Windows 8 Reviews & Product Details

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.

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 I liked most about Windows 8 was its speed and system responsiveness compared to earlier versions. The boot time and general performance improvements were immediately noticeable. I also appreciated the modern design approach — the new Start screen and tile interface introduced a fresh, touch-friendly experience that worked particularly well on hybrid devices. From an implementation point of view, the system was straightforward to install and configure, and the integration with Microsoft services like OneDrive made file access and syncing much easier. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The biggest issue with Windows 8 was usability inconsistency. The switch between the new tile-based Start screen and the traditional desktop environment felt disjointed, especially for users accustomed to older Windows versions. Navigating between interfaces could be confusing, and some simple tasks took longer than they should have. Additionally, the removal of the Start button in the early version made adoption harder for many users. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Windows 8 is much faster than Windows 7. It uses hybrid boot technology, which loads the system quickly after shutdown. It also shows real-time updates such as weather, mail, and news. Overall, it is designed for tablets and touch-screen devices. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Some buttons, like the power button and the shut-down button, were hidden and hard to find. I ended up needing an extra button just to do a simple task, which made the whole process more complicated than it should be. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I use Windows 8 as my main operating system on my laptop and I find it to be a great operating system that provides a fantastic user experience. One of the things I like most about Windows 8 is its user interface (UI) which I find easy and intuitive. Another feature that I truly appreciate is its versatility in offering a wide variety of apps, allowing me to download practically any app that can run on a PC. This capability enhances my use of the system across various needs, whether it's for development, playing games, or handling simpler software for my daily activities. Overall, the ease of setup for Windows 8 was straightforward and intuitive, which further adds to the appeal of using it as my primary operating system. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I find the software development experience on Windows 8 challenging because it lacks compatibility with codes written on other platforms like macOS and Ubuntu. This can result in difficulties when working with teammates who use these systems, as their code is not easily runnable on Windows 8. This interoperability issue with other operating systems can hinder collaborative efforts and workflow, making it a feature I particularly dislike. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The changes introduced in the UI were advanced in Windows environments, but it lack to keep some backward compatibility and the adoption was not good because of this. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The absence of the start button, so used in previous versions of windows was a complete deception. When new version 8.1 arrived with all these backwards compatibility was late and many people were dissapointed too much. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I appreciate the seamless integration with the broader Microsoft stack that Windows 8 offers, as this feature has been a decisive factor in continuing our use of Microsoft products. The ease of integration with third-party software is also particularly beneficial, aided by the availability of APIs that facilitate smooth operations. Using Windows 8 for the last five years with our desktops and laptops, I've found it commendable for keeping applications up-to-date, which significantly enhances security—a key concern for us. I truly value the capability to use a variety of third-party software without any issues, including critical tools like Tableau which are well supported. The Copilot feature is extremely useful for generating meeting summaries which greatly aids in managing our workflow. Additionally, the involvement of the service team during the setup was beneficial, as they effectively took the lead and made the process uncomplicated. My longstanding relationship with Microsoft products fosters trust in their reliability, leading me to consider repurchasing Windows 8 in the future. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Backup was a little troublesome. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I have been using Windows 8 mainly to test programs that are not compatible with later versions, and I find its fast startup features and file history very useful; the file history has saved me several times. Additionally, I appreciate the Windows To Go feature, which has been useful to me on several occasions. Although the interface is sometimes confusing, I find it quite pleasant, which contributes to a feeling of nostalgia that might lead me to consider using it again. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I find it complicated to set up Windows 8 because it is a somewhat unintuitive system. The interface is sometimes confusing, which makes adapting a challenge. Additionally, the start screen, which directs you to various pre-made options before moving to the start menu, is an aspect I would change because it could make the user experience more straightforward and less complicated. Also, its current lack of support is a significant limitation, especially compared to more complete and current options like Windows 10 or 11. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I find the Start menu in Windows 8 particularly useful, as it stands out in my daily tasks. This feature is essential for navigating my work and home activities effectively. Additionally, I appreciate the overall ease of use that Windows 8 offers, making the operating system intuitive and user-friendly right from the setup process. Using Outlook with Windows 8 has also been seamless due to this ease of use, enhancing my productivity. The familiarity of Windows 8 stemming from my experience with previous Windows versions adds to my comfort, ensuring I am not caught off guard by drastic changes, allowing a smooth transition and consistent experience. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Nothing. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Its very user friendly / quick and easy to learn how to use the different capabilities it has Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Improve how to modify the layout on the forms and list options in sharepoint to be friendlier and to have a similar format like it used to have when able to connect the platform that gave sort of like a survey style Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I find the Start Screen (Live Tiles) in Windows 8 the best. It shows live updates of apps instantly, the system boots fast, and the touch screen support is also quite smooth. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I don't like the lack of a traditional Start Menu in Windows 8 the most. Navigation becomes confusing for keyboard-mouse users, and switching between the desktop and Start Screen feels a bit irritating. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.