touch screen monitors 27 inch windows 10 64 bits made in china

The ColorEdge CS2740 is the first CS series monitor to implement 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160), which is four times the size of Full HD. The remarkable detail ensures that high resolution photos and other content are displayed crisply. The 27-inch screen provides ample space for easily displaying Full HD content in full with enough space to show toolbars, palettes, and other windows or applications simultaneously. This makes the monitor versatile for photos, video editing, design, and other types of creative work up to 4K.

A conventional monitor displays in Full HD with just 96 ppi. The ColorEdge CS2740 boasts a pixel density nearly twice that at an incredible 164 ppi for 4K image display that has never looked smoother. Alphanumeric characters and contours are distinguished with excellent sharpness so you can check even the finest details without needing to zoom in.

The ColorEdge CS2740 features USB Type-C connectivity with 60 W power delivery. With a single USB Type-C cable you can display video, transmit USB signals, and supply power to a connected device such as a smartphone or notebook PC. Simply plug in and get creative without worrying about additional cable clutter.

ColorNavigator 7 is the latest calibration and quality control software for ColorEdge color management monitors. It combines all the features of EIZO"s previous color management software, ColorNavigator 6 and ColorNavigator NX, to create a new and improved solution for creatives in a range of fields. The proprietary software performs hardware calibration by directly utilizing the LUT (look-up-table) of the monitor for higher precision and better gradation characteristics compared to software calibration.

Even with all the right equipment, color matching can be a tedious process - from monitor adjustment to determining the best retouch software and printer settings - achieving an accurate print takes a great deal of time. Quick Color Match greatly simplifies the process by automatically adjusting to the ideal monitor, retouching software, and printer settings so you can focus on editing your photos and print your work quickly and hassle-free. Simply drag and drop your photo in the Quick Color Match window to automatically start the process.

The wide color gamut reproduces almost the entire Adobe® RGB color space so images shot in Adobe RGB will be displayed correctly. Photos of vibrant blue skies and lush green forests are reproduced faithfully in a  way that monitors limited to an sRGB color space cannot display. The wide color gamut also ensures reproduction of almost the entire ISO-coated and US web-coated CMYK color spaces used in printing.

Using the DisplayPort or HDMI inputs, the monitor offers 10-bit simultaneous display* from a 16-bit look-up-table (LUT) which means it can show more than one billion colors simultaneously. This is 64 times more colors than you get with 8-bit display, resulting in smooth color gradations and reduced Delta-E between two adjacent colors.

*A graphics board and software which support 10-bit output are also necessary for 10-bit display. Equipment that supports DeepColor is required for 10-bit display when connected via HDMI.

EIZO offers optional HLG and PQ curves for the ColorEdge CS2740 as an upgrade. The optimized gamma curves render images to appear more true to how the human eye perceives the real world compared to SDR.

LCD monitors commonly exhibit fluctuations in brightness and chromaticity across the screen, affecting color accuracy. To counter this, ColorEdge monitors are equipped with EIZO"s patented digital uniformity equalizer (DUE) technology which corrects deviations in every tone across the screen to ensure stable display.

The 178° wide viewing angles afforded by the IPS panel technology allow two or more people to view the screen at once with little change in color or contrast.

An optional light-shielding hood is available that effectively prevents glare on the monitor"s screen caused by ambient lighting. The hood attaches to the monitor magnetically, allowing users to setup quickly and easily without needing to connect separate parts.

Adjust the screen to the most comfortable angle and reposition it to show your work to a colleague or client. The monitor comes with a versatile stand that offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustments as well as portrait display. The stand is also equipped with a quick release that allows you to easily remove the screen from the stand with one touch.

ColorEdge monitors are backed by a manufacturer"s 5-year warranty that covers all components including the LCD panel*. EIZO manufactures its products at its own factories to allow close control over production quality and ensure each monitor is built to last.

What do you get with a Lenovo laptop with Windows 10? The world"s most powerful PC operating system -- with an accelerated boot-up routine that gets you up and running (and working) faster than ever. Windows 10 also added touch-screen capabilities for laptops equipped with those displays.

Best of all, Lenovo lets you choose from hundreds of different laptops equipped with Windows 10 or Windows 10 Pro: Buying a new Microsoft Windows 10 laptop puts you at the leading edge, with all the features you"ll need to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently for years to come. From the return of the popular Start button to new data protections to built-in assistance from

Whether your budget allows for a value-priced Windows 10 laptop or you"re looking for the best Windows 10 Pro laptop on the market, Lenovo has what you’re looking for. To help you shop, we’re providing this page dedicated exclusively to Windows 10 laptops. Take a long look. You’re sure to find the model that’s right for you.

Windows 10 Pro (or Windows 10 Professional) is Microsoft’s upgraded version of Windows 10 (also called Windows 10 Home). With additional features that aren’t available in the base OS, Windows 10 Pro offers numerous advantages for users of all kinds.

Every Lenovo laptop with Windows 10 Pro features BitLocker disk encryption. It adds a special, extra layer of protection for your files and other data – making it a great feature those who work remotely and need to keep sensitive business and personal data protected. There’s also a remote desktop control feature. But while the similar capability in the Home version of Windows 10 enables what is effectively just remote monitoring and viewing of another machine, the Windows 10 Pro version provides fuller remote control – making it superior for managing large fleets of laptops, like those in corporate settings.

You really can"t go wrong with a new Lenovo laptop that comes pre-loaded with Windows 10 or a Lenovo laptop that includes Windows 10 Pro. Even our most affordable Windows 10 laptops outperform anything that could be accomplished with older versions of the popular operating system.

Buying a Windows 10 laptop can prove to be a responsible investment decision. Check out these suggestions to assist you in buying the most appropriate alternative for your requirements.

You will find a lot of options in these laptops. A 12 inch Windows 10 laptop is one of the smallest options. That option is best for those who need limited computing and easy carrying. You can buy a laptop with Windows 10 that is much larger, often up to 16 inches.

One of the most important things to look for when you want to do any type of real computing is the amount of RAM within it. Most often, it is best to choose a Windows 10 laptop with 8GB ram or larger. If you plan to do a lot of computing through gaming or photo editing, increase this.

Take a look at the options in processors. There are a few. For one of the best options, choose a Windows 10 i7 laptop. This is going to provide excellent performance overall for those who want to purchase an Intel processor. If you are looking for a Windows 10 gaming laptop, an i7 is a good option, but an i9 is even better. If you have a laptop running slow Windows 10 upgrades to the processor may help. It is generally less expensive to just buy another one, though, instead of trying to speed up Windows 10 laptop problems on an existing system.

While it is not a requirement, some people want to invest in a touch screen. It can improve performance. A Windows 10 touch screen laptop is an option, but be sure to consider other features, such as the processor and memory, as essential features. In other words, a Windows 10 touch laptop is a great option, but you need a high-performing system.

A 2 in one laptop Windows 10 can be an excellent choice for those who want a high performance laptop that can get a lot done in both laptop form and tablet form. A Windows 10 2 in 1 laptop is designed to be multi-functional and helps with everything from watching movies to writing papers.

One of the best things about the options on the market is that you can buy a wide range of features for them. For example, if you do any type of processing of documents or you are in school, check out a laptop with Windows 10 and Microsoft Office. You may be able to find a laptop that allows you to buy both at the same time, potentially for a bit of savings. This can also be important when you are buying a gaming laptop with Windows 10. Buy one that comes fully featured so you can get the best performance out of it possible.

One of the questions you may be after is how to save money when buying laptops with Windows 10. There are some cheap Windows 10 laptops out there. You do not have to buy a top-rated brand. You can go with an inexpensive Windows 10 laptop as long as it offers the processor, features, RAM, and memory that you need.

Another option is to consider a used Windows 10 laptop. If you decide to purchase a used laptop, be sure to have a good idea of what is on the system and what it has been used for. It is best to seek out a refurbished Windows 10 laptop for the best results. That is going to help ensure you get the results you want.

Another common question many people have is which is the best Windows 10 laptop for school. The thing to remember is that this can change from one person to the next. For example, if you are trying to decide between a Chromebook or Windows 10 laptop, it is best to choose based on what you will use it for. A Chromebook is a simpler tool, while a laptop Windows 10 is going to offer you more performance. If you plan to do a lot of computing, photo editing, audio work, or other advanced features, go with the Windows laptop for its overall functionality.

No matter what you are looking for in a new laptop, it only takes a few minutes to do some research to ensure you are buying the best product available. At Lenovo, we work hard to provide you with access to the very best laptops Windows 10.

●Buy with careful attention to the spaces. Windows 10 laptops under 200 are going to be stripped-down models good for basic use. For a bit of a better option, choose Windows 10 laptops under 300. You are going to get a bit more functionality, especially if it upgrades the processor.

●Find the accessories you need to go along with it. We have the Windows 10 laptop charger you need, depending on the make and model of the laptop you buy. You can buy a second one or a replacement one if you need it.

●If you need high quality and hard-working option, look at the Windows 10 Pro laptop options. These tend to come with more processing power and better overall performance. You are sure to get more results when you invest in these laptops, depending on their specs.

Take the time to know what you plan to do with your laptop before you buy one. There are a lot of laptops with Windows 10 on them. That means you can choose from a wide range of features, higher levels of memory and RAM, and lots of processing power. If you plan to do some gaming, look for laptops designed for this, as they will come with better processors and great graphics cards. For school, you may not need a bit of a laptop with many features, especially in elementary and middle school. On the other hand, students who are older may benefit from an upgrade if they are in classes that demand the use of the software.

If you need to learn how to connect Windows 10 laptop to a TV via HDMI or how to format Windows 10 laptop only c Dive, reach out to our team for one-on-one support.

First, let"s talk about some of the extra features that you get with Windows 10 Pro. One of the most notable is the ability to defer updates for up to eight months. This can be a big deal if you"re worried about Microsoft rolling out buggy updates that could break your computer. You also get access to additional security features like Device Guard and Credential Guard.

If you"re running a business, Windows 10 Pro also gives you access to #domain_name joining and Group Policy Management. These features make it easier to manage a fleet of computers.

So, is it worth upgrading to Windows 10 Pro? It really depends on your needs. If you"re a casual user, you probably don"t need all of the extra features that Pro offers. However, if you"re running a business or need more control over your computer, then upgrading to Pro might be a good idea.

Both versions of Windows 10 and Window 10 S operating systems offer a range of features and benefits, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of.

Windows 10 offers a more comprehensive range of features and is suitable for use on all types of devices. Windows 10 S is designed for security and performance, with a focus on delivering a faster and more reliable experience. It"s also been optimized for use on devices with limited storage space, such as laptops and tablets.

When it comes to security, Windows 10 S includes several features that are not available in Windows 10, such as built-in virus protection and the option to disable third-party apps. It"s also been designed to prevent users from accidentally installing malware or other malicious software.

All-in-one computers offer a similar user experience of desktop computers without the same requirements for space. They are good options for both office and home and can look neater and more streamlined than desktops. There is a range of options, including Intel® and AMD processors, different memory capacities, and screen sizes that range from small to large.

Unlike regular desktop computers, the all-in-ones don"t have a separate tower. The screen encasement contains all of the components needed to function as a computer. The keyboard and mouse usually are the only external pieces of hardware that come with the machine. Modern designs are slimmer than older versions, making them suitable even for very small offices and apartments. Many options include wireless keyboards and mice, complementing the sleek design and giving these computers a more streamlined appearance and making the space less cluttered.

There are all-in-ones with screens as small as 15 inches, and there are options that exceed 27 inches. If you prefer a bigger screen but don"t want to purchase a separate screen to use with a laptop or a more traditional desktop computer, an all-in-one is a good option. As a bonus, big screens are much easier to see, even from a distance. This is helpful when doing presentations at work and at home as well as for side-by-side windows, and the bigger screens also are suitable for streaming movies and shows at home.

Available space is less and varies due to many factors. A standard configuration uses approximately 10GB to 12GB of space (including iOS and preinstalled apps) depending on the model and settings. Preinstalled apps use about 4GB, and you can delete these apps and restore them.

I don"t have S1 V5, still on 4.6 so can"t speak to any improvemnts. As mentioned, for editing touch screen is pretty useless. Way too small and the gesturing is hit and miss, mostly miss. And slower than a mouse.

I use it to move the faders on the mix screen, but just for rough adjustments as there is no fine control in 4.6. Mostly I use it for control of instruments. Here again it"s hit and miss as some vst"s are responsive, others not so much.

It"s nice to have the two screens, and the low profile of the touch screen keeps it out of the way of my speakers. The only real practical use I"ve found for it is with fx and instruments and general fader moves. I kept my VB3 hardware controller.

Touch would be more useful of companies would design their software to take advantage of it, but there doesn"t seem to be much interst. Mice rule I guess.

Windows 8 is a major release of the Windows NT operating system developed by Microsoft. It was released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012; it was subsequently made available for download via MSDN and TechNet on August 15, 2012,

Windows 8 introduced major changes to the operating system"s platform and user interface intended to improve its user experience on tablets, where Windows was now competing with mobile operating systems, including Android and iOS.Windows shell and start screen based on Microsoft"s Metro design language, integration with online services, the Windows Store, and a new keyboard shortcut for screenshots.Windows Phone. Windows 8 added support for USB 3.0, Advanced Format, near-field communication, and cloud computing. Additional security features were introduced, such as built-in antivirus software, integration with Microsoft SmartScreen phishing filtering, and support for Secure Boot on supported devices. Windows 8 is the first version of Windows to support the ARM architecture, under the Windows RT branding. Windows 8 removed support for CPUs without SSE2 and NX support.

Windows 8 was released to a mixed critical reception. Although reaction to its performance improvements, security enhancements, and improved support for touchscreen devices was positive, the new user interface of the operating system was widely criticized for being potentially confusing and difficult to learn, especially when used with a keyboard and mouse instead of a touchscreen. Despite these shortcomings, 60 million Windows 8 licenses were sold through January 2013, a number that included both upgrades and sales to OEMs for new PCs.

Microsoft released Windows 8.1 in October 2013, which addressed some aspects of Windows 8 that were criticized by reviewers and early adopters and incorporated additional improvements to various aspects of the operating system.

Windows 8 was ultimately succeeded by Windows 10 in July 2015. Support for RTM editions of Windows 8 ended on January 12, 2016, and with the exception of Windows Embedded 8 Standard users, all users are required to install the Windows 8.1 update. Mainstream support for the Embedded Standard edition of Windows 8 ended on July 10, 2018, and extended support ends on July 11, 2023.

Windows 8 development started before Windows 7 had shipped in 2009.Consumer Electronics Show in January 2011, it was announced that the next version of Windows would add support for ARM system-on-chips alongside the existing x86 processors produced by vendors, especially AMD and Intel. Windows division president Steven Sinofsky demonstrated an early build of the port on prototype devices, while Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced the company"s goal for Windows to be "everywhere on every kind of device without compromise."XAML (similarly to Windows Phone and Silverlight) that could be distributed via a new packaging system and a rumored application store.

The earliest available build of Windows 8 is build 7700, compiled in January 2010.Windows 7 except for the wallpaper being different - the same one from the Beta and Release Candidate. In addition, there were references to Windows 8 in this build.

Two milestone releases of Windows 8 and one of Windows Server 2012 leaked to the general public. Milestone 1, Build 7850, was leaked on April 12, 2011.shhh. let"s not leak our hard work. However, its detailed build number reveals that the build was created on September 22, 2010.Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) was replaced by a new black screen,ribbon in Windows Explorer. The "Windows 7" logo was temporarily replaced with text displaying "Microsoft Confidential". Both builds 7850 and 7955 leaked alongside Windows Server 2012 build 7959. On June 17, 2011, build 7989 64-bit edition was leaked. It introduced a new boot screen featuring the same Betta fish as the default Windows 7 Beta wallpaper, which was later replaced, and the circling dots as featured in the final (although the final version comes with smaller circling dots throbber). It also had the text Welcome below them, although this was scrapped.Redlock in order to prevent relevant leaks. A patch named Redpill was necessary to reveal the new Metro UI as well as the redesigned Start Screen, Lock Screen and apps.

This build also leaked in the x86 architecture as a debug build, with the setup having a slight change - the theme was now Windows Basic in setup, rather than Classic.

Build 8008 was the first build to remove the User Tile. A new wallpaper was introduced and Metro was updated to be more like the final version of Windows 8.

On June 1, 2011, Microsoft unveiled Windows 8"s new user interface, as well as additional features at both Computex Taipei and the D9: All Things Digital conference in California.

Microsoft would unveil more Windows 8 features and improvements on the first day of the Build conference on September 13, 2011.Samsung tablet running the build was also distributed to conference attendees.

The build was released for download later that day in standard 32-bit and 64-bit variants, plus a special 64-bit variant which included SDKs and developer tools (Visual Studio Express and Expression Blend) for developing Metro-style apps.

On February 17, 2012, Microsoft unveiled a new logo to be adopted for Windows 8. Designed by Pentagram partner Paula Scher, the Windows logo was changed to resemble a set of four window panes. Additionally, the entire logo is now rendered in a single solid color.

On February 29, 2012, Microsoft released Windows 8 Consumer Preview, the beta version of Windows 8, build 8250. Alongside other changes, the build brought over the big change from build 8195: removing the Start button from the taskbar for the first time in a public build since its debut on Windows 95; according to Windows manager Chaitanya Sareen, the Start button was removed to reflect their view that on Windows 8, the desktop was an "app" itself, and not the primary interface of the operating system.

Many other builds may exist or were released until Japan"s Developers Day conference when Steven Sinofsky announced that Windows 8 Release Preview (build 8400) would be released during the first week of June.Adobe Flash Player in Internet Explorer.

On August 1, 2012, Windows 8 (build 9200released to manufacturing with the build number 6.2.9200.16384.general availability on the next day.antitrust ruling) leaked online, followed by leaks of the final versions of Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise a few days later.MSDN and TechNet subscribers.DreamSpark Premium subscription on August 22, 2012, earlier than advertised.MSDN and TechNet customers on August 15 and for retail purchase on October 26, 2012.

Relatively few changes were made from the Release Preview to the final version; these included updated versions of its pre-loaded apps, the renaming of Windows Explorer to File Explorer, the replacement of the Aero Glass theme from Windows Vista and 7 with a new flat and solid-color theme as seen in build 8432, and the addition of new background options for the Start screen, lock screen, and desktop.released on Tuesday, October 9, 2012. Microsoft indicated that due to improvements to its testing infrastructure, general improvements of this nature are to be released more frequently through Windows Update instead of being relegated to OEMs and service packs only.

Microsoft began an advertising campaign centered around Windows 8 and its Surface tablet in October 2012, starting with its first television advertisement premiering on October 14, 2012.Windows 95.pop-up stores inside malls to showcase the Surface product line, provided training for retail employees in partnership with Intel, and collaborated with the electronics store chain Best Buy to design expanded spaces to showcase devices. In an effort to make retail displays of Windows 8 devices more "personal", Microsoft also developed a character known in English-speaking markets as "Allison Brown", whose fictional profile (including personal photos, contacts, and emails) is also featured on demonstration units of Windows 8 devices.Windows 7 PCs in January 2013 via Windows Update.

In May 2013, Microsoft launched a new television campaign for Windows 8 illustrating the capabilities and pricing of Windows 8 tablets in comparison to the iPad, which featured the voice of Siri remarking on the iPad"s limitations in a parody of Apple"s "Get a Mac" advertisements.2013 Stanley Cup Finals, Microsoft premiered the first ad in its "Windows Everywhere" campaign, which promoted Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, and the company"s suite of online services as an interconnected platform.

New features and functionality in Windows 8 include a faster startup through UEFI integration and the new "Hybrid Boot" mode (which hibernates the Windows kernel on shutdown to speed up the subsequent boot),live USB variants of Windows (known as Windows To Go).USB 3.0 devices, which allow for faster data transfers and improved power management with compatible devices,hard disk 4KB Advanced Format support,near field communication to facilitate sharing and communication between devices.

Windows Explorer, which has been renamed File Explorer, now includes a ribbon in place of the command bar. File operation dialog boxes have been updated to provide more detailed statistics, the ability to pause file transfers, and improvements in the ability to manage conflicts when copying files.Storage Spaces allows users to combine different sized hard disks into virtual drives and specify mirroring, parity, or no redundancy on a folder-by-folder basis.drag and drop from a parent folder into a subfolder listed within the breadcrumb hierarchy of the address bar in File Explorer.

Task Manager has been redesigned, including a new processes tab with the option to display fewer or more details of running applications and background processes, a heat map using different colors indicating the level of resource usage, network and disk counters, grouping by process type (e.g. applications, background processes and Windows processes), friendly names for processes and a new option which allows users to search the web to find information about obscure processes.Blue Screen of Death has been updated with a simpler and modern design with less technical information displayed.

New security features in Windows 8 include two new authentication methods tailored towards touchscreens (PINs and picture passwords),antivirus capabilities to Windows Defender (bringing it in parity with Microsoft Security Essentials).SmartScreen filtering integrated into Windows,Family Safety offers Parental controls, which allows parents to monitor and manage their children"s activities on a device with activity reports and safety controls.system recovery through the new "Refresh" and "Reset" functions,

Windows 8 supports a feature of the UEFI specification known as "Secure boot", which uses a public-key infrastructure to verify the integrity of the operating system and prevent unauthorized programs such as bootkits from infecting the device"s boot process.ARM-based Windows RT devices must have secure boot permanently enabled.

Windows 8 provides heavier integration with online services from Microsoft and others. A user can now log into Windows with a Microsoft account, which can be used to access services and synchronize applications and settings between devices. Windows 8 also ships with a client app for Microsoft"s SkyDrive cloud storage service, which also allows apps to save files directly to SkyDrive. A SkyDrive client for the desktop and File Explorer is not included in Windows 8, and must be downloaded separately.Xbox Music, Xbox Video, and the Xbox SmartGlass companion for use with an Xbox 360 console. Games can integrate into an Xbox Live hub app, which also allows users to view their profile and Gamerscore.Flickr and Facebook.

Internet Explorer 10 is included as both a desktop program and a touch-optimized app, and includes increased support for HTML5, CSS3, and hardware acceleration. The Internet Explorer app does not support plugins or ActiveX components, but includes a variant of Adobe Flash Player that is optimized for touch and low power usage. Initially, Adobe Flash would only work on sites included on a "Compatibility View" whitelist; however, after feedback from users and additional compatibility tests, an update in March 2013 changed this behavior to use a smaller blacklist of sites with known compatibility issues instead, allowing Flash to be used on most sites by default.

Windows 8 also incorporates improved support for mobile broadband; the operating system can now detect the insertion of a SIM card and automatically configure connection settings (including APNs and carrier branding), and reduce its Internet usage to conserve bandwidth on metered networks. Windows 8 also adds an integrated airplane mode setting to globally disable all wireless connectivity as well. Carriers can also offer account management systems through Windows Store apps, which can be automatically installed as a part of the connection process and offer usage statistics on their respective tile.

Snap feature: Desktop, along Wikipedia App snapped into a sidebar to the right side of the screen. In Windows 8, desktop and everything on it is treated as one Metro-style app.

Windows 8 introduces a new style of application, touchscreen environments and are more specialized than current desktop applications. Apps can run either in a full-screen mode or be snapped to the side of a screen.toast notifications on screen or animate their tiles on the Start screen with dynamic content. Apps can use "contracts"; a collection of hooks to provide common functionality that can integrate with other apps, including search and sharing.Skype, and People service), while the Photos app can aggregate photos from services such as Facebook and Flickr.

Windows Store apps run within a new set of APIs known as Windows Runtime, which supports programming languages such as C, C++, Visual Basic .NET, C#, along with HTML5 and JavaScript.ARM variants of Windows,binary code compatible. Components may be compiled as Windows Runtime Components, permitting consumption by all compatible languages.sandboxed environment, and require permissions to access certain functionality, such as accessing the Internet or a camera.

Retail variants of Windows 8 are only able to install these apps through Windows Store — a namesake distribution platform that offers both apps, and listings for desktop programs certified for comparability with Windows 8.sideload apps from outside Windows Store is available to devices running Windows 8 Enterprise and joined to a domain; Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT devices that are not part of a domain can also sideload apps, but only after special product keys are obtained through volume licensing.

The term "Immersive app" had been used internally by Microsoft developers to refer to the apps prior to the first official presentation of Windows 8, after which they were referred to as "Metro-style apps" in reference to the Metro design language. The term was phased out in August 2012; a Microsoft spokesperson denied rumors that the change was related to a potential trademark issue, and stated that "Metro" was only a codename that would be replaced prior to Windows 8"s release.

Exceptions to the restrictions faced by Windows Store apps are given to web browsers. The user"s default browser can distribute a Metro-style web browser in the same package as the desktop variant, which has access to functionality unavailable to other apps, such as being able to permanently run in the background, use multiple background processes, and use Windows API code instead of WinRT (allowing for code to be re-used with the desktop variant, while still taking advantage of features available to Windows Store apps, such as charms). Microsoft advertises this exception privilege "New experience enabled" (formerly "Metro-style enabled").

The developers of both Chrome and Firefox committed to developing Metro-style variants of their browsers; while Chrome"s "Windows 8 mode" (discontinued on Chrome version 49) uses a full-screen version of the existing desktop interface, Firefox"s variant (which was first made available on the "Aurora" release channel in September 2013) uses a touch-optimized interface inspired by the Android variant of Firefox. In October 2013, Chrome"s app was changed to mimic the desktop environment used by Chrome OS.

Windows 8 introduces significant changes to the operating system"s user interface, many of which are aimed at improving its experience on tablet computers and other touchscreen devices. The new user interface is based on Microsoft"s Metro design language and uses a Start screen similar to that of Windows Phone 7 as the primary means of launching applications. The Start screen displays a customizable array of tiles linking to various apps and desktop programs, some of which can display constantly updated information and content through "live tiles".multi-tasking, apps can be snapped to the side of a screen.Control Panel, a new simplified and touch-optimized settings app known as "PC Settings" is used for basic configuration and user settings. It does not include many of the advanced options still accessible from the normal Control Panel.

A vertical toolbar known as the charmshotspots in the right corners of a screen) provides access to system and app-related functions, such as search, sharing, device management, settings, and a Start button.desktop environment for running desktop applications is accessed via a tile on the Start screen. The Start button on the taskbar from previous versions of Windows has been converted into a hotspot (or "hot corner") in the lower-left corner of the screen, which displays a large tooltip displaying a thumbnail of the Start screen. However, Windows 8.1 added the start button back to the taskbar after many complaints, but removed the preview thumbnail.Aero Glass theme with a flatter and solid-colored design, the desktop interface on Windows 8 is similar to that of Windows 7.

Several notable features were removed in Windows 8; support for playing DVD-Video was removed from Windows Media Player due to the cost of licensing the necessary decoders (especially for devices which do not include optical disc drives at all) and the prevalence of online streaming services. For the same reasons, Windows Media Center is not included by default on Windows 8, but Windows Media Center and DVD playback support could be purchased in the "Pro Pack" (which upgrades the system to Windows 8 Pro) or "Media Center Pack" add-on for Windows 8 Pro. As with prior versions, third-party DVD player software can still be used to enable DVD playback.

Backup and Restore, the backup component of Windows, was deprecated. It still shipped with Windows 8 and continues to work on preset schedules, but it was pushed to the background and can only be accessed through a Control Panel applet called "Windows 7 File Recovery".: 76 Shadow Copy, a component of Windows Explorer that once saved previous versions of changed files, no longer protects local files and folders. It can only access previous versions of shared files stored on a Windows Server computer.: 74 The subsystem on which these components worked, however, is still available for other software to use.: 74

The minimum system requirements for Windows 8 are slightly higher than those of Windows 7. The CPU must support the Physical Address Extension (PAE), NX bit, and SSE2. Windows Store apps require a screen resolution of 1024×768 or higher to run; a resolution of 1366×768 or higher is required to use the snap functionality.

32-bit SKUs of Windows 8 only support a maximum of 4 GB of RAM. 64-bit SKUs, however support more: Windows 8 x64 supports 128 GB while Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise x64 support 512 GB.

In January 2016, Microsoft announced that it would no longer support Windows 8.1 or 7 on devices using Intel"s Skylake CPU family effective July 17, 2018, and that all future CPU microarchitectures, as well as Skylake systems after this date, would only be supported on Windows 10. After the deadline, only critical security updates were to be released for users on these platforms.drivers for Windows operating systems other than Windows 10.

Microsoft released minimum hardware requirements for tablet and laplet devices to be "certified" for Windows 8 and defined a convertible form factor as a standalone device that combines the PC, display, and rechargeable power source with a mechanically attached keyboard and pointing device in a single chassis. A convertible can be transformed into a tablet where the attached input devices are hidden or removed leaving the display as the only input mechanism.

Touch screen supporting a minimum of 5-point digitizers and resolution of at least 1024×768. The physical dimensions of the display panel must match the aspect ratio of the native resolution. The native resolution of the panel can be greater than 1024 (horizontally) and 768 (vertically). Minimum native color depth is 32-bits. If the display is under 1366×768, disclaimers must be included in documentation to notify users that the Snap function is not available.

Devices supporting near field communication need to have visual marks to help users locate and use the proximity technology. The new button combination for Ctrl + Alt + Del is Windows Key + Power.

Updated certification requirements were implemented to coincide with Windows 8.1. As of 2014, all certified devices with integrated displays must contain a 720p webcam and higher quality speakers and microphones, while all certified devices that support Wi-Fi must support Bluetooth as well. As of 2015, all certified devices must contain Trusted Platform Module 2.0 chips.

Windows 8 is available in three different editions, of which the lowest edition, branded simply as Windows 8, and Windows 8 Pro, were sold at retail in most countries, and as pre-loaded software on new computers. Each edition of Windows 8 includes all of the capabilities and features of the edition below it, and add additional features oriented towards their market segments. For example, Pro added BitLocker, Hyper-V, the ability to join a domain, and the ability to install Windows Media Center as a paid add-on. Users of Windows 8 can purchase a "Pro Pack" license that upgrades their system to Windows 8 Pro through Add features to Windows. This license also includes Windows Media Center.Windows 8 Enterprise contains additional features aimed towards business environments, and is only available through volume licensing.ARM architecture, Windows RT, is marketed as an edition of Windows 8, but was only included as pre-loaded software on devices specifically developed for it.

Windows 8 was distributed as a retail box product on DVD, and through a digital download that could be converted into DVD or USB install media. As part of a launch promotion, Microsoft offered Windows 8 Pro upgrades at a discounted price of US$39.99 online, or $69.99 for retail box from its launch until January 31, 2013; afterward the Windows 8 price has been $119.99 and the Pro price $199.99.rebates and refunds on Windows 8 upgrades obtained through the promotion on select models, such as Hewlett-Packard (in the U.S. and Canada on select models), and Acer (in Europe on selected Ultrabook models).Windows 8 Pro was also offered for free.

Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 was distributed at retail in "Upgrade" licenses only, which require an existing version of Windows to install. The "full version software" SKU, which was more expensive but could be installed on computers without an eligible OS or none at all, was discontinued. In lieu of full version, a specialized "System Builder" SKU was introduced. The "System Builder" SKU replaced the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) SKU, which was only allowed to be used on PCs meant for resale but added a "Personal Use License" exemption that officially allowed its purchase and personal use by users on homebuilt computers.

Retail distribution of Windows 8 has since been discontinued in favor of Windows 8.1. Unlike 8, 8.1 is available as "full version software" at both retail and online for download that does not require a previous version of Windows in order to be installed. Pricing for these new copies remain identical.Windows 8.1 with Bing is a special OEM-specific SKU of Windows 8.1 subsidized by Microsoft"s Bing search engine.

The three desktop editions of Windows 8 support 32-bit and 64-bit architectures; retail copies of Windows 8 include install DVDs for both architectures, while the online installer automatically installs the variant corresponding with the architecture of the system"s existing Windows installation.x86 architecture 3rd generation (known as IA-32) or newer, and can run 32-bit and 16-bit applications, although 16-bit support must be enabled first.x86 2nd generation, first conceived in 1978. Microsoft started moving away from this architecture after Windows 95.

The 64-bit variant runs on CPUs compatible with x86 8th generation (known as x86-64, or x64) or newer, and can run 32-bit and 64-bit programs. 32-bit programs and operating system are restricted to supporting only 2048 gigabytes of memory.

Windows RT, the only edition of Windows 8 for systems with ARM processors, only supports applications included with the system (such as a special variant of Office 2013), supplied through Windows Update, or Windows Store apps, to ensure that the system only runs applications that are optimized for the architecture. Windows RT does not support running IA-32 or x64 applications.

Following the unveiling of Windows 8, Microsoft faced criticism (particularly from free software supporters) for mandating that devices receiving its optional certification for Windows 8 have secure boot enabled by default using a key provided by Microsoft. Concerns were raised that secure boot could prevent or hinder the use of alternate operating systems such as Linux. In a post discussing secure boot on the Building Windows 8 blog, Microsoft developer Tony Mangefeste indicated that vendors would provide means to customize secure boot, stating that "At the end of the day, the customer is in control of their PC. Microsoft"s philosophy is to provide customers with the best experience first, and allow them to make decisions themselves."ARM devices (Windows RT) would be required to have secure boot permanently enabled, with no way for users to disable it. However, Tom Warren of The Verge noted that other vendors have implemented similar hardware restrictions on their own ARM-based tablet and smartphone products (including those running Microsoft"s own Windows Phone platform), but still argued that Microsoft should "keep a consistent approach across ARM and x86, though, not least because of the number of users who"d love to run Android alongside Windows 8 on their future tablets."

Several notable video game developers criticized Microsoft for making its Windows Store a closed platform subject to its own regulations, as it conflicted with their view of the PC as an open platform. Markus "Notch" Persson (creator of the indie game Gabe Newell (co-founder of Valve and developer of software distribution platform Steam),Rob Pardo from Activision Blizzard voiced concern about the closed nature of the Windows Store.The Verge stated that Microsoft"s addition of the Store was simply responding to the success of both Apple and Google in pursuing the "curated application store approach."

Reviews of the various editions of Windows 8 were mixed to negative. Tom Warren of iPad feel immediately out of date" due to the capabilities of the operating system"s hybrid model and increased focus on cloud services.The Verge described Windows 8 as "the first desktop operating system that understands what a computer is supposed to do in 2012" and praised Microsoft"s "no compromise" approach and the operating system"s emphasis on Internet connectivity and cloud services. Pierce also considered the Start Screen to be a "brilliant innovation for desktop computers" when compared with "folder-littered desktops on every other OS" because it allows users to interact with dynamic information.Ars Technica wrote that while its user interface changes may overshadow them, Windows 8"s improved performance, updated file manager, new storage functionality, expanded security features, and updated Task Manager were still positive improvements for the operating system. Bright also said that Windows 8"s duality towards tablets and traditional PCs was an "extremely ambitious" aspect of the platform as well, but criticized Microsoft for emulating Apple"s model of a closed distribution platform when implementing the Windows Store.

The interface of Windows 8 has been the subject of negative reaction. Bright wrote that its system of hot corners and edge swiping "wasn"t very obvious" due to the lack of instructions provided by the operating system on the functions accessed through the user interface, even by the video tutorial added on the RTM release (which only instructed users to point at corners of the screen or swipe from its sides). Despite this "stumbling block", Bright said that Windows 8"s interface worked well in some places, but began to feel incoherent when switching between the "Metro" and desktop environments, sometimes through inconsistent means.The Verge wrote that the new interface was "as stunning as it is surprising", contributing to an "incredibly personal" experience once it is customized by the user, but had a steep learning curve, and was awkward to use with a keyboard and mouse. He noted that while forcing all users to use the new touch-oriented interface was a risky move for Microsoft as a whole, it was necessary in order to push development of apps for the Windows Store.ZDNet, considered the interface to be "clumsy and impractical" due to its inconsistent design (going as far as considering it "two operating systems unceremoniously bolted together"), and concluded that "Windows 8 wasn"t born out of a need or demand; it was born out of a desire on Microsoft"s part to exert its will on the PC industry and decide to shape it in a direction—touch and tablets – that allows it to compete against, and remain relevant in the face of Apple"s iPad."

However, according to research firm NPD, sales of devices running Windows in the United States had declined 21 percent compared to the same time period in 2011.IDC reported an overall drop in PC sales for the quarter, and said the drop may have been partly due to consumer reluctance to embrace the new features of the OS and poor support from OEM for these features.

Windows 8 surpassed Windows Vista in market share with a 5.1% usage rate according to numbers posted in July 2013 by Net Applications, with usage on a steady upward trajectory.Windows Vista and Windows 7 at the same point in their release cycles. Windows 8"s tablet market share also grew steadily, with 7.4% of tablets running Windows in Q1 2013 according to Strategy Analytics, up from nothing just a year before. However, this was still well below Android and iOS, which posted 43.4% and 48.2% market share respectively, although both operating systems had been on the market much longer than Windows 8.

In March 2013, Microsoft also amended its certification requirements to allow tablets to use the 1024×768 resolution as a minimum; this change is expected to allow the production of certified Windows 8 tablets in smaller form factors—a market which is currently dominated by Android-based tablets.

In January 2014, Hewlett-Packard began a promotion for desktops running Windows 7, saying that it was "back by popular demand". Outside sources have suggested that this might be because HP or its customers thought the Windows 8 platform would be more appropriate for mobile computing than desktop computing, or that they were looking to attract customers forced to switch from XP who wanted a more familiar interface.

In February 2014, Bloomberg reported that Microsoft would be lowering the price of Windows 8 licenses by 70% for devices that retail under US$250; alongside the announcement that an update to the operating system would allow OEMs to produce devices with as little as 1 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage, critics felt that these changes would help Windows compete against Linux-based devices in the low-end market, particularly those running Chrome OS. Microsoft had similarly cut the price of Windows XP licenses to compete against the early waves of Linux-based netbooks.Bing. Some media outlets falsely reported that the SKU associated with this plan, "Windows 8.1 with Bing", was a variant which would be a free or low-cost variant of Windows 8 for consumers using older versions of Windows.

On the information gathered by Net Applications, adoption rate in March 2015 for Windows 8.1 was at 10.55%, while the original Windows 8 was at 3.52%.

In May 2014, the Government of China banned the internal purchase of Windows 8-based products under government contracts requiring "energy-efficient" devices. The Xinhua News Agency claimed that Windows 8 was being banned in protest of Microsoft"s support lifecycle policy and the end of support for Windows XP (which, as of January 2014, had a market share of 49% in China), as the government "obviously cannot ignore the risks of running an OS without guaranteed technical support." However, Ni Guangnan of the Chinese Academy of Sciences had also previously warned that Windows 8 could allegedly expose users to surveillance by the United States government due to its heavy use of Internet-based services.

In June 2014, state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) broadcast a news story further characterizing Windows 8 as a threat to national security. The story featured an interview with Ni Guangnan, who stated that operating systems could aggregate "sensitive user information" that could be used to "understand the conditions and activities of our national economy and society", and alleged that per documents leaked by Edward Snowden, the U.S. government had worked with Microsoft to retrieve encrypted information. Yang Min, a computer scientist at Fudan University, also stated that "the security features of Windows 8 are basically to the benefit of Microsoft, allowing them control of the users" data, and that poses a big challenge to the national strategy for information security." Microsoft denied the claims in a number of posts on the Chinese social network Sina Weibo, which stated that the company had never "assisted any government in an attack of another government or clients" or provided client data to the U.S. government, never "provided any government the authority to directly visit" or placed any backdoors in its products and services, and that it had never concealed government requests for client data.

A feature update to Windows 8 known as Windows 8.1 was officially announced by Microsoft on May 14, 2013.Build 2013, a public beta version of the upgrade was released on June 26, 2013.OEM hardware partners on August 27, 2013, and released publicly as a free upgrade through Windows Store on October 17, 2013.MSDN Plus and TechNet Plus were initially unable to obtain the RTM version upon its release; a spokesperson said the policy was changed to allow Microsoft to work with OEMs "to ensure a quality experience at general availability."

Windows 8.1 addressed a number of criticisms faced by Windows 8 upon its release, with additional customization options for the Start screen, the restoration of a visible Start button on the desktop, the ability to snap up to four apps on a single display, and the ability to boot to the desktop instead of the Start screen. Windows 8"s stock apps were also updated, a new Bing-based unified search system was added, SkyDrive was given deeper integration with the operating system, and a number of new stock apps, along with a tutorial, were added.3D printing,Miracast media streaming, NFC printing, and Wi-Fi Direct.

Microsoft marketed Windows 8.1 as an "update" rather than as a "service pack", as it had done with such revisions on previous versions of Windows.Windows XP and Windows Server 2003), to address a vulnerability that was being leveraged by the WannaCry ransomware attack.

Retail and OEM installations of Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows RT can be upgraded through Windows Store free of charge. However, volume license customers, TechNet or MSDN subscribers and users of Windows 8 Enterprise must acquire a standalone installation media for 8.1 and install through the traditional Windows setup process, either as an in-place upgrade or clean install. This requires an 8.1 specific product key.