Windows 8 Features by Edition

There are three main editions of Windows 8: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows RT. Consumers can purchase the first two from stores selling Windows 8. Windows RT is available only pre-installed on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors such as those used in today’s smartphones and tablets; as a consumer, you can’t purchase Windows RT

separately and install it on your own computer or device. A Windows 8 Enterprise edition is available only to large businesses.

Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows 8 Enterprise are available in both 32-bit and 64-bit editions.

The key features of each edition of Windows 8 are included in the following table.

Feature name	Windows 8	Windows 8 Pro	Windows RT
Upgrades from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium	x	x
Upgrades from Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate		x
Start screen, Semantic Zoom, live tiles	x	x	x
Windows Store	x	x	x
Apps (Mail, Calendar, People, Messaging, Photos, SkyDrive, Reader, Music, Video, etc.)	x	x	x
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote)			x
Internet Explorer 10	x	x	x
Device encryption			x
Connected standby	x	x	x
Microsoft account	x	x	x
Desktop	x	x	x
Installation of x86/64 and desktop software	x	x
File Explorer	x	x	x
Windows Defender	x	x	x
SmartScreen	x	x	x
Windows Update	x	x	x
Enhanced Task Manager	x	x	x
Switch languages on the fly (Language Packs)	x	x	x
Better multiple monitor support	x	x	x
Storage Spaces	x	x
Windows Media Player	x	x
Exchange ActiveSync	x	x	x
File history	x	x	x
ISO / VHD mount	x	x	x
Mobile broadband features	x	x	x
Picture password	x	x	x
Play To	x	x	x
Remote Desktop (client)	x	x	x
Reset and refresh your computer or device	x	x	x
Snap	x	x	x

Windows 8 Enterprise provides all the features in Windows 8 Pro and additional features to assist with IT organization (Windows To Go, AppLocker, App Deployment, and so on). This edition is available only to Software Assurance customers.