--- title: Windows 8 Reviews meta\_title: 'Windows 8 Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta\_description: Filter 583 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how Windows 8 works for a business like yours. aggregate\_rating: rating\_value: 3.7 review\_count: 583 scale: '5' date\_modified: '2026-08-10' parent\_category: name: IT Infrastructure url: https://www.g2.com/categories/it-infrastructure --- # Windows 8 Reviews & Product Details Windows 8 is an operating system developed by Microsoft, released in October 2012, designed to provide a modern and dynamic user experience across various devices, including desktops, laptops, and tablets. It introduced a new user interface with live tiles, offering real-time updates and a more interactive experience. The system also featured the Windows Store, enabling users to download and install a wide range of applications. Key Features and Functionality: - Modern User Interface: Incorporates live tiles that display real-time information, enhancing user engagement. - Windows Store: Provides access to a vast array of applications, facilitating easy download and installation. - Enhanced Connectivity: Improved networking technologies and power management for better connectivity and device availability. - Touch and Gesture Support: Optimized for touch-enabled devices, offering a more natural and intuitive user experience. - App Packaging and Deployment: Enables developers to produce, consume, or interact with app packages, streamlining the development process. Primary Value and User Solutions: Windows 8 aimed to bridge the gap between traditional computing and the growing demand for mobile and touch-enabled devices. By introducing a unified interface and enhancing app accessibility through the Windows Store, it provided users with a versatile platform suitable for both work and entertainment. The system's focus on connectivity and power efficiency addressed the needs of modern users seeking seamless integration across multiple devices. * * * Seller [Microsoft](https://www.g2.com/sellers/microsoft) Discussions [Windows 8 Community](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/discuss) Solution Type All-in-One Show More ## Value at a Glance Averages based on real user reviews. ### Time to Implement 4 months ### Return on Investment 23 months [ View More Pricing Information ](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/pricing) ## Top-Rated Alternatives [ ![Ubuntu](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Ubuntu") Ubuntu 4.5/5(2,399) ](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) [ ![Android](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Android") Android 4.6/5(1,283) ](https://www.g2.com/products/android/reviews) [ ![Oracle Linux](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Oracle Linux") Oracle Linux 4.4/5(349) ](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-linux/reviews) [ View All Alternatives ](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/competitors/alternatives) ## User Insights Average based on 583 real user reviews. Implementation Time 4 months Perceived Cost $$$$$ [Log in to unlock pricing and user insights](/login) ## Windows 8 Integrations (12) What do users say about integrations? Integration information sourced from real user reviews. [ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Adobe Acrobat ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Chrome OS ](https://www.g2.com/products/chrome-os/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Google Cloud Storage ](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-storage/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft 365 ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft365/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Excel ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-excel/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Outlook ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-outlook/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Power Apps ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-power-apps/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Power Automate ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-power-automate/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Power BI ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-power-bi/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Teams ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-teams/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Word ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-word/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") N-able N-central ](https://www.g2.com/products/n-able-n-central/reviews) Show More ![Surender S.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Surender S.") SS Surender S. devleoper Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 6/19/2026 "Fast Startup and Modern Tile Interface Make Windows 8 Shine" 5/5 What do you like best about Windows 8? What I like best about Windows 8 is its fast performance and quick startup time. The modern tile-based interface also makes it easy to access apps and information at a glance. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Windows 8? What I dislike about Windows 8 is that the tile-based interface can feel confusing, especially for desktop users. The removal of the traditional Start menu also made navigation less intuitive. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you? Windows 8 helps improve system speed, faster boot times, and overall performance, making everyday tasks more efficient. It also combines touch and desktop functionality, allowing flexibility across different devices. The built-in app ecosystem and streamlined interface help users access information and applications more quickly, saving time and improving productivity. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerSource: Thank You page MB Mario B. First line agent Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 4/28/2026 "Blazing Fast Performance with Fast Startup and Smarter Resource Management" 4.5/5 What do you like best about Windows 8? Windows 8's best feature is its exceptional speed, particularly the "Fast Startup" and improved resource management that make the system feel incredibly snappy even on older hardware. The modernized Task Manager and native cloud synchronization also provide a much more streamlined, "always-ready" experience compared to its predecessors. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Windows 8? The biggest frustration with Windows 8 is the clunky interface, which prioritized touchscreens so much that it removed the familiar Start button and forced desktop users into a full-screen "Metro" menu. This created a jarring split experience where you had to jump between two different environments, making simple multitasking feel awkward and unintuitive with a mouse and keyboard. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you? Windows 8 solves the issue of slow performance by introducing Fast Startup and a more lightweight core, which benefits you by making the system boot in seconds and run smoothly even on older hardware. It also addresses modern security and data mobility by building in native antivirus and cloud syncing, ensuring your files and settings are automatically protected and accessible across different devices. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic MB martino b. agent Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 4/28/2026 Business partner of the seller or seller's competitor, not included in G2 scores. "Windows 8: Blazing Startup" 4/5 What do you like best about Windows 8? Windows 8 was most impressive for its significant performance boost over previous versions, specifically its incredibly fast startup times and improved resource management that made older hardware feel snappy again. The overhauled Task Manager and the more functional File Explorer with its ribbon interface were huge productivity wins, providing much better visibility and control over system processes and file transfers. While the tile-based Start screen was polarizing, its clean aesthetic and the introduction of built-in antivirus protection through an enhanced Windows Defender laid a solid, modern foundation for the operating systems that followed. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Windows 8? The most frequent dislike regarding Windows 8 was the disjointed user interface that removed the classic Start button and forced a full-screen, tile-based "Metro" menu designed for touchscreens onto traditional desktop users. This shift felt unintuitive for mouse and keyboard navigation, often hiding essential controls in invisible "charms" bars or corners that required specific gestures to access. Additionally, the lack of a windowed mode for modern apps meant simple tools like the calculator would take up the entire screen, disrupting multitasking workflows. Many users also felt frustrated by the "double desktop" experience, where system settings were split between the new modern interface and the legacy Control Panel, creating a confusing and inconsistent environment. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you? Windows 8 addressed the issue of Windows being tied to traditional PCs by introducing a unified platform that aimed to bridge desktop productivity with the growing demand for touch-enabled mobile devices. For me, that translated into a noticeably faster, lighter experience: “Fast Startup” could cut boot times in half, and the lower resource usage helped older hardware feel more responsive. It also made security and connectivity simpler by bundling built-in antivirus (Windows Defender) and native cloud integration (SkyDrive/Microsoft account), so files and settings could stay synced across devices without needing extra software. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic AK Artur K. Director Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 8/9/2026 "Powerful, Fast, and Secure with Great Tools" 5/5 What do you like best about Windows 8? Powerful,good tools,security,fast,upgraded Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Windows 8? The dual-interface setup causes confusion—switching between desktop mode and full-screen tablet apps feels jarring. Additionally, the app store lacked quality applications compared to competing ecosystems, and basic settings were split between two separate control panels Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you? Windows 8 noticeably improved startup times and overall system resource management compared to Windows 7. The quicker boot process and lighter system footprint made it faster to get into my applications and helped multitasking feel smoother on the same hardware. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Verified User in Computer Software](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Computer Software") UC Verified User in Computer Software Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 5/15/2026 "Windows 8: Fast Boot, Smooth Performance, and a Touch-Friendly Interface" 4.5/5 What do you like best about Windows 8? Windows 8 is a great OS overall. The touch-friendly interface and the Start Screen make it easy to navigate, especially on touchscreen devices. Boot times are noticeably faster than previous versions, and the performance improvements make everyday tasks smooth and responsive. It is a solid operating system that works well for both personal and professional use. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Windows 8? The learning curve for users transitioning from Windows 7 can be a bit steep due to the new Start Screen layout. Some users may take a little time getting used to navigating between the desktop and Modern UI, but overall it is a minor adjustment that does not significantly detract from the experience. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you? Windows 8 has helped streamline daily productivity by providing a fast, stable, and reliable platform for work and personal tasks. The improved boot times mean less waiting and more doing, and the compatibility with a wide range of software and hardware makes it a versatile choice. Overall it has been a great OS for getting things done efficiently. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More 5/29/2026 Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Kapil .](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Kapil .") K Kapil . react developer Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 7/18/2026 "Fast, Easy-to-Use Interface with Quick Startup" 4/5 What do you like best about Windows 8? Fast performance, quick startup, and an easy-to-use interface with live tiles. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Windows 8? I dislike that Windows 8 removed the traditional Start Menu, making navigation less intuitive for desktop users. The tile-based Start screen can also feel confusing, and switching between desktop and modern apps isn't always seamless. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you? Windows 8 improves system performance with faster boot times, better security, and enhanced resource management. These improvements help me work more efficiently, reduce waiting time, and provide a more secure computing experience. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More 7/29/2026 Validated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Verified User in Import and Export](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Import and Export") UI Verified User in Import and Export Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 5/19/2026 "Windows 8: fast and modern, but not very intuitive" 2.5/5 What do you like best about Windows 8? Windows 8 was a modern and innovative operating system with a colorful UI/UX that was different from the past thanks to the Metro interface and animated Live Tiles. The wallpapers and themes had a minimal and elegant style, also designed for touchscreens. Integrations: Good integration with Microsoft services like OneDrive, Microsoft Accounts, and the Windows Store. Performance: Fast, fluid, and lightweight even on less powerful PCs, with quick startup and good multitasking. Pricing / ROI: Priced around €100 for the standard version and up to €200 for Windows 8 Pro, offering good performance for the price. Support / Onboarding: Regular security updates and Microsoft support, although many users found the new interface difficult to get used to. AI / Intelligence: It included live notifications, cloud sync, and integrated intelligent features for greater online connectivity. Main drawbacks include the lack of the classic Start menu and a less intuitive mouse and keyboard experience. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Windows 8? UI/UX: The Metro interface was confusing for many desktop users, and the removal of the classic Start menu was widely criticized. Integrations: Some Windows Store apps were limited compared to traditional programs. Performance: On some devices, switching between the classic desktop and Start screen could be a bit sluggish. Pricing/ROI: The price of the Pro version was considered high by some users compared to the improvements it offered. Support/Onboarding: The system took time to learn new features, and the initial experience was not intuitive. AI/Intelligence: Intelligence features were still basic compared to modern systems and were highly dependent on an online connection. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you? Slow PC startup: Windows 8 introduces a much faster startup system, saving you time every day. Demanding performance: The system is lighter and smoother, so it runs well even on less powerful computers. Poor online integration: Thanks to OneDrive, Microsoft accounts, and cloud sync, files and settings can be easily accessed from multiple devices. Limited touchscreen support: Windows 8 was also designed for tablets and touch screens, making it more modern and interactive. Application management: The Windows Store allows you to download apps easily and securely. Security: It includes better updates and protections than previous systems. User benefits: Increased speed, a more modern experience, improved multitasking, quick access to online files, and more comfortable use on touchscreen devices. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: OrganicAI Translated ![Sambit N.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Sambit N.") SN Sambit N. Senior Software Development Engineer Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 2/2/2026 "Fast, Smooth Windows 8 Experience with Convenient Live Tiles" 4.5/5 What do you like best about Windows 8? What I like best about Windows 8 is how fast and smooth it feels once you get used to it. The startup time is really quick, and switching between apps feels snappy compared to older versions. I also like the live tileshaving real-time updates for things like weather or mail right on the start screen feels convenient. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Windows 8? I find that it’s not very keyboard-and-mouse friendly—it clearly feels designed more for touch devices, which makes desktop use a bit frustrating. Overall, it feels like Microsoft tried to change too much at once, and not all of it worked well for everyday users. Removing the classic Start menu was a big change, and it made simple things harder to find. Switching between the desktop and the tile-based interface doesn’t always feel smooth and can be annoying. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you? For me, this is helpful because I get faster boot times, better overall responsiveness, and a system that simply feels more modern. The touch-friendly design is also a plus when I’m using a touchscreen device, since it makes things like browsing, checking apps, and other quick tasks more convenient. Overall, it saves me time and gives me a more flexible way to use Windows across different kinds of devices. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More 2/6/2026 Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite VP Varun P. Deputy General Manager - IT Real Estate Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 3/30/2026 "Fast and Simple, but Not Very User-Friendly" 4.5/5 What do you like best about Windows 8? I liked the fast startup, simple tile-based interface, and smooth performance. It feels quick to use and works well on both touch devices and regular desktops. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Windows 8? The missing Start menu, confusing navigation between desktop and tiles, and poor app ecosystem make it harder to use and less user-friendly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you? Windows 8 helped me with faster startup and a cleaner interface. It made basic tasks quicker and worked well on touch devices, improving overall speed and ease of use. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Yugansh G.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Yugansh G.") YG Yugansh G. Software Developer Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 8/3/2026 "Smooth Upgrade to Windows 8, but User Interaction Could Be Friendlier" 3/5 What do you like best about Windows 8? Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 was a good move for me, and the whole transition went smoothly without any issues. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Windows 8? This wasn’t very user-friendly, and the overall user interaction didn’t feel that good. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you? It solves issues with speed, touch, security, and app management. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic ## Questions about Windows 8? Ask real users or explore answers from the community Get practical answers, real workflows, and honest pros and cons from the G2 community or share your insights. [ Ask about Windows 8 ](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/discussions/new) ![ade s.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "ade s.") AS ade syam • Last activity about 5 years ago Windows 8 recommended software 2 Upvotes 2 [ Join the conversation ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/windows-8-recommended-software) GU Guest User • Last activity almost 3 years ago Is Windows 8 a good operating system? 1 Upvote 2 [ Join the conversation ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-windows-8-a-good-operating-system) [ View all Discussions ](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/discuss) ## Pricing Insights Averages based on real user reviews. ### Time to Implement 4 months ### Return on Investment 23 months ### Average Discount 14% [ View More Pricing Information ](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/pricing) Windows 8 Comparisons ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_bed616139052a54ed9edfb8911a5b7bc/windows-7.png "Product Avatar Image") Windows 7 4.2/5(903) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/windows-7-vs-windows-8) ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_46bd9233d89c58c6dbdf99f99bd301dc/ubuntu.png "Product Avatar Image") Ubuntu 4.5/5(2,399) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/ubuntu-vs-windows-8) ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_3f5575e82b67a95d23834e8db8dabb67/oracle-linux.png "Product Avatar Image") Oracle Linux 4.4/5(349) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/oracle-linux-vs-windows-8) ##### ##### Windows 8 Features Memory Management - Operating System RAM management Device Management - Operating System I/O management Backup and Recovery - Operating System Data backup Error Detection - Operating System System operations monitoring [ View More Features ](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/features) ## Work at Microsoft? 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