Windows 8: Difference between revisions

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{{infobox Windows
{{Infobox Windows
|image = Windows_8_7862.jpg
|image = Win8RpStart.png
|imagecaption = Windows "8" Build 6.2.7867
|imagecaption = Windows 8 build 8400's Start screen
|codename = "Windows 8"
|codename = '8'
|kernel = NT 6.2
|kernel = NT 6.2
|arch = x86, AMD64, ARM
|arch = x86, x64, ARM
|build = M2 6.2.7989
|build = [[/6.2.9200.16384.win8_rtm.120725-1247|9200.16384.win8_rtm.120725-1247]]
|release = none
|release = 26th October 2012
|licence = Microsoft EULA
|licence = Microsoft EULA
|support = none
|support = Ended on 12th January 2016
|previous = [[Windows:7|Windows 7]]
|previous = [[Windows 7]]
|next = none
|next = [[Windows 8.1]]
}}
}}
'''Windows 8''' is a release of [[Microsoft]] [[Windows]], a family of operating systems developed by [[Microsoft]]. It was the successor to [[Windows 7]].


Windows 8 is the upcoming successor of Windows 7. Pictures and information of builds with build numbers in the 765x-77xx range have been leaked, but it's not clear wheter they belong to Windows 7's post-RTM or to Windows 8's early development.
== History ==
Development of Windows 8 started before the general availability of Windows 7.


A Microsoft employee stated in his blog that Windows 8 will have the NT version number 7.0 and that the OS won't be shipped in a x86 version, but only as x64. However, the April 2011 leaks and PR from Microsoft indicated that the 32-bit Windows would continue and that the Windows 8 kernel version would be 6.2.
A Microsoft employee stated in his blog that Windows 8 will have the NT version number 7.0 and that the OS won't be shipped in a x86 version, but only as x64. However, the April 2011 leaks and PR from Microsoft indicated that the 32-bit Windows would continue and that the Windows 8 kernel version would be 6.2.


As stated by a Microsoft employee, Windows 8 will be "totally different" when it is expected to be released, sometime around 2011 or 2012. Steve Ballmer calls Windows 8 his "riskiest product bet" due to the high success of Windows 7.
Steve Ballmer calls Windows 8 his "riskiest product bet" due to the high success of Windows 7.
 
As of 23rd June 2011, it has not been confirmed that the name "Windows 8" will be used. However, the name "Windows 8" is used throughout the leaked build 7955. Internally the term "Windows.next" is used, which is only a reference to the "next" version of Windows (in 2007, Windows 7 would have been referred to as "Windows.next"...)


At the CES 2011 in January 2011, a computer with an ARM processor was pictured running the "Windows 8" build 6.2.7867 showing that the kernel version had only changed to 6.2, most likely to keep compatibility with old software. It was determined to be an M2 build.
At the CES 2011 in January 2011, a computer with an ARM processor was pictured running the "Windows 8" build 6.2.7867 showing that the kernel version had only changed to 6.2, most likely to keep compatibility with old software. It was determined to be an M2 build.


An Immersive User Interface will be used on Touchscreen and Mouse hardware.
Four builds of Windows 8 in its early Milestone stages have been leaked: 6.1.7850 (M1), 6.2.7927 (M2), 6.2.7955 (M2), 6.2.7959 (Post-M2/Pre-M3), and 6.2.7989 (M3). Rumors show that because of the leaks of 7850, 7955, and 7959, two Microsoft employees were terminated due to leaking confidential software.
 
As of 23rd June 2011, three (four) builds have been leaked: the M1 build 6.1.7850, the pre-M3 build 6.2.7955, (the M3 server build 6.2.7959), and the middle M3 build 6.2,7989. Microsoft is currently on M3 and a public beta is expected for September 2011 during the BUILD conference. It has been said that it could be released in 2012 or 2013.
 
Rumors show that because of the leaks of 7850, 7955, and 7959, two Microsoft employess were terminated due to leaking confidential software.
 
Features that Windows 8 has are:


*Immersive User Interface
== New/Improved features ==
*Built in PDF Reader
# Immersive User Interface (referred to as ''Modern UI'', codenamed ''Metro'').
*Webcam App
# Start screen which incorporates the Modern design language and replaces the Start menu of previous Windows versions, making it more touch-friendly.
*Immersive Web Browser (Touchscreen)
# Internet Explorer 10 was introduced, which was also the first version to have a 'Metro' mode for touch-friendly usage. Adobe Flash was also bundled with Internet Explorer.
*Ribbon User Interface
# Modern versions of Mail, Calendar, People and Reader were introduced, some replacing their Windows 7 desktop equivalents. A camera app was also introduced.
*New and Improved Aero, including Software implemented (no longer based on hardware requirements)
# Windows Explorer was renamed as File Explorer and the interface was changed to one based on the Ribbon system.
*Internet Explorer 10 (currently being built)
# New [[Desktop Window Manager]] features, such as support for software rendering, and performance improvements.
*Time Machine
# File History, which automatically creates backups of files located across the system, was introduced.
*System Reset
# Reset and Refresh options were introduced (the former re-installs Windows, while the latter retains settings and removes desktop applications)
# Windows Store, which is a place where users can purchase and download Metro-based apps, was introduced.
# Windows to Go was introduced for the Enterprise edition, which allowed users to carry Windows in a flash drive or a removable hard drive.
# Task Manager was redesigned, now showing startup programs, average program use, and improved graphs.
# File transfers were improved, now allowing users to pause a transfer. The file transfer speed can also be shown as a graph.
# A new feature to improve boot times called Fast Boot was introduced, which significantly cut down on booting times.
# USB 3 is now natively supported.
# Snap was introduced, allowing 2 Metro apps to be on one screen together.
# Battery life was improved.
# Online integration was introduced in the form of Microsoft Account, allowing users to use that account to login in Windows.
# Improved support for cellular connectivity.
# Windows Defender was upgraded to support full antivirus protection, effectively replacing Microsoft Security Essentials.
# The lock screen was redesigned.
# Hyper-V is now available on 64-bit versions of Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise.
# The Windows Start orb was changed into a blue flatter trapezium based theme.
# Taskbar and window border colours can now be selected automatically.
# A new installer was introduced, which reduced restart times and significantly quickened the installation time.
== Features removed or degraded ==
# The Start Menu (and the button) was removed, which created a huge backlash and could well be the biggest reason for the eventual failure of Windows 8.
# Windows 8 can no longer use unified search as was possible with Windows 7; instead you must search categorically.
# DWM is now on permanently and cannot be turned off, effectively removing themes such as the Classic and Aero Basic theme.
# Translucency and blurring was lost in the windows as a flatter theme was introduced instead.
# Metro apps require a minimum of 1024x768 and Snap required a minimum of 1366x768.
# Windows 8 now requires NX, SSE2 and PAE extensions on the processor and needs it to be enabled.
# Hyper-V requires SLAT for it to work on Windows 8.
== Builds ==
{{Builds Legend}}
=== Milestone 1 ===
*'''[[/6.1.7652|6.1.7652]]'''
*'''''[[/6.1.7700.0.winmain.100122-1900|6.1.7700.0.winmain.100122-1900]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.1.7746.fbl_grfx.100428-2024|6.1.7746.fbl_grfx.100428-2024]]'''''
*'''[[/6.1.7788.fbl_uex_cxe_dev|6.1.7788.fbl_uex_cxe_dev]]'''
*'''[[/6.1.7791|6.1.7791]]'''
*'''[[/6.1.7793|6.1.7793]]'''
*'''''[[/6.1.7814.fbl_core1_kernel_ee.100907-1700|6.1.7814.fbl_core1_kernel_ee.100907-1700]]'''''
*'''[[/6.1.7830|6.1.7830]]'''
*'''''[[/6.1.7850.0.winmain_win8m1.100922-1508|6.1.7850.0.winmain_win8m1.100922-1508]]'''''


=== Milestone 2 ===
*'''[[/6.2.7867|6.2.7867]]'''
*'''[[/6.2.7871|6.2.7871]]'''
*'''''[[/6.2.7875.fbl_grfx_dev1.101102-1700|6.2.7875.fbl_grfx_dev1.101102-1700]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.2.7878.winmain.101104-1752|6.2.7878.winmain.101104-1752]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.2.7880.fbl_grfx_dev1.101110-1700|6.2.7880.fbl_grfx_dev1.101110-1700]]'''''
*'''[[/6.2.7898|6.2.7898]]'''
*'''''[[/6.2.7899.0.fbl_core2_sfs.101209-1900|6.2.7899.0.fbl_core2_sfs.101209-1900]]'''''
*'''[[/6.2.7900|6.2.7900]]'''
*'''[[/6.2.7901.0.fbl_uex_icp.101213-1800|6.2.7901.0.fbl_uex_icp.101213-1800]]'''
*'''[[/6.2.7910.0.winmain.110111-1804|6.2.7910.0.winmain.110111-1804]]'''
*'''''[[/6.2.7927.0.fbl_srv_wdacxml.110214-1930|6.2.7927.0.fbl_srv_wdacxml.110214-1930]]'''''
*'''[[/6.2.7947|6.2.7947]]'''
*'''[[/6.2.7950.0.winmain_win8m2.110223-1820|6.2.7950.0.winmain_win8m2.110223-1820]]'''


== Build List ==
=== Milestone 3 ===
*'''''[[/6.2.7955.0.fbl_srv_wdacxml.110228-1930|6.2.7955.0.fbl_srv_wdacxml.110228-1930]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.2.7962.fbl_srv_wdacxml.110311-1930|6.2.7962.fbl_srv_wdacxml.110311-1930]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.2.7963.winmain.110310-1721|6.2.7963.winmain.110310-1721]]'''''
*'''[[/6.2.7971.0.winmain.110324-1900|6.2.7971.0.winmain.110324-1900]]'''
*'''[[/6.2.7973.0.winmain.110329-1742|6.2.7973.0.winmain.110329-1742]]'''
*'''''[[/6.2.7973.0.fbl core1 kernel npc.110330-1809|6.2.7973.0.fbl_core1_kernel_npc.110330-1809]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.2.7973.0.fbl core2 sid data.110330-1700|6.2.7973.0.fbl_core2_sid_data.110330-1700]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.2.7973.fbl dnt3 wireless.110330-1800|6.2.7973.0.fbl_dnt3_wireless.110330-1800]]'''''
*'''[[/6.2.7985.0.fbl core1 kernel cptx.110503-1501|6.2.7985.0.fbl_core1_kernel_cptx.110503-1501]]'''
*'''''[[/6.2.7989.0.winmain.110421-1825|6.2.7989.0.winmain.110421-1825]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.2.7997.fbl_dnt3_wireless.110504-2014|6.2.7997.fbl_dnt3_wireless.110504-2014]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.2.8008.fbl_dnt3_wireless.110518-1900|6.2.8008.fbl_dnt3_wireless.110518-1900]]'''''
*[[/6.2.8011.0.winmain.110520-1745|6.2.8011.0.winmain.110520-1745]]
*'''''[[/6.2.8014.fbl_grfx_dev1.110525-1700|6.2.8014.fbl_grfx_dev1.110525-1700]]'''''


Leaked builds have their names written '''bold'''.
===Pre-Developer Preview===
*'''''[[/6.2.8032.0.fbl core2 sid data.110623-2054|6.2.8032.0.fbl_core2_sid_data.110623-2054]]'''''
*'''[[/6.2.8040.fbl_grfx_dev1.110706-1700|6.2.8040.fbl_grfx_dev1.110706-1700]]'''
*'''''[[/6.2.8045.fbl_grfx_dev1.110713-1730|6.2.8045.fbl_grfx_dev1.110713-1730]]'''''
*'''[[/6.2.8049.fbl eeap.110718-0510|6.2.8049.0.fbl_eeap.110718-0510]]'''
*'''[[/6.2.8056.winmain.110726-1851|6.2.8056.0.winmain.110726-1851]]'''
*'''''[[/6.2.8056.0.fbl grfx dev1.110727-1728|6.2.8056.0.fbl_grfx_dev1.110727-1728]]'''''
*'''[[/6.2.8057.winmain.110727-1825|6.2.8057.0.winmain.110727-1825]]'''
*'''[[/6.2.8059.winmain.110729-1857|6.2.8059.0.winmain.110729-1857]]'''
*'''''[[/6.2.8064.fbl eeap.110806-1000|6.2.8064.0.fbl_eeap.110806-1000]]'''''
*'''[[/6.2.8095.winmain win8m3.110812-1840|6.2.8095.0.winmain_win8m3.110812-1840]]'''
*'''[[/6.2.8101.winmain win8m3.110822-1905|6.2.8101.0.winmain_win8m3.110822-1905]]'''


=== Milestone 1 - 6.1.78xx ===
===Offical Developer Preview - 6.2.8102===
*'''''[[/6.2.8102.101.winmain win8m3.110830-1739|6.2.8102.101.winmain_win8m3.110830-1739 - Public Developer Preview]]'''''
**'''''6.2.8102.101.winmain_win8m3.110831-1700 - KB2608612'''''
**'''''6.2.8102.105.winmain_win8m3.110907-1505 - KB2616619'''''
**'''''6.2.8102.106.winmain_win8m3.110908-1424 - KB2616150'''''
**'''''6.2.8102.108.winmain_win8m3.110911-1502 - KB2617028'''''
**'''''6.2.8102.109.winmain_win8m3.110912-1733 - KB2617868'''''
**'''''6.2.8102.110.winmain_win8m3.110913-1848 - KB2618032'''''
**'''''6.2.8102.112.winmain_win8m3.110915-1505 - KB2619246'''''


*6.1.7800.0.winmain_win8m1.100816-1855
===Pre-Consumer Preview (Pre-Beta)===
*6.1.7804.0.winmain_win8m1.100820-1742
*'''[[/6.2.8108.fbl dnt2 wipdc.110902-1700|6.2.8108.0.fbl_dnt2_wipdc.110902-1700]]'''
*6.1.7809.0.winmain_win8m1.100827-1740
*[[/6.2.8110.0.fbl_fun_perf.110907-1830|6.2.8110.0.fbl_fun_perf.110907-1830]]'''
*6.1.7811.0.winmain_win8m1.100831-1731
*'''[[/6.2.8121.winmain.110922-1913|6.2.8121.0.winmain.110922-1913]]'''
*6.1.7812.0.winmain_win8m1.100901-1810
*'''[[/6.2.8128.0.winmain.111005-1812|6.2.8128.0.winmain.111005-1812]]
*6.1.7814.0.winmain_win8m1.100903-1700
*'''''[[/6.2.8128.fbl core1 soc partner.111005-1916|6.2.8128.0.fbl_core1_soc_partner.111005-1916]]'''
*6.1.7817.0.winmain_win8m1.100910-1622
*'''[[/6.2.8130.0.winmain.111006-1907|6.2.8130.0.winmain.111006-1907]]'''
*6.1.7818.0.winmain_win8m1.100913-1840
*'''''[[/6.2.8133.0.fbl dnt3 wireless.111012-1902|6.2.8133.0.fbl_dnt3_wireless.111012-1902]]'''''
*6.1.7821.0.winmain_win8m1.100916-1940
*'''[[/6.2.8140.0.winmain.111020-1857|6.2.8140.0.winmain.111020-1857]]'''
*6.1.7822.0.winmain_win8m1.100920-1625
*'''''[[/6.2.8148.0.winmain.111103-1846|6.2.8148.0.winmain.111103-1846]]'''''
*[[Windows:8:7850.0.winmain_win8m1.100922-1508|'''6.1.7850.0.winmain_win8m1.100922-1508''']]
*'''''[[/6.2.8155.0.fbl_dnt3_wireless.111116-2000/]]'''''
*'''[[/6.2.8158.0.winmain.111118-2210|6.2.8158.0.winmain.111118-2210]]
*'''''[[/6.2.8161.0.winmain.111128-1254|6.2.8161.0.winmain.111128-1254]]'''''
*'''[[/6.2.8165.fbl fun resp.111205-2000|6.2.8165.fbl_fun_resp.111205-2000]]'''
*'''[[/6.2.817x.winmain.111215-xxxx|6.2.817x.winmain.111215-xxxx]]'''
*'''[[/6.2.8172.?.111214-1750|6.2.8172.0.?.111214-1750]]'''
*'''[[/6.2.8175.0.fbl dev dp4.111216-2019|6.2.8175.0.fbl_dev_dp4.111216-2019]]'''
*'''''[[/6.2.8176.fbl core2 sid dev.120104-2026|6.2.8176.fbl_core2_sid_dev.120104-2026]]'''''
*'''[[/6.2.8180.winmain.120109-1245|6.2.8180.0.winmain.120109-1245]]'''
*'''[[/6.2.8186.winmain.120117-1707|6.2.8186.0.winmain.120117-1707]]'''
*'''[[/6.2.8194.0.winmain.120127-1917|6.2.8194.0.winmain.120127-1917]]'''
*'''''[[/6.2.8195.0.fbl dnt3 wireless.120201-1800|6.2.8195.0.fbl_dnt3_wireless.120201-1800]]'''''


=== Milestone 2 - 6.2.785x ===
===Consumer Escrow (Beta Escrow) ===
*'''[[/6.2.8220.winmain win8beta.120127-1925|6.2.8220.winmain_win8beta.120127-1925]]'''
*'''[[/6.2.8225.winmain_win8beta.120203-1918|6.2.8225.0.winmain_win8beta.120203-1918]]'''


Note: Not sure if these are really M2 builds, as the tags contain "m1". If you replace that with "m2" and leave the rest, you get lots of Google hits too. At one point somebody seems to have made an error - if somebody is sure, please edit!
===Offical Consumer Preview (Beta) - 6.2.8250 ===
*'''''[[/6.2.8250.0.winmain win8beta.120217-1520|6.2.8250.0.winmain_win8beta.120217-1520]]'''''


*6.2.7853.0.winmain_win8m1.100928-1040
===Release Preview===
*6.2.7855.0.winmain_win8m1.101001-1815
*'''''[[/6.2.8277.fbl dnt2 bus.120208-1700.3e118cd4dc14871a|6.2.8277.fbl_dnt2_bus.120208-1700]]'''''
*6.2.7857.0.winmain_win8m1.101006-1908
*'''''[[/6.2.8305.fbl dnt3 wireless.120321-1800.3d4c684e56749ab2|6.2.8305.fbl_dnt3_wireless.120321-1800]]'''''
*6.2.7859.0.winmain_win8m1.101008-1300
*'''[[/6.2.8306|6.2.8306.0.?.1203??-????]]'''
*6.2.7866.0.winmain_win8m1.101019-1507
*'''[[/6.2.8318.fbl core1 soc 120409-2355|6.2.8318.fbl_core1_soc_120409-2355]]'''
*6.2.7867.0.winmain_win8m1.101020-1800
*'''''[[/6.2.8330.fbl_grfx_dev1.120425-1400|6.2.8330.fbl_grfx_dev1.120425-1400]]'''''
*[[Windows:8:6.2.7867|6.2.7867 (CES 2011 Build)]]
*'''''[[/6.2.8330.fbl_ie_longhorn.120425-2121|6.2.8330.fbl_ie_longhorn.120425-2121]]'''''
*6.2.7870.0.winmain_win8m1.101025-1900
*'''''[[/6.2.8331.fbl loc.120425-2034|6.2.8331.fbl_loc.120425-2034]]'''''
*6.2.7871.0.winmain_win8m1.101026-1800
*'''[[/6.2.8331.fbl uex.120425|6.2.8331.fbl_uex.120425-????]]'''
*6.2.7874.0.winmain_win8m1.101029-1838
*'''[[/6.2.8370.winmain win8rc.120428-1335|6.2.8370.0.winmain_win8rc.120428-1335]]'''
*6.2.7875.0.winmain_win8m1.101101-1832
*'''[[/6.2.8375.0.winmain win8rc.120504-1900|6.2.8375.0.winmain_win8rc.120504-1900]]'''
*6.2.7878.0.winmain_win8m1.101104-1752
*'''[[/6.2.8382|6.2.8382]]'''
*6.2.7880.0.winmain_win8m1.101108-1530
*'''[[/6.2.8383|6.2.8383]]'''
*6.2.7881.0.winmain_win8m1.101109-1816
*'''''[[/6.2.8400.0.winmain win8rc.120518-1423|6.2.8400.0.winmain_win8rc.120518-1423]]'''''
*6.2.7882.0.winmain_win8m1.101110-1650
*6.2.7883.0.winmain_win8m1.101111-1631
*6.2.7890.0.winmain_win8m1.101122-1810
*6.2.7891.0.winmain_win8m1.101123-1908
*6.2.7892.0.winmain_win8m1.101129-1902
*6.2.7895.0.winmain_win8m1.101202-1845
*6.2.7898.0.winmain_win8m1.101207-1620
*6.2.7899.0.winmain_win8m1.101208-1900


=== Milestone 2 - 6.2.79xx ===
===Post-RC Builds===
*'''''[[/6.2.8422.0.winmain.120524-1848|6.2.8422.0.winmain.120524-1848]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.2.8422.fbl core1 soc partner.120525-1923|6.2.8422.fbl_core1_soc_partner.120525-1923]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.2.8423.fbl loc.120528-2000.6054d154977a07e7|6.2.8423.fbl_loc.120528-2000]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.2.8424.winmain.120529-1855|6.2.8424.winmain.120529-1855]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.2.8424.fbl woa drop.120530-2000|6.2.8424.fbl woa drop.120530-2000]]'''''
*'''[[/6.2.8431.0.fbl uex.120609-2000|6.2.8431.0.fbl_uex.120609-2000]]'''
*'''''[[/6.2.8432.fbl loc.120611-2000.467bc1514816516d|6.2.8432.fbl_loc.120611-2000]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.2.8432.0.fbl woa.120611-2000|6.2.8432.0.fbl woa.120611-2000]]'''''
*'''''[[/6.2.8438.fbl ie longhorn.120620-2000.b40a76eb096552c3|6.2.8438.fbl_ie_longhorn.120620-2000]]'''''
*'''[[/6.2.8441.winmain.120623-1614|6.2.8441.0.winmain.120623-1614]]'''


*6.2.7900.0.winmain_win8m2.101209-1830
===Pre-RTM===
*6.2.7901.0.winmain_win8m2.101210-1755
*'''[[/6.2.8513.win8gdr_soc_intel.120710-2000|6.2.8513.win8gdr_soc_intel.120710-2000]]'''
*6.2.7902.0.winmain_win8m2.101213-1745
*'''''[[/6.2.8520.fbl_eeap.120722-1632|6.2.8520.fbl_eeap.120722-1632]]'''''
*6.2.7903.0.winmain_win8m2.101215-2325
*'''''[[/6.2.8888.16384.win8_gdr_soc_intel.120724-2000|6.2.8888.16384.win8_gdr_soc_intel.120724-2000]]'''''
*6.2.7904.0.winmain_win8m2.101216-1845
*6.2.7905.0.winmain_win8m2.110103-2100
*6.2.7906.0.winmain_win8m2.110105-1750
*6.2.7907.0.winmain_win8m2.110106-1823
*6.2.7907.0.fbl_x.110109-1800 (FBL)
*6.2.7908.0.winmain_win8m2.110107-1755
*6.2.7909.0.winmain_win8m2.110110-1515
*[[Windows:8:6.2.7910.0|6.2.7910.0.winmain_win8m2.110111-1804]]
*6.2.7911.0.winmain_win8m2.110112-1725
*6.2.7913.0.winmain_win8m2.110114-1745
*6.2.7914.0.winmain_win8m2.110118-1605
*6.2.7915.0.winmain_win8m2.110119-1806
*6.2.7916.0.winmain_win8m2.110121-1715
*6.2.7917.0.winmain_win8m2.110125-1757
*6.2.7920.0.winmain_win8m2.110128-1740
*6.2.7921.0.winmain_win8m2.110201-2005
*6.2.7922.0.winmain_win8m2.110202-1840
*6.2.7925.0.winmain_win8m2.110207-1736
*6.2.7926.0.winmain_win8m2.110209-1755
*6.2.7927.0.winmain_win8m2.110210-1740
*6.2.7928.0.winmain_win8m2.110214-1825
*6.2.7929.0.winmain_win8m2.110215-1802
*6.2.7930.0.winmain_win8m2.110217-1825
==== M2 Escrow / Pre-M3 branch ====
*6.2.7947.0.winmain_win8m2_escrow.110218-1608
*6.2.7948.0.winmain_win8m2_escrow.110221-1703
*6.2.7949.0.winmain_win8m2_escrow.110222-1545
*6.2.7950.0.winmain_win8m2_escrow.110223-1820
*[[Windows:8:7955.0.fbl_srv_wdacxml.110228-1930|'''6.2.7955.0.fbl_srv_wdacxml.110228-1930''']]


=== Milestone 3 - 6.2.795x ===
=== RTM ===
*'''''[[/6.2.9200.16384.win8_rtm.120725-1247|6.2.9200.16384.win8_rtm.120725-1247]]'''''


*6.2.7955.0.winmain_win8m3.110224-1502
===Post-RTM===
*6.2.7956.0.winmain_win8m3.110228-1701
*'''''[[/6.2.9200.16384.win8gdr_soc_intel.120726-2000|6.2.9200.16384.win8gdr_soc_intel.120726-2000]]'''''
*6.2.7959.0.winmain_win8m3.110307-1930
*6.2.7961.0.winmain_win8m3.110308-1712
*6.2.7962.0.winmain.1103xx-xxxx
*6.2.7963.0.winmain.110310-1721
*6.2.7964.0.winmain.1103xx-xxxx
*6.2.7968.0.winmain.110318-1830
*[[Windows:8:6.2.7971.0.winmain.110324-1900|6.2.7971.0.winmain.110324-1900]]
*6.2.7972.0.winmain.110328-1838
*6.2.7973.0.winmain.110329-1742
*6.2.7974.0.winmain.110330-1622
*6.2.7975.0.winmain.110331-1827
*6.2.7976.0.winmain.110401-1700
*6.2.7978.0.winmain.110405-1746
*6.2.7979.0.winmain.110406-1800
*6.2.7980.0.winmain.110407-1832
*6.2.7982.0.winmain.110411-1832
*6.2.7984.0.fbl_system_licensing.110414-1750
*'''[[Windows:8:6.2.7989.0.winmain.110421-1825|6.2.7989.0.winmain.110421-1825]]'''
*6.2.7996.0.winmain.110429-1810
*6.2.8030.0.110620-1742
*6.2.8042.0.110707-1940


[[Category:Operating Systems]]
== See also ==
[[Category:Upcoming Projects]]
*[[Windows Embedded 8]]
*[[Windows Server 2012]]
*[[Windows RT]]


== See Also ==
[[Category:Microsoft Windows]]
[[Windows:Server 8|Windows Server 8]]

Latest revision as of 20:02, 28 April 2023

Windows 8
Win8RpStart.png
Windows 8 build 8400's Start screen
Codename
Preliminary name		 '8'
Kernel version NT 6.2
CPU architecture x86, x64, ARM
Release date 26th October 2012
Support end Ended on 12th January 2016
Preceded by Windows 7
Succeeded by Windows 8.1

Windows 8 is a release of Microsoft Windows, a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft. It was the successor to Windows 7.

History

Development of Windows 8 started before the general availability of Windows 7.

A Microsoft employee stated in his blog that Windows 8 will have the NT version number 7.0 and that the OS won't be shipped in a x86 version, but only as x64. However, the April 2011 leaks and PR from Microsoft indicated that the 32-bit Windows would continue and that the Windows 8 kernel version would be 6.2.

Steve Ballmer calls Windows 8 his "riskiest product bet" due to the high success of Windows 7.

At the CES 2011 in January 2011, a computer with an ARM processor was pictured running the "Windows 8" build 6.2.7867 showing that the kernel version had only changed to 6.2, most likely to keep compatibility with old software. It was determined to be an M2 build.

Four builds of Windows 8 in its early Milestone stages have been leaked: 6.1.7850 (M1), 6.2.7927 (M2), 6.2.7955 (M2), 6.2.7959 (Post-M2/Pre-M3), and 6.2.7989 (M3). Rumors show that because of the leaks of 7850, 7955, and 7959, two Microsoft employees were terminated due to leaking confidential software.

New/Improved features

  1. Immersive User Interface (referred to as Modern UI, codenamed Metro).
  2. Start screen which incorporates the Modern design language and replaces the Start menu of previous Windows versions, making it more touch-friendly.
  3. Internet Explorer 10 was introduced, which was also the first version to have a 'Metro' mode for touch-friendly usage. Adobe Flash was also bundled with Internet Explorer.
  4. Modern versions of Mail, Calendar, People and Reader were introduced, some replacing their Windows 7 desktop equivalents. A camera app was also introduced.
  5. Windows Explorer was renamed as File Explorer and the interface was changed to one based on the Ribbon system.
  6. New Desktop Window Manager features, such as support for software rendering, and performance improvements.
  7. File History, which automatically creates backups of files located across the system, was introduced.
  8. Reset and Refresh options were introduced (the former re-installs Windows, while the latter retains settings and removes desktop applications)
  9. Windows Store, which is a place where users can purchase and download Metro-based apps, was introduced.
  10. Windows to Go was introduced for the Enterprise edition, which allowed users to carry Windows in a flash drive or a removable hard drive.
  11. Task Manager was redesigned, now showing startup programs, average program use, and improved graphs.
  12. File transfers were improved, now allowing users to pause a transfer. The file transfer speed can also be shown as a graph.
  13. A new feature to improve boot times called Fast Boot was introduced, which significantly cut down on booting times.
  14. USB 3 is now natively supported.
  15. Snap was introduced, allowing 2 Metro apps to be on one screen together.
  16. Battery life was improved.
  17. Online integration was introduced in the form of Microsoft Account, allowing users to use that account to login in Windows.
  18. Improved support for cellular connectivity.
  19. Windows Defender was upgraded to support full antivirus protection, effectively replacing Microsoft Security Essentials.
  20. The lock screen was redesigned.
  21. Hyper-V is now available on 64-bit versions of Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise.
  22. The Windows Start orb was changed into a blue flatter trapezium based theme.
  23. Taskbar and window border colours can now be selected automatically.
  24. A new installer was introduced, which reduced restart times and significantly quickened the installation time.

Features removed or degraded

  1. The Start Menu (and the button) was removed, which created a huge backlash and could well be the biggest reason for the eventual failure of Windows 8.
  2. Windows 8 can no longer use unified search as was possible with Windows 7; instead you must search categorically.
  3. DWM is now on permanently and cannot be turned off, effectively removing themes such as the Classic and Aero Basic theme.
  4. Translucency and blurring was lost in the windows as a flatter theme was introduced instead.
  5. Metro apps require a minimum of 1024x768 and Snap required a minimum of 1366x768.
  6. Windows 8 now requires NX, SSE2 and PAE extensions on the processor and needs it to be enabled.
  7. Hyper-V requires SLAT for it to work on Windows 8.

Builds

  • No information available
  • Existence doubtful
  • Information or pictures available
  • Leaked or released

Milestone 1

Milestone 2

Milestone 3

Pre-Developer Preview

Offical Developer Preview - 6.2.8102

  • 6.2.8102.101.winmain_win8m3.110830-1739 - Public Developer Preview
    • 6.2.8102.101.winmain_win8m3.110831-1700 - KB2608612
    • 6.2.8102.105.winmain_win8m3.110907-1505 - KB2616619
    • 6.2.8102.106.winmain_win8m3.110908-1424 - KB2616150
    • 6.2.8102.108.winmain_win8m3.110911-1502 - KB2617028
    • 6.2.8102.109.winmain_win8m3.110912-1733 - KB2617868
    • 6.2.8102.110.winmain_win8m3.110913-1848 - KB2618032
    • 6.2.8102.112.winmain_win8m3.110915-1505 - KB2619246

Pre-Consumer Preview (Pre-Beta)

Consumer Escrow (Beta Escrow)

Offical Consumer Preview (Beta) - 6.2.8250

Release Preview

Post-RC Builds

Pre-RTM

RTM

Post-RTM

See also

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