--- title: Windows 8 Reviews meta_title: 'Windows 8 Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta_description: Filter 580 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: 580 scale: '5' date_modified: '2026-07-12' parent_category: name: IT Infrastructure url: https://www.g2.com/categories/it-infrastructure --- # Windows 8 Reviews **Vendor:** Microsoft **Category:** [Operating Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/operating-system) **Average Rating:** 3.7/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 580 ## About Windows 8 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. ## Windows 8 Pros & Cons **What users like:** - Users enjoy the **speed and responsiveness** of Windows 8, noting significant performance improvements over previous versions. (18 reviews) - Users value the **ease of use** in Windows 8, enjoying its intuitive design and streamlined functionality for productivity. (13 reviews) - Users enjoy the **touch-friendly interface** of Windows 8, making it ideal for tablets and hybrid devices. (10 reviews) - Users find Windows 8 to be **very user-friendly** , appreciating its quick learning curve and straightforward design. (10 reviews) - Users enjoy the **innovative tile-based Start Screen** of Windows 8, enhancing the user experience with real-time updates. (9 reviews) - New Features (6 reviews) - Reliability (6 reviews) - App Ecosystem (5 reviews) - Easy Navigation (5 reviews) - Easy Setup (5 reviews) **What users dislike:** - Users find the **unfriendly interface** of Windows 8 frustrating due to its touch-centric design and clunky transitions. (14 reviews) - Users find Windows 8 to have **usage difficulty** , citing confusing navigation and hidden buttons that complicate tasks. (11 reviews) - Users are frustrated by the **removal of the traditional Start menu** , finding Windows 8 unintuitive and confusing for casual users. (10 reviews) - Users experience **compatibility issues** with Windows 8, particularly with iPhones and other Microsoft document versions. (6 reviews) - Users find the **poor UI/UX** of Windows 8 to be confusing and unintuitive, complicating basic tasks and navigation. (6 reviews) - Users frequently find the **interface confusing** , especially due to the removal of the traditional Start menu and the tablet-style design. (5 reviews) - Limited Apps/Store (4 reviews) - Users frequently experience **performance issues** with Windows 8, noting slow speeds and frequent bugs affecting usability. (4 reviews) - Outdated Technology (3 reviews) - System Crashes (3 reviews) ## Windows 8 Reviews ### 1. Fast Startup and Modern Tile Interface Make Windows 8 Shine **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Surender S. | devleoper, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 19, 2026 **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. **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. **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. ### 2. Blazing Fast Performance with Fast Startup and Smarter Resource Management **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Mario B. | First line agent, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 28, 2026 **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. **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. **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. ### 3. Windows 8: Blazing Startup **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** martino b. | agent, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 28, 2026 **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. **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. **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. ### 4. Windows 8: Fast Boot, Smooth Performance, and a Touch-Friendly Interface **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 15, 2026 **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. **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. **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. ### 5. Windows 8: fast and modern, but not very intuitive **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Import and Export | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 19, 2026 **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. **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. **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. ### 6. Fast, Smooth Windows 8 Experience with Convenient Live Tiles **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Sambit N. | Senior Software Development Engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 02, 2026 **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. **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. **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. ### 7. Fast and Simple, but Not Very User-Friendly **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Varun P. | Deputy General Manager - IT, Real Estate, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 30, 2026 **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. **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. **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. ### 8. Windows 8 Worked Well for Our Administrative Office **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Education Management | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 11, 2026 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** I in the organization used Windows 8 in the administrative office and staff systems in the organization of 200 members dealing with education . It worked well for normal tasks like MS office, ERP, emails , printouts etc. It worked smoothly on old devices also. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** The main issue is that Microsoft has stopped giving updates for windows 8 these has caused serious concerns. Also the windows UI, the tile based i did not like it personally as it completely changed from earlier versions. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Windows 8 helped us to easily shift and with minimal issues from older version 7 to the windows 8. used for attendance , report card and admin works by the staff. It benefitted with good performance on even low end pcs. ### 9. A Transitional Operating System That Blended Innovation with Complexity **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** andré P. | WEB DEVELOPER, Computer Software, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 16, 2025 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** 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. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** 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. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Windows 8 aimed to bridge the gap between desktop and tablet experiences, allowing users to stay productive across different types of devices. It introduced faster system recovery, better security features, and improved cloud connectivity, which made managing files and settings across devices much simpler. For organizations, it offered a more centralized way to deploy and maintain systems, reducing IT workload. The performance optimizations also helped extend the lifespan of older hardware, which was a major practical benefit. ### 10. Easy, User-Friendly, and Resource-Light Compared to Windows 10/11 **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Tayyab N. | Lead Machine Learning Engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 27, 2026 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Easy to use with a user-friendly interface, and it feels much more resource-friendly compared to its successors, Windows 10 and 11. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Less secure compared to Windows 10, and there’s no more support available since Microsoft discontinued it. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** I mostly use it for personal use, mainly for daily chores and basic day to day operations. ## Windows 8 Discussions - [Windows 8 recommended software](https://www.g2.com/discussions/windows-8-recommended-software) - 2 comments, 2 upvotes - [Is Windows 8 a good operating system?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-windows-8-a-good-operating-system) - 2 comments, 1 upvote - [Which statement is a feature of the Windows 8 operating system?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-statement-is-a-feature-of-the-windows-8-operating-system) - 1 comment, 1 upvote - [HOW do you see the security (windows defender)](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-you-see-the-security-windows-defender) - 1 comment, 1 upvote - [What are the main features of Windows 8?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-main-features-of-windows-8) - 1 comment, 1 upvote - [View Windows 8 pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/reviews/windows-8-review-4531832?section=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-07-12+09%3A52%3A08+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=2e552dfe-aba0-4282-b0eb-4a138481f067&secure%5Btoken%5D=4f0b21f41303ff5ae0248b998118ac251479417fb89ab149337c3f5c33e8eb96&format=llm_user) ## Windows 8 Integrations - [Adobe Acrobat](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat/reviews) - [Chrome OS](https://www.g2.com/products/chrome-os/reviews) - [Google Cloud Storage](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-storage/reviews) - [Microsoft 365](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft365/reviews) - [Microsoft Excel](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-excel/reviews) - [Microsoft Outlook](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-outlook/reviews) - [Microsoft Power Apps](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-power-apps/reviews) - [Microsoft Power Automate](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-power-automate/reviews) - [Microsoft Power BI](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-power-bi/reviews) - [Microsoft Word](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-word/reviews) - [N-able N-central](https://www.g2.com/products/n-able-n-central/reviews) ## 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 ## Top Windows 8 Alternatives - [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (2,341 reviews) - [Android](https://www.g2.com/products/android/reviews) - 4.6/5.0 (1,215 reviews) - [Oracle Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-linux/reviews) - 4.4/5.0 (330 reviews)