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Windows 8 Pro to Windows 8 Phone: Five versions for four devices

December 4, 2012
Updated: April 14, 2022
Quick overview:

Windows 8 at a glance Five versions for four end devices Photo Microsoft Deutschland GmbH

Microsoft is going mobile: Windows 8 is bringing its tiled operating system to PCs, notebooks, tablets and smartphones. Nevertheless, the challenge to Apple and Android only comes in five versions. The PC upgrade works via Windows 8 download or DVD. WINDOWS TWEAKS shows you the differences between Pro, Core, Enterprise, RT and Phone - and where you can buy them cheaply.

Discounts and clarity ensure a good start

Five Windows 8 editions are set to conquer the touchscreen market. And defend the PC division at the same time. Big tasks for a range of versions whose clarity is a real Microsoft novelty. Some people rub their eyes: didn't the predecessor Win 7 come in six different guises just for the PC? Now five releases ensure that the live tile user interface runs on all common end devices:

  • Desktop PCs
  • Notebooks
  • Tablets
  • Smartphones

And actually, this also includes the hybrid niche with touchscreen notebooks, which still have to prove themselves on the market.

Windows 8 is certainly off to a good start: More than 40 million licenses for the PC division were sold by Microsoft in the first month - the new operating system clearly outperforms its predecessor Windows 7. Microsoft's discount argument seems to be working for users. Upgrades via Windows 8 Pro download from just 15 euros promises.

Note for February: The promotion is over, Microsoft is now asking a whopping 120 to 280 euros. However, prices of between 60 and 80 euros are available from independent retailers. You'll find the relevant information below.



The operating system versions presented have two things in common: they are all based on the same Windows NT operating system kernel (version 6.2) and can be operated via touchscreen.

Where can I buy Windows 8 Pro? What is Windows RT for? Can I upgrade from Windows 8 to Win Pro?

Our individual check shows what distinguishes the releases, what they cost and how the upgrade via download works.

Windows 8 Pro - for demanding PC users

The extended version for desktop PCs or notebooks is called Windows 8 Pro. Pro stands for Professional and is intended for demanding users. You can buy it for free in stores, online, as a download or on DVD.

On the one hand, the new tile interface - which was actually optimized for touchscreens - can also be controlled via keyboard and mouse and designed using apps. On the other hand, the familiar desktop environment with classic Windows software is available. This makes it ideal (like the Core and Enterprise versions) for touchscreen monitors and the hybrid computers mentioned above, which are a PC and tablet in one.

Win 8 Pro contains all the functions of the normal Win 8 Core version, plus Bitlocker for hard disk encryption, EFS for file encryption, the Hyper-V client, and it enables remote desktop access and joining a domain.

Microsoft offers a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for used computers who use older Win versions such as Windows 7 or XP. The Windows Media Center is missing, but can be installed for 9.99 euros. However, a free and powerful alternative is on the way: the VLC media player will soon be available for Windows 8.

Where and for what price can you buy Win 8 Pro (as of February 2013)?

The download upgrade costs around 60 euros from online retailers (it costs a whopping 280 euros from Microsoft!). The upgrade via DVD costs just under 80 euros. It works on Windows 7, Vista or XP systems - albeit with some limitations (see table below). However, Microsoft's upgrade wizard requires purchase information such as PC purchase date, dealer name, model, and a customer phone number and e-mail.

It is also possible to upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro. Pro can be purchased via DVD or download from online retailers.

Windows 8 (Core) - for the computer next door

The software giant developed this release for home use on a desktop PC or notebook - and offers it for sale in stores. Windows 8 (Core) runs on 32- and 64-bit systems and is probably sufficient for most private users.

As with the Pro version, the new tile interface can also be operated using the keyboard and mouse. Apps are available in the Windows Store, but classic Windows software also runs.

Current prices:

The system builder version costs 90 euros, the "normal" retail version 130 euros (RRP) (only available from February 2013). Upgrades are possible - the Win 8 Pro upgrade is more worthwhile (see below). Note: If you want to upgrade a 32-bit system, you must stick with 32-bit. The same applies to 64-bit systems - they cannot be upgraded to a 32-bit version. Anyone planning to upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro should also take this into account.

Windows 8 Enterprise - exclusively for contract customers

Microsoft limits the exclusive edition to its contract customers who use desktop PCs or notebooks. It includes all the functions of the Core and Pro versions as well as Branch Cache, Direct Access and Applocker. It also includes Windows-To-Go, system installations on portable USB data carriers and app installation without the App Store.

Windows RT - for tablets with ARM processor

The ARM version is only available on tablet computers and is therefore tailored to their ARM processors. This is why Windows RT does not run x86 or x64 applications - only the apps run, not the good old Windows programs and exe files. There are no purchase prices: The RT version is always pre-installed on the tablets and cannot be purchased as a separate release. What does the abbreviation "RT" stand for? Perhaps it stands for Runtime. Nobody knows, as Microsoft has so far remained stubbornly silent about it.

Windows Phone 8 - the mobile OS

Runs on, logically, smartphones. The Apple and Android challenger can be expanded using apps from the Windows Phone Store. The smartphone OS is based on the same Win NT kernel (version 6.2) as the other Windows 8 editions. This means that smartphones running the predecessor Windows Phone 7 cannot be updated. Windows Phone 8 is always pre-installed - and is not purchased as a standalone product.

Upgrade under Win 7, Vista and XP

Only Windows 7 allows upgrades that take all existing programs, settings and personal files with them to the new Win 8. Under Vista, the installed software is lost during the upgrade. XP only retains its own files. Here is the upgrade overview:

Win 8 Upgrade Overview

System requirements under Win 8

MS specifies these system requirements on microsoft.com:

  • Processor: At least 1 GHz with support for Physical Address Extension, NX Processor Bit and Streaming SIMD Extensions 2
  • RAM: At least 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
  • Hard disk: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
  • Graphic: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics card with WDDM driver

Win 8 makes the following demands on individual functions:

  • For the Touch function a tablet is logically required - or a monitor that can be operated using multi-finger input.
  • Who Using apps from the Windows Store If you would like to use the software, you must have a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768.
  • Who Use multiple apps at the same time (also known as docking or pinning) requires a screen resolution of at least 1,366 x 768.
  • Safe starting requires a firmware "that supports UEFI v2.3.1 Errata B and that contains the Microsoft Windows Certification Authority in the UEFI signature database", according to MS.
  • Who Synchronize settings and data on multiple Win 8 systems needs a Microsoft account.
  • The DVD playback is not included - a separate program is required, e.g. the free VLC player. The Windows Media Center must be purchased separately (available as a free download until the end of January 2013).
  • Client Hyper-V requires a 64-bit system with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) and 2 GByte extra RAM (Windows 8 Pro).

(Photo at the top: Microsoft Deutschland GmbH)

Our editorial team's articles focus on digital entertainment: tips, trends and tricks for anyone who wants to get more out of the Internet, technology and gaming - presented in an easy-to-understand way.

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