With Windows 8 release, there should be less confusion regarding choice of edition that fits best to your computing needs. Unlike Windows 7, new Windows 8 operating system will be released in only three versions (or editions): Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT (which is only for tablets). So for PC users, there is are only two major options to choose from: Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro (Pro stands for Professional).
Only two Windows 8 editions for desktop PC users
Selecting Windows 7 version was tough ask due to lot of editions: home basic, professional, ultimate and so on. However, Windows 8 make things all easy with only two version releases: Windows 8 and Windows 8 professional.
Windows 8 – For majority of users Windows 8 version is best choice. It features updated Windows Explorer, Task Manager and better multi-monitor support. Also, you can switch to different language as per your country settings (which was previously only available in Enterprise/Ultimate editions of Windows).
Windows 8 Pro – For more geeky and pro features, you can choose Professional edition (which equates to Professional, Ultimate and enterprise editions as in previous Windows). It has advanced features like encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity. Here, Windows Media Center will be available only as an economical “media pack” add-on. As expected, this edition will be expensive than basic Windows 8 version.
New Windows RT edition for tablets & touch devices
Windows RT (also called Windows on ARM or WOA) is all new edition introduction to Windows family. This version will feature touch based metro user interface for tablets and other touch enabled devices. By default, it will also include touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote programs.
Compare Win 8, Win 8 Pro & Windows RT editions
Following is comparison table for different Windows 8 editions. Windows 8 has all basic features, only missing on encryption and professional features found in Windows 8 Pro. While Windows RT packs all basic feature list with Storage Spaces and Windows Media Player being notable omissions.
| 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 |
For sure Microsoft has done great job in simplying Windows editions offering. This makes the overall process of choosing Windows edition a quicker and easier routine for all Windows users. [credit Windows blog]
