 8 introduces virtual [[smart card]] support. A [[public key certificate|digital certificate]] of a smart card can be stored onto a user's machine and protected by the Trusted Platform Module, thereby eliminating the need for the user to physically insert a smart card, though entering a PIN is still required. Virtual smart card support enables new [[two-factor authentication]] scenarios.<ref name="Security8"
Windows 8.1 features pervasive support for biometric authentication throughout the operating system,<ref name="What'sNewIT">{{cite web |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dn140266.aspx |title=Windows 8.1 - What's New, IT Pro Features, Devices, UI |publisher=Microsoft |work=TechNet |access-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-date=February 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211024857/https://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/dn140266.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> includes a native [[fingerprint]] registration feature,<ref name="Biometrics">{{cite web |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn344916.aspx |title=What's New in Biometrics in Windows 8.1 |publisher=Microsoft |work=TechNet |date=July 24, 2013 |access-date=February 22, 2015 |archive-date=January 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129164454/https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn344916.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> and enables the use of a fingerprint for tasks such as signing into a device, purchasing apps from the Windows Store, and consenting to authentication prompts (e.g., [[User Account Control]]). Windows 8.1 also introduces new WinRT APIs for biometrics.<ref name="SecurityRevisited"/><ref name="Biometrics"/><ref name="BiometricsPFE">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.technet.com/b/askpfeplat/archive/2014/01/20/biometrics-in-windows-8-1.aspx |title=Biometrics in Windows 8.1 |last=Morowczynski |first=Mark |date=January 19, 2014 |publisher=Microsoft |work=TechNet Blogs |access-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151123/http://blogs.technet.com/b/askpfeplat/archive/2014/01/20/biometrics-in-windows-8-1.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Device encryption===
On Windows RT, logging in with a Microsoft account automatically activates passive device encryption, a feature-limited version of [[BitLocker Drive Encryption|BitLocker]] which seamlessly encrypts the contents of mobile devices to protect their contents. On Windows 8.1, device encryption is similarly available for x86-based Windows devices, automatically encrypting user data as soon as the operating system is configured. When a user signs in with a Microsoft account or on a supported Active Directory network, a recovery key is generated and saved directly to the user's account. Unlike BitLocker, device encryption on x86-based devices requires that the device meet the [[Connected Standby]] specifications (which among other requirements, requires that the device use [[solid
===Device lockdown===
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===Family Safety===
Windows 8 integrates [[Windows Live Family Safety]] into the operating system, allowing parents to restrict user activity via web filtering, application restriction, and computer usage time limits.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/05/14/keeping-your-family-safer-with-windows-8.aspx | title=Keeping your family safer with Windows 8 | publisher=Microsoft | work=Building Windows 8 | date=May 14, 2012 | access-date=May 16, 2013 | first1=Phil | last1=Sohn | editor-first=Steven | editor-last=Sinofsky | archive-date=May 21, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521140319/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/05/14/keeping-your-family-safer-with-windows-8.aspx | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/windows-8-family-safety-feature-chaperones-underage-users-thro/#disqus_thread | title=Windows 8 'Family Safety' feature chaperones underage users through the World Wild Web | publisher=[[Engadget]] | work=[[Aol]] | date=May 14, 2012 | access-date=May 16, 2013 | first1=Joseph | last1=Volpe | archive-date=June 6, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606193005/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/windows-8-family-safety-feature-chaperones-underage-users-thro/#disqus_thread | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/255582/microsoft_win8_simplifies_improves_parental_monitoring_of_kids_computer_activities.html | title=Microsoft: Win8 Simplifies, Improves Parental Monitoring of Kids Computer Activities | PCWorld Business Center | publisher=[[PC World]] | work=[[International Data Group|IDG]] | date=May 14, 2012 | access-date=May 22, 2013 | first1=Juan Carlos | last1=Perez | archive-date=May 25, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525092553/http://www.pcworld.com/article/255582/microsoft_win8_simplifies_improves_parental_monitoring_of_kids_computer_activities.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Certain [[
===Protected processes===
Protected processes introduced in Windows Vista for [[digital rights management]] have been extended in Windows 8.1 to support additional scenarios along with a new ''Protected Process Light'' scheme. In Windows Vista, processes for digital rights management were either protected or unprotected. With the new scheme in Windows 8.1, processes can be assigned varying levels of protection, and core operating system components such as the [[Local Security Authority Subsystem Service]] can be protected by this scheme to prevent reading memory and code injection by non-protected processes.<ref name="LSA">{{cite web |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/credentials-protection-and-management/configuring-additional-lsa-protection |title=Configuring Additional LSA Protection |date=September 30, 2022 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>
===Startup security===
Windows 8 introduced four new features to offer security during the startup process: [[UEFI secure boot]], Trusted Boot, Measured Boot and Early Launch Anti-Malware (ELAM).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dn168167.aspx|title = Securing the Windows 8 Boot Process|access-date = 19 December 2020|website = [[Microsoft TechNet|technet.microsoft.com]]|publisher = [[Microsoft]]|date = 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150215214312/https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dn168167.aspx|archive-date = February 15, 2015|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn653311(v=vs.85).aspx |title=Secured Boot and Measured Boot: Hardening Early Boot Components Against Malware |website=[[Microsoft Developer Network|msdn.microsoft.com]] |date=2013 |access-date=19 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111101939/https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn653311%28v=vs.85%29.aspx |archive-date=November 11, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Of the four, secure boot is not a native feature of Windows 8; it is part of [[Unified Extensible Firmware Interface|UEFI]]. At startup, the UEFI firmware checks the validity of a [[digital signature]] present in the Windows Boot Loader (bootmgfw.efi), which is signed with Microsoft's public key. This signature check happens every time the computer is booted and prevents malware from infecting the system before the operating system loads.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/09/22/protecting-the-pre-os-environment-with-uefi.aspx |title=Protecting the pre-OS environment with UEFI |website=[[Microsoft Developer Network#Blogs|blogs.msdn.com]] |last=Sinofsky |first=Steven |date=22 September 2011 |access-date=19 December 2020 |archive-url=https://
Trusted Boot is a feature of Windows boot loader and ensures the integrity of all Microsoft components loaded into memory, including ELAM, which loads last. ELAM ensures that all third-party boot drivers are trustworthy; they are not loaded if ELAM check fails. ELAM can use either Windows Defender or a third-party compatible antivirus.<ref name=":0" /> During the 2011 [[Build (developer conference)|Build conference]] in [[Anaheim, California]], Microsoft showed a Windows 8 machine that can prevent an infected [[USB flash memory]] from compromising the boot process.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.cnet.com/news/windows-8-to-offer-built-in-malware-protection/|title = Windows 8 to offer built-in malware protection|date = September 15, 2011|website = [[CNET]]|publisher = [[CBS Interactive]]|last = Whitney|first = Lance|access-date = February 16, 2015|archive-date = August 5, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140805102618/http://www.cnet.com/news/windows-8-to-offer-built-in-malware-protection/|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url =
Measured Boot can attest to the state of a client machine by sending details about its configuration to a remote machine. The feature relies on the attestation feature of the [[Trusted Platform Module]] and is designed to verify the boot integrity of the client.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/hh848050%28v=vs.85%29.aspx |title=Measured Boot |website=[[Microsoft Developer Network|msdn.microsoft.com]] |access-date=19 December 2020 |date=6 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228110849/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/hh848050(v=vs.85).aspx |archive-date=December 28, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
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===Windows Defender===
{{See also|Microsoft Defender#History}}
In Windows 7, Windows Defender was an [[anti-spyware]] solution. Windows 8 introduced Windows Defender as an [[antivirus]] solution (and as the successor of [[Microsoft Security Essentials]]), which provides protection against a broader range of [[malware]]. It was the first time that a standard Windows install included an antivirus solution.<ref name="BottBook">{{cite book |last1=Bott |first1=Ed |author-link1=Ed Bott |title=Introducing Windows 8.1 for IT Professionals - Technical Overview |year=2013 |publisher=[[Microsoft Press]] |publication-date=15 October 2013 |access-date=22 December 2020 |isbn=978-0-7356-8427-0 |url=https://download.microsoft.com/download/E/5/3/E5395265-D2CD-4451-A2BB-B4504C000E80/Microsoft_Press_ebook_Introducing_Windows_ITPro_PDF.pdf |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201204016/https://download.microsoft.com/DOWNLOAD/E/5/3/E5395265-D2CD-4451-A2BB-B4504C000E80/MICROSOFT_PRESS_EBOOK_INTRODUCING_WINDOWS_ITPRO_PDF.PDF |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|53|q="Windows 8 was the first version of Windows to ship antimalware software in the box"}} Windows 8.1 augments it with [[Intrusion detection system|network behavior monitoring]], a new feature for Windows Defender.<ref name="BottBook" />{{rp|53|q="In Windows 8.1, Windows Defender for the first time includes network behavior monitoring."}} For Microsoft Security Essentials, this feature has been present since July 2010.<ref>{{cite web |first=Brandon |last=LeBlanc |title=Beta for Next Version of Microsoft Security Essentials Now Available |url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2010/07/20/beta-for-next-version-of-microsoft-security-essentials-now-available/ |website=Blogging Windows |date=20 July 2010 |access-date=22 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016035623/http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2010/07/20/beta-for-next-version-of-microsoft-security-essentials-now-available/ |archive-date=16 October 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Keyboard shortcuts==
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==Virtualization==
[[Hyper-V]], a [[Hypervisor#Classification|native hypervisor]] previously offered only in [[Windows Server]], is included in Windows 8 Pro, replacing [[Windows Virtual PC]], a [[Hypervisor#Classification|hosted hypervisor]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-20103376-75/windows-8-to-include-hyper-v-virtualization/ |title=Microsoft announces Hyper-V in Windows 8 |last=Whitney |first=Lance |date=September 8, 2011 |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |work=[[CNET]] |access-date=April 23, 2015 |archive-date=February 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://
== Storage ==
=== Storage Spaces ===
Storage Spaces is a [[storage virtualization]] technology which succeeds [[Logical Disk Manager]] and allows the organization of physical disks into logical volumes similar to [[Logical Volume Manager (Linux)]], [[RAID0]], [[RAID1]] or [[RAID5]], but at a higher abstraction level.<ref name="B8_storage_spaces">{{cite web|last=Sinofsky|first=Steven |title=Virtualizing storage for scale, resiliency, and efficiency|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/01/05/virtualizing-storage-for-scale-resiliency-and-efficiency.aspx
A storage space behaves like a physical disk to the user, with [[thin provisioning]] of available disk space. The spaces are organized within a storage pool, i.e. a collection of physical disks, that can span multiple disks of different sizes, performance or technology (USB, SATA, SAS). The process of adding new disks or replacing failed or older disks is fully automatic, but can be controlled with [[PowerShell]] commands. The same storage pool can host multiple storage spaces. Storage Spaces have built-in resiliency from disk failures, which is achieved by either [[disk mirroring]] or [[data striping|striping]] with [[Parity bit|parity]] across the physical disks. Each storage pool on the [[ReFS]] filesystem is limited to 4 PB (4096 TB), but there are no limits on the total number of storage pools or the number of storage spaces within a pool.<ref name="B8_ReFS">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/01/16/building-the-next-generation-file-system-for-windows-refs.aspx|title=Building the next generation file system for Windows: ReFS|publisher=Building Windows 8 Blog|date=January 16, 2012|access-date=January 17, 2012|archive-date=May
▲A storage space behaves like a physical disk to the user, with [[thin provisioning]] of available disk space. The spaces are organized within a storage pool, i.e. a collection of physical disks, that can span multiple disks of different sizes, performance or technology (USB, SATA, SAS). The process of adding new disks or replacing failed or older disks is fully automatic, but can be controlled with [[PowerShell]] commands. The same storage pool can host multiple storage spaces. Storage Spaces have built-in resiliency from disk failures, which is achieved by either [[disk mirroring]] or [[data striping|striping]] with [[Parity bit|parity]] across the physical disks. Each storage pool on the [[ReFS]] filesystem is limited to 4 PB (4096 TB), but there are no limits on the total number of storage pools or the number of storage spaces within a pool.<ref name="B8_ReFS">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/01/16/building-the-next-generation-file-system-for-windows-refs.aspx|title=Building the next generation file system for Windows: ReFS|publisher=Building Windows 8 Blog|date=January 16, 2012|access-date=January 17, 2012|archive-date=May 15, 2013|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6GdtFDgcn?url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/01/16/building-the-next-generation-file-system-for-windows-refs.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
A review in ''[[Ars Technica]]'' concluded that "Storage Spaces in Windows 8 is a good foundation, but its current iteration is simply too flawed to recommend in most circumstances."<ref>{{cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Andrew |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2012/10/storage-spaces-explained-a-great-feature-when-it-works/3/ |title=Storage Spaces explained: a great feature, when it works |website=[[Ars Technica]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=October 28, 2012 |access-date=January 20, 2014 |archive-date=January 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110181411/http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2012/10/storage-spaces-explained-a-great-feature-when-it-works/3/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Microsoft MVP]] Helge Klein also criticized Storage Spaces as unsuitable for its touted market of [[small office/home office|SOHO]] users.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://helgeklein.com/blog/2012/03/windows-8-storage-spaces-bugs-and-design-flaws/ |title=Windows 8 Storage Spaces: Bugs and Design Flaws |first=Helge |last=Klein |website=Helgeklein.com |date=March 26, 2012 |access-date=January 20, 2014 |archive-date=June 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618090154/https://helgeklein.com/blog/2012/03/windows-8-storage-spaces-bugs-and-design-flaws/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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===NVM Express===
Windows 8.1 gained support for [[NVM Express]] (NVMe), a new industry standard protocol for [[PCIe]]-attached storage, such as PCIe flash cards.<ref name="Heron"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.myce.com/news/windows-8-1-to-support-hybrid-disks-and-native-nvme-driver-68663/ |title=Windows 8.1 to support hybrid disks and adds native NVMe driver |website=Myce.com |date=September 6, 2013 |access-date=January 20, 2014 |archive-date=January 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110200352/http://www.myce.com/news/windows-8-1-to-support-hybrid-disks-and-native-nvme-driver-68663/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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Windows 8.1 also introduces a manual TRIM function via [[Microsoft Drive Optimizer]] which can perform an on-demand user-requested TRIM operation on internal and external SSDs. Windows 7 only had automatic TRIM for internal SATA SSDs built into system operations such as Delete, Format, Diskpart etc.
However, Windows 8.1 built-in NVMe driver does not support NVMe passthrough protocol. Support for NVMe passthrough protocol was added in Windows 10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NVMe_Support – smartmontools |url=https://www.smartmontools.org/wiki/NVMe_Support }}</ref>
==See also==
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==External links==
* [https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/b8/ Building Windows 8 Blog]
{{Microsoft Windows family}}
[[Category:Windows 8]]
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