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===Language and standards support===
[[File:Windows 8 - Xbox Music and Photos together.png|thumb|250px|Snap feature: Xbox Music app, along Photos app snapped into a [[sidebar (computing)|sidebar]] to the right side of the screen]]
Windows 8 introduces the new [[Windows Runtime]] (WinRT) platform, which can be used to create a new type of application officially known as [[Windows Store app]]s and commonly called ''Metro-style apps''.<!--This name is used throughout the article.--> Such apps run within a secure [[Sandbox (computer security)|sandbox]] and share data with other apps through common [[Application programming interface|API]]s. WinRT, being a COM-based API, allows for the use of various programming languages to code apps, including [[C++]], [[C++/CX]], [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]], [[Visual Basic .NET]], or [[HTML5]] and [[JavaScript]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2011/06/html5-centric-windows-8-leaves-microsoft-developers-horrified/ |title=Why Microsoft has made developers horrified about coding for Windows 8 |last=Bright |first=Peter |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |work=[[Ars Technica]] |date=June 13, 2011 |
In Windows 8 up to two apps may snap to the side of a [[widescreen]] display to allow multi-tasking, forming a sidebar that separates the apps. In Windows 8.1, apps can continually be resized to the desired width.<ref name=ars-wblue /> Snapped apps may occupy half of the screen.<ref name=verge-blueleak /> Large screens allow up to four apps to be snapped.<ref name=verge-blueleak /> Upon launching an app, Windows allows the user to pick which snapped view the app should open into.<ref name=verge-blue-file-explorer />
The term "Metro-style apps" referred to "[[Metro (design language)|Metro]]", a [[design language]] prominently used by Windows 8 and other recent Microsoft products. Reports surfaced that Microsoft employees were told to stop using the term due to potential [[trademark]] issues with an unspecified partner. A Microsoft spokesperson however, denied these reports and stated that "Metro-style" was merely a [[codename]] for the new application platform.<ref name=verge-metrotm>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/8/2/3215039/microsoft-metro-name-dispute-developers |title=Microsoft advises developers to stop using 'Metro' name in apps following possible trademark dispute |date=August 2, 2012 |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |work=[[The Verge]] |
Windows 8 introduces APIs to support [[near field communication]] (NFC) on Windows 8 devices, allowing functionality like launching URLs/applications and sharing of information between devices via NFC.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.istartedsomething.com/20110917/nfc-windows-8s-hidden-connection-to-tags-and-devices |title=NFC: Windows 8's hidden connection to tags and devices |last=Zheng |first=Long |date=September 17, 2011 |work=istartedsomething |
===Windows Store===
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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 |date=August 28, 2012 |publisher=4sysops |
[[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=http://www.zdnet.com/new-windows-8-hardware-specs-hint-at-7-inch-tablets-and-a-microsoft-reader-7000013271/|work=ZDNet|
[[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 trackpad, 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 |
In Windows 8.1, the aforementioned hotspots in the upper right and the upper left corners can be disabled.<ref name="verge-81handson">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/6/26/4465888/windows-8-1-preview-video |title=Windows 8.1: a first look at what Microsoft is changing |last=Rodgers |first=Evan |date=June 26, 2013 |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |work=[[The Verge]] |
Pressing {{key press|Win|X}} or right-clicking on the bottom left corner of the screen opens the Quick Link menu.<ref name="KeyboardShortcuts">{{cite web |url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/new-keyboard-shortcuts/?v=t |title=New keyboard shortcuts for Windows 8 and Windows RT |publisher=Microsoft |
Windows 8.1 Update introduced changes that facilitate mouse-oriented means of switching between and closing Metro-style apps, patterned upon the mechanics used by desktop programs in the Windows user interlace. In lieu of the recent apps sidebar, [[computer icon]]s for opened apps can be displayed on the taskbar; as with desktop programs, shortcuts to apps can also be pinned to the taskbar. When a mouse is connected, an auto-hiding titlebar with minimize and close buttons is displayed within apps when the mouse is moved toward the top of the screen.<ref name="W8.1UReview">{{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-update-1-review |title=Windows 8.1 Update 1 Review |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |date=April 2, 2014 |publisher=[[Penton Media|Penton]] |work=Supersite for Windows |
===Bundled apps===
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A number of apps are included in the standard installation of Windows 8, including [[Mail (Windows)|Mail]] (an [[email client]]), [[People (Windows)|People]] (a [[contact manager]]), [[Calendar (Windows)|Calendar]] (a [[calendaring software|calendaring app]]), Messaging (an [[Instant messaging|IM client]]), [[Microsoft Photos|Photos]] (an [[image viewer]]), [[Xbox Music|Music]] (an [[Audio player (software)|audio player]]), [[Xbox Video|Video]] (a [[Video player (software)|video player]]), [[Windows Camera|Camera]] (a [[webcam]] or [[digital camera]] client), [[SkyDrive#Client applications|SkyDrive]], Reader (an [[e-book reader]]), and six other apps that expose [[Bing (search engine)|Bing]] services (Search, News, Finance, Weather, Travel and Sports).{{citation needed|date=June 2015}}
Windows 8.1 adds Calculator,<ref name=verge-blueleak /> Alarm Clock,<ref name=verge-blueleak /> Sound Recorder,<ref name=verge-blueleak /> Reading List, Food & Drink, Health & Fitness,<ref>{{cite web|title=Microsoft demonstrates new apps and devices for Windows 8.1|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/6/7/4405604/microsoft-computex-2013-windows-8-1-demo-devices-video|work=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|
Windows 8 also includes a Metro-style system component called [[Settings (Windows)|PC Settings]] which exposes a small portion of [[Control Panel (Windows)|Control Panel]] settings. Windows 8.1 improves this component to include more options that were previously exclusive to Control Panel.<ref name=ars-wblue>{{cite web |first=Peter |last=Bright |title=Windows Blue leaks: More Metro, more multitasking |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/03/windows-blue-leaks-more-metro-more-multitasking/ |work=[[Ars Technica]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=March 25, 2013 |
===Start screen===
{{Main|Start menu#Third version|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 |
Windows 8.1 makes the following changes to the Start screen:
* The "All Apps" section, now accessed with a hidden downward arrow or upward touch gesture, features a visible search bar which can display results for apps or other items.<ref name="OptimizeDesktop">{{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-tip-optimize-desktop |title=Windows 8.1 Tip: Optimize for the Desktop |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |date=July 1, 2013 |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |work=Supersite for Windows |
* On high-resolution display monitors with sufficiently large physical screen sizes, an option to display additional tiles on the Start screen is available.<ref name="ShowMoreTiles">{{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-tip-show-more-tiles |title=Windows 8.1 Tip: Show More Tiles |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |date=June 29, 2013 |publisher=[[Penton (company)|Penton Media]] |work=Supersite for Windows |
* 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]]|
* 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]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|
* 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 |
* 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 |
* 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 |
* Windows 8.1 introduces options to categorize apps listed within the "All Apps" section of the Start screen. Apps can be categorized by their name, the date they were installed, their frequency of use, or based on their categories.<ref name="SortBy">{{cite web |url=http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/29154-apps-screen-sort-windows-8-1-a.html |title=Apps Screen - Sort By in Windows 8.1 |last=Brink |first=Shawn |date=August 2, 2013 |
* The ability to highlight recently installed apps has been enhanced in Windows 8.1 Update, which now displays the total number of recently installed apps within the lower-left corner of the Start screen in addition to highlighting.<ref name="WhatsNew">{{cite web |url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/whats-new |title=What's new in Windows 8.1 Update and Windows RT 8.1 Update? |publisher=Microsoft |
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 |
===Search===
In Windows 8, searching from the Start screen or clicking on the Search charm will display search results within a full-screen interface. Unlike previous versions of Windows where searching from the Start menu returned results from multiple sources simultaneously, Windows 8 searches through individual categories: apps, settings, and files.<ref name="DesigningSearch">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/18/designing-search-for-the-start-screen.aspx |title=Designing search for the Start screen |date=October 18, 2011 |publisher=Microsoft |work=Building Windows 8 |
In Windows 8.1, searching no longer opens a full-screen interface; results are instead displayed in a Metro-style flyout interface. Windows 8.1 also reinstates unified local search results, and can optionally provide results from [[Bing (search engine)|Bing]]. Dubbed "Smart Search," Windows 8.1 and Bing can optionally analyze a user's search habits to return relevant content that is stored locally and from the Internet.<ref name="Bing">{{cite web |url=http://www.bing.com/explore/windows8search |title=Smart Search: Reinvented for Windows 8.1 |publisher=Microsoft |
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 |
===User login===
Windows 8 introduces a redesigned lock screen interface based on the Metro design language. The lock screen displays a customizable background image, the current date and time, notifications from apps, and detailed app status or updates.<ref name="LockScreen">{{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-feature-focus-lock-screen-144656 |title=Windows 8 Feature Focus: Lock Screen |date=October 28, 2012 |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |work=Supersite for Windows |
Windows 8.1 introduces the ability to display a photo slide show on the lock screen.<ref name="LockscreenSlideshow">{{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-tip-use-photo-slide-show-your-lock-screen |title=Windows 8.1 Tip: Use a Photo Slide Show on Your Lock Screen |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |date=September 30, 2013 |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |work=Supersite for Windows |
===Notifications===
[[File:Windows 8 Notification.png|thumb|A Windows 8 toast notification informing the user that a removable drive has been attached. Clicking or tapping the notification brings up the [[AutoPlay]] dialog, allowing users to configure actions that Windows should take after the insertion of a removable media device.]]
Windows 8 introduces new forms of notifications for [[Metro-style apps]] and for certain events in [[File Explorer]].<ref name="NotificationsOverview">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/jimoneil/archive/2012/08/02/windows-8-notifications-overview.aspx |title=Windows 8 Notifications: Overview |last=O'Neil |first=Jim |date=August 2, 2015 |publisher=Microsoft |work=MSDN Blogs |
* '''Toast notifications:''' alert the user to specific events, such as the insertion of removable media
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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 |
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 |
===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 |
===Display screen===
[[File:Windows 8 on two monitors.png|thumb|Windows 8 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 |
Windows 8.1 includes improved support for high-resolution monitors.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/1/6/116B9895-EC9C-4174-8A85-A28146CF8B6A/Windows_8-1_Product-Guide.pdf |title=Windows 8.1 Preview product guide |publisher=Microsoft |year=2013 |access-date=July 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818093506/http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/1/6/116B9895-EC9C-4174-8A85-A28146CF8B6A/Windows_8-1_Product-Guide.pdf |archive-date=August 18, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A desktop scaling feature now helps resize the items on the desktop to solve the visibility problems on screens with a very high native resolution.<ref>{{cite web|last=Thurrott|first=Paul|title=Hands-On with Windows 8.1: Desktop Display Scaling|url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/hands-windows-81-desktop-display-scaling|work=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows|publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |
===File Explorer===
{{Further|File Explorer}}
[[File:Windows Explorer Ribbon.png|thumb|right|The new File Explorer interface in Windows 8]]
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}}</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}}</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 |
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}}</ref> A new interface has also been introduced for managing file name collisions in a file operation, allowing users to easily control which conflicting files are copied.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/26/designing-the-windows-8-file-name-collision-experience.aspx |title=Designing the Windows 8 file name collision experience |publisher=Microsoft |date=August 2011}}</ref>
[[Features new to Windows 7#Libraries|Libraries]], introduced in [[Windows 7]], can now have their individual icons changed through the user interface.<ref>{{cite web|first=Paul |last=Thurrott |author-link=Paul Thurrott |url=http://winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-secrets-changing-custom-library-icon-140784 |title=Windows 8 Secrets: Changing a Custom Library Icon |work=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |date=October 1, 2011 |
===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://www.webcitation.org/6857maSEr?url=http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-release-preview-internet-explorer-10-143034 | archive-date = May 31, 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
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]] |
===Task Manager===
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* The Performance tab is split into CPU, memory, disk, Ethernet, and wireless network (if applicable) sections. There are overall graphs for each, and clicking on one reaches details for that particular resource
** The CPU tab no longer displays individual graphs for every logical processor on the system by default. It may show data for each [[Non-uniform memory access|NUMA]] node.
** The CPU tab displays simple percentages on heat-mapping tiles to display utilization for systems with many (64 or more, up to 640) logical processors.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/27/using-task-manager-with-64-logical-processors.aspx | title=Using Task Manager with 64+ logical processors |
** Hovering the cursor over any logical processor's graph shows the [[Non-uniform memory access|NUMA]] node of that processor and its ID.
* The new Startup tab lists startup programs and their impact on boot time. [[Windows Vista]] included a feature to manage startup applications that was removed in [[Windows 7]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/what-happened-to-software-explorer-in-windows-defender |title=What happened to Software Explorer in Windows Defender? |publisher=Windows.microsoft.com |
* The Processes tab now lists application names, application status, and overall usage data for CPU, memory, hard disk, and network resources for each process. A new option to restart File Explorer upon its selection is provided.
** Task manager recognizes when a [[Windows Runtime]] application is in "Suspended" status.
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===Touch keyboard===
Windows 8 introduces a revised virtual (also known as on-screen) keyboard interface optimized for touchscreen devices that includes wider spacing between keys and is designed to prevent common typing errors that occur while using touchscreens.<ref name="OSK">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/07/17/designing-the-windows-8-touch-keyboard.aspx |title=Designing the Windows 8 touch keyboard |publisher=Microsoft |work=Building Windows 8 |date=July 17, 2012 |
Windows 8.1 Update introduces a new gesture that allows users to tap twice and hold the second tap to drag and drop highlighted text or objects.<ref name="PFE"/> A visible option to hide or show the virtual keyboard is also available.
===Password input===
Windows 8 displays a "peek" button for password [[text box]]es which can optionally allows users to view passwords as they are entered in order to ensure that they are typed correctly.<ref name="LittleDetails">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.microsoft.com/next/2012/11/12/little-details-windows-8-passwords/ |title=Little Details: Windows 8 passwords |last=Clayton |first=Steve |publisher=Microsoft |work=Next at Microsoft |date=November 12, 2012 |
==Infrastructure==
===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 |
===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}}</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 |
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 |
A [[porting|port]] of Windows for the [[ARM architecture]] was also created for Windows 8. Known as Windows RT, it is specifically optimized for mobile devices such as tablets. Windows RT is only able to run third-party Windows Store apps, but comes with a preinstalled version of [[Office 2013]] specially redesigned for touchscreen use.<ref>{{cite web |first=Brandon |last=LeBlanc |url=http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/04/16/announcing-the-windows-8-editions.aspx |title=Announcing the Windows 8 Editions |website=The Windows Blog |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=April 16, 2012 |
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>
===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 |
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]]|
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|
===Networking===
Windows 8 incorporates improved support for [[mobile broadband]] as a "first-class" method of internet connectivity. Upon the insertion of a [[Subscriber identity module|SIM card]], the operating system will automatically determine the user's carrier and configure relevant connection settings using an [[Access Point Name]] database. The operating system can also monitor mobile data usage, and changes its behavior accordingly to reduce bandwidth use on [[Bandwidth cap|metered networks]]. Carriers can also offer their own dedicated Windows Store apps for account management, which can also be installed automatically as a part of the connection process. This functionality was demonstrated with an [[AT&T]] app, which could also display monthly data usage statistics on its live tile. Windows 8 also reduces the need for third-party drivers and software to implement mobile broadband by providing a generic driver, and by providing an integrated [[airplane mode]] option.<ref name=bw8-broadband>{{cite web|title=Engineering Windows 8 for mobile networks|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/01/20/engineering-windows-8-for-mobility.aspx|work=Building Windows 8|publisher=Microsoft|
Windows 8 supports [[geolocation]].<ref name="LocationAwareApps">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/windowsappdev/archive/2013/05/22/create-___location-aware-apps-using-geolocation-and-bing-maps.aspx |title=Create ___location aware apps using geolocation and Bing Maps |last=Heise |first=Ross |date=May 22, 2013 |publisher=Microsoft |work=Windows 8 app developer blog |
Windows 8.1 Update provides options for the "Network" Settings charm to show the estimated data usage for a selected network, and to designate a network as a metered connection.<ref name="BloggingWindows"/>
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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 "hybrid boot" mode; when the operating system is shut down, it [[Hibernation (computing)|hibernates]] the [[kernel (computing)|kernel]], allowing for a faster boot on the subsequent startup.<ref>{{cite web|title=How to, uh, turn Windows 8 off|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57389397-75/how-to-uh-turn-windows-8-off/|website=CNET}}</ref> These improvements are further compounded by using all processor cores during startup by default.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.winsupersite.com/blog/supersite-blog-39/windows8/microsoft-touts-incredible-windows-8-boot-times-140515 | title=Microsoft Touts Incredible Windows 8 Boot Times |
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|
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|
===Video subsystem===
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|
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 |
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 |
===Printing===
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 |
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|
===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|
===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 |
==Maintenance==
The [[Action Center]] introduced in Windows 7 is expanded to include controls and notifications for new categories, such as [[SmartScreen]] status, drive health status, File History, device software updates, and the new Automatic Maintenance feature, which can periodically perform a number of maintenance tasks, such as diagnostics, updates, and malware scans to improve system performance.<ref name="tr-w8actioncenter">{{cite web |url=http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/window-on-windows/keep-tabs-on-performance-in-windows-8-with-action-center/6422 |title=Keep tabs on performance in Windows 8 with Action Center |last=Shultz |first=Greg |date=August 2, 2012 |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |work=[[TechRepublic]] |
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 |
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"/>
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===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">{{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]] |
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 |
===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 state drive|solid state storage]] and have RAM soldered directly to the motherboard) and have a [[Trusted Platform Module]] (TPM) 2.0 chip.<ref name=ars-deviceencryption>{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Cunningham |title=Windows 8.1 includes seamless, automatic disk encryption—if your PC supports it |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/10/windows-8-1-includes-seamless-automatic-disk-encryption-if-your-pc-supports-it/ |work=[[Ars Technica]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=October 17, 2013 |
===Device lockdown===
Windows 8.1 introduces Assigned Access, formerly called Kiosk mode, which restricts the Windows device to a running a single predetermined Metro-style app.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rivera|first=Rafael|title=Blue's Clues: Enabling Kiosk Mode|url=http://withinwindows.com/within-windows/2013/4/23/blues-clues-enabling-kiosk-mode|work=Within Windows|
Windows 8.1 was slated to include a Provable PC Health feature which would allow owners to subject devices connected to a network to remote PC analysis. Under Provable PC Health, connected devices would periodically send various configuration-related information to a cloud service, which would provide suggestions for remediation upon detection of an issue.<ref name="Security8.1"/> However, the feature was dropped before the operating system's general availability.<ref name="WhatHappened">{{cite web |url=http://www.notebookreview.com/news/a-windows-8-1-security-feature-goes-missing-why/ |title=A Windows 8.1 Security Feature Goes Missing: Why? |last=Emigh |first=Jacqueline |date=November 25, 2013 |publisher=[[TechTarget]] |work=Notebook Review |
===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 |
===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|
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://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/b8/protecting-the-pre-os-environment-with-uefi |archive-date=2020}}</ref> The UEFI firmware will only allow signatures from keys that has been enrolled into its database, and, prior to Windows 8 release, Microsoft announced that certified computers had to ship with the Microsoft's public key enrolled and with secure boot enabled by default. However, following the announcement, the company was accused by critics and free and open-source software advocates (including the [[Free Software Foundation]]) of trying to use the secure boot to [[Vendor lock-in|hinder or outright prevent]] the installation of alternative operating systems such as Linux. Microsoft denied that the secure boot requirement was intended to serve as a form of lock-in, and clarified that [[x86]] certified systems (but not [[ARM architecture|ARM]] systems) must allow secure boot to enter custom mode or be disabled.<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 = 21 September 2011|website = [[Ars Technica|www.arstechnica.com]]|last = Brodkin|first = Jon |access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.pcworld.com/article/248342/windows_8_secure_boot_the_controversy_continues.html|title = Windows 8 Secure Boot: The Controversy Continues|date = January 18, 2012|website = [[PC World]]|publisher = [[International Data Group|IDG]]|last = Noyes|first = Katherine}}</ref>
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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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-8-will-ship-with-built-in-antivirus-protection/|title = Windows 8 will ship with built-in antivirus protection|date = September 13, 2011|website = [[ZDNet]]|publisher = [[CBS Interactive]]|last = Kingsley-Hughes|first = Adrian}}</ref>
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]] |
====Windows Platform Binary Table====
Windows Platform Binary Table allows executable files to be stored within UEFI firmware for execution on startup. Microsoft states this feature is meant to "allow critical software to persist even when the operating system has changed or been reinstalled in a 'clean' configuration"; specifically, anti-theft security software; but this has also been mis-used, including by [[Lenovo]] with their "[[Lenovo#Lenovo Service Engine|Lenovo Service Engine]]" feature.<ref name=ars-windowsantitheft>{{cite web|title=Lenovo used Windows anti-theft feature to install persistent crapware|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/08/lenovo-used-windows-anti-theft-feature-to-install-persistent-crapware/|website=Ars Technica|publisher=Conde Nast|
===Windows Defender===
Line 249:
* {{Keypress|Win|S}} Opens the Search charm to search for apps.
* {{Keypress|Win|Z}} Shows available app commands.
* {{Keypress|Win|+}} and {{Keypress|Win|-}} respectfully activate and deactivate semantic zoom.<ref name="KeyboardIbach">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/cdnstudents/archive/2012/09/04/some-useful-keyboard-shortcuts-for-windows-8.aspx |title=Some useful keyboard shortcuts for Windows 8 |last=Ibach |first=Susan |date=September 4, 2012 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |work=MSDN Blogs |
* {{Keypress|Win|Space bar}} Switches the user's [[Input method|IME]].
* {{Keypress|Win|Ctrl|Space bar}} Reverts to a previous IME.
Line 260:
* {{Keypress|Win|Shift|.}} Snaps an open Metro-style app to the left side of the screen.
* {{Keypress|Win|.}} Snaps an open Metro-style app to the right side of the screen.
* {{Keypress|Win|[[Print screen]]}} Takes a screenshot of the entire screen and saves it to a Screenshots folder within the Pictures directory.<ref name="Screenshot">{{cite web |url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/take-screen-capture-print-screen#take-screen-capture-print-screen=windows-8 |title=Take a screen capture (print your screen) |publisher=Microsoft |
==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]] |
== Storage ==
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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}}</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 |
Storage Spaces was further enhanced in [[Windows Server 2012 R2]] with tiering and caching support,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/library/dn387076.aspx |title=What's New in Storage Spaces in Windows Server 2012 R2 |website=[[Microsoft TechNet|TechNet]] |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=September 11, 2013 |
===NVM Express===
Windows 8.1 also 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 |
==See also==
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