Windows Operating system is one of the oldest and most widely used OS all around the globe. With customers ranging in 100’s of millions might give you an idea how popular the brand is. The Windows network graphical user interface was first introduced to the world in 1985 and since then Microsoft has brought out different versions of the Windows OS from time to time. The latest being Windows 10 with open source application support and embedded software system to make it compatible with phones and tablets too.

The Microsoft made Windows PC are renowned for its illustrious and interactive user interface. The Microsoft kind of brought a revolution with its vivid GUI, encouraging more people to make use of their computer with ease. In this article, we will look into the details of Windows 8 and Windows 10. We will also look into how these two Windows OS differ from each other.

Windows 8:

Windows 8 was officially launched for manufacturing in August 2012, and it also had two pre-released versions in September 2011 and May 2012. The official release of the software for public use was made available in October 2012. This was Microsoft’s first major attempt to enhance the user interface to make it more compatible with tablet PC and small devices. The sudden change in strategy was promoted by increasing market hold of Google’s Android. The major visual and hardware changes done the same includes A touch-optimized Windows Shell, developed under the “Metro” design language.

The start screen was laid out in a tiled fashion to give the tablet a better feel and look. Microsoft also introduced an app store just like android’s play store to cope up with the competition Windows 8 also added support for USB 3.0, advanced cloud computing, near field communication etc. The official account for purchased Windows 8 stands at 60 million even though it got a mixed review from critics and public alike.

Windows 10:

Windows 10 was officially launched on July 29, 2015. This is the latest Windows OS in the long range of Windows Operating system. The version is also said to be the first which will receive ongoing feature updates. The major feature of the latest OS is its universal app program created under “Metro” design program of Microsoft. This means the app which will be running on your Windows 10 PC can be run on tablet and other mobile devices too.

The user-interface has been created to take inputs from a touch panel as well as the general way through mouse pointers. After the Windows 8 “Start” button fiscal, Windows has done away with the tiled screen and Start button makes a grand entry again. The added security features like the new Microsoft Edge browser with fingerprint authentication is a positive. The GUI has DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.0, making the OS perfect for taking gaming heavy loads.

The Windows 10 garnered positive ratings from critics and they applauded the Microsoft’s effort to bring back the desktop-oriented screen rather than Tablet and mobile devices oriented screen for Windows 8. Microsoft was aiming to have a billion PC with Windows 10 in it and in August 2018, it has surpassed the Windows 7 user base.

Windows 8 vs Windows 10: Major Differences

1. The Start Button:

The major and one of the most talked about feature addition to Windows 10 over Windows 8 is the “Start” button. The Windows 8 OS focused on creating an integrated software environment which can be used for tablets and Mobile devices. This drew a lot of flack from both users and critics. With the introduction of Start menu in Windows 10, it gained a few lost customers too.

2. Classic App VS Universal App:

Windows 8 has a lot of complaints and users for its application design, in Windows 8 most of the application used to take up the whole screen thus creating a nuisance for multitasking. This problem was well taken care of in the latest Windows 10 OS, with an introduction to universal applications. This has enabled the user to have a better multitasking experience.

3. One OS: Multiple Platforms.

With an introduction to Windows 10 embedded system which allows it to be used for multiple platforms including mobile devices. Windows 8 tried to do the same but it failed at the assigned task. It was pretty confusing for the user community for two separate user experience. The Windows 10 focused mainly on creating a user environment which proved to be successful.Instead of concentrating on separate platforms.

4. Multiple Desktop:

The race to provide a well compact user experience has been the major area of concern for all the OS in the market. Linux and iOS have already made available the option for multiple windows, which Microsoft was lagging behind on. Windows 8 tried a bit to get into this area but was not successful. The Windows 10 made it a default feature to add or remove any number of the desktop to your screen.

5. Windows Store:

Windows App store was brought in with Windows 8, it has many specific applications designed for Windows 8 but nothing for Windows 7. This was the major disappointment for many Windows user as they felt the need for a universal app store just like other manufacturers. Windows 10 is trying its best to fill that gap with major developments and creating apps available to all.