Microsoft has finally shed some light on the different versions of Windows 8 we'll see upon release, and thankfully, things are much simpler than past versions.
This time around, there are only three flavors Microsoft is pushing heavily: Windows 8, the version geared towards most consumers; Windows 8 Pro, for enterprise and enthusiast users; and Windows RT, which is the new name for Windows on low-power ARM processors (previously called WOA).
And fret not, IT workers. Microsoft says another version of the OS, Windows 8 Enterprise, will be available to organizations with Software Assurance agreements. It's basically an offshoot of Windows 8 Pro, since it contains all of the features of that version plus an increased IT-management feature.
Notably, Windows RT will only be available pre-installed on ARM-powered devices like tablets and ultraportable laptops, so you'll only have to worry about the other two versions of Windows 8 when deciding to upgrade your current computer. (For Media Center fans, Microsoft says it will be available as an "economical add-on pack" for Windows 8 Pro.)
The standard version of Windows 8 will include all of the great features we've already seen in the OS, including the new tablet-friendly Metro interface, updated Windows Explorer, and support for new Metro apps. Windows 8 Pro will add encryption, virtualization, PC management, and domain connection features, according Windows Communication Manager Brandon LeBlanc.
As we've covered previously, Windows RT will include touch-optimized Office apps. Explaining the Windows RT name, LeBlanc said the focus of the OS is on the new Windows runtime, which "forms the foundation of a new generation of cloud-enabled, touch-enabled, web-connected apps of all kinds."
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) | 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 | |
Updated Windows 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 PC | x | x | x |
Snap | x | x | x |
Touch and Thumb keyboard | x | x | x |
Trusted boot | x | x | x |
VPN client | x | x | x |
BitLocker and BitLocker To Go | x | ||
Boot from VHD | x | ||
Client Hyper-V | x | ||
Domain Join | x | ||
Encrypting File System | x | ||
Group Policy | x | ||
Remote Desktop (host) | x |
Below, check out a comparison chart between the three versions of Windows 8.Photo via Devindra Hardawar/VentureBeat