--- 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: '2026-07-13' 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 praise the **speed and responsiveness** of Windows 8, highlighting notable improvements in boot time and overall performance. (18 reviews) - Users highlight the **ease of use** in Windows 8, appreciating its simple and intuitive interface for a seamless experience. (13 reviews) - Users enjoy the **touch-friendly interface** of Windows 8, enhancing usability on tablets and hybrid devices significantly. (10 reviews) - Users praise the **user-friendly interface** of Windows 8, noting its simplicity and ease of use for all capabilities. (10 reviews) - Users enjoy the **innovative and seamless user interface** of Windows 8, blending touch and desktop experiences effectively. (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 Windows 8 has a **frustratingly unfriendly interface** , particularly for those accustomed to keyboard and mouse use. (14 reviews) - Users find the **usage difficulty** of Windows 8 challenging due to confusing navigation and hidden buttons. (11 reviews) - Users find the **menu issues** of Windows 8 frustrating, as it replaced the familiar Start menu and confused many users. (10 reviews) - Users struggle with **compatibility issues** on Windows 8, especially with iPhones and various Microsoft document versions. (6 reviews) - Users struggle with the **poor UI/UX** of Windows 8, finding it confusing and inconsistent for everyday tasks. (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. Windows 8 **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Information Technology and Services | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 07, 2019 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Windows 8 is an awesome operating system. It is provides a pleasant and eco-friendly environment for the user. It's simple and very advanced than past OS such as window 7 and etc **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** The window 8 displays blue coloured light which is very harmful. The USB driver freezes most of the time. The windows restars most of the time. Protection from viruses is not so good. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Use it. It's is very good OS. It is user friendly. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** The benefit is that it supports most of the application so that I have not felt any problem during business. ### 2. Using Windows 8 for all your requirements. **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** JAGDISH A. | amazon.com/author/jagdisharora, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 18, 2018 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** I like Windows 8. This operating system was the advanced version of its earlier versions Windows 7 and Windows XP. Most of us we used to the old versions so using this new operating system was difficult for us. But after a few years of its launch we got adapted to using this operating system. Now we find this system easy to use and matching to our needs. Earlier Windows 7 was definitely simple to use but it lacked some additional features according to modern day requirements. So Windows 8 is good for some future requirements. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Well this operating system is different. Although this system had lot of new features many people do not get used to it particularly the people who are more familiar with the older versions. Many people have installed some applications which allow us to use this operating system like the old Windows 7 or Windows XP. Except this issue all new features are useful. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** I would definitely recommend this operating system to the users. This is a good product and definitely it has advanced features and requires some improvements also i the interface. But still it is good for advanced productivity needs like documents processing, emails and internet and storage services. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** All types of business activities like internet, email, storage, office documents are done by us using this operating system. ### 3. The most complicated OS in the Microsoft line of products **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** John P. | Mr, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 23, 2019 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** The sleek graphical interface, is a good upgrade to win 7 **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Simple start button looks totally unwindows like **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Windows 10 is a much better upgrade for newbies **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Working on my software development tasks. ### 4. An improved windows experience **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Telecommunications | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 28, 2019 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** The modification of the start menu from the compressed windows 7 to a more spacious and tiled look made easy to navigate through programs and recent files **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** the installations files lacked the most obvious software drivers such as sound, video, connectivity drivers among others. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Computers running on the same version of windows are easier to manage on a network ### 5. For me and the worst operating system **Rating:** 0.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Telecommunications | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 14, 2019 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Nothing has nothing that you like in this system is too bad to work **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** The system is very bad all the time it asks for updating and slow terrible I did not like it **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** very bad operating system **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** The system did not solve the product and bad ### 6. Modern OS **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Hospital & Health Care | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 04, 2019 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Initial version was very heavy and buggy. significant improvements related to performance and user interface with version 8.1 **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** interface supports touch screen requiring more investments for clients on hardware **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** prepare to spend on hardware supporting modern UI ((touch screen etc.) **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** version 8 upgrade was not very successful. release and fixes in version 8.1 were extremely important and helped significantly with consistent performance related issues ### 7. Windows 8 Experience **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Richard G. | Operador VSAT, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 27, 2018 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** It is a very pleasant operating system to use, Its easy to install, plus its integration with social networks One of the features I love most of this system is that it allows you to receive notifications automatically and participate in social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and other . **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** the truth is I have no complaints about this operating system, I think it is a good update and is currently my favorite. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** I recommend you use windows 8 for its so simple to use and its so nice appearance in addition to its features this system has excellent applications. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Currently my work computer has the Windows 8 operating system in which I develop all my daily activities, and it is very practical and pleasant when it comes to walking through its application menu. ### 8. It’s okay. **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Wireless | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 29, 2019 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** What I like best the is the integration of the window tiles used by Microsoft for apps. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** What I dislike is the OS look and feel of use. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** The problems I were solving was modern filing and app saving and availability. The benefits I realized is the online App Store. ### 9. Windows , I Bet on it **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Information Technology and Services | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 12, 2019 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** No user instructions needed and it rocks for millenium **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** sometime memory stacks and need maintenance, after all it is system **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Basic and simple forever **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** complete organization runs on this only ### 10. Windows 8 Review **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 06, 2018 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Everything in this Windows 8 is quite different and unique from earlier versions of Windows. Windows 8 recognized the increasing role of internet and its services in people's life thus designed it accordingly , **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** The one thing that might be improved is the whole different section for apps , as that creates much overhead and sometimes even slows down the PC ,when some heavy work is going on. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Yes i will recommend other to use this product for sure. As this is quite user friendly and enhance the speed of working of the end user with leaps and bounds . **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Works very good when you contant online support. Various web applications according to utility. Quite good and fast in multitasking . ### 11. Windows 8 for Classrooms **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jillian W. | Fifth Grade Teacher, Primary/Secondary Education, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 29, 2018 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** I think that it is more user friendly for students. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** I think people who are used to the old windows struggle because it is very different. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** It is making productivity higher because it is easier to locate the programs you need. ### 12. Great computer program! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Hospital & Health Care | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 16, 2018 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** The updates are simple, easy to navigate and get used to. There's always help available at any time. The tutorials are very helpful also. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Thwres not much I can say that I don't like. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** We use this daily to perform essential work on each computer. We use most of the programs pre-installed. ### 13. It's a good job tool **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** 🤓 Gustavo M. | Analista delle Operazioni, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 22, 2018 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** The fastest way it installs updates or new applications, I also like the user interface, because it looks friendly. I like its integration with microsoft office and other PC applications is a plus. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** The one and only issue with Windows is when you have to close the applications because it stops by itself. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Is a great job tool. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Network Connectivity ### 14. Windows 8 is great update of Microsoft. **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Marketing and Advertising | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 16, 2018 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** It has many improved and easy for users to operate **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** It isdoes not support all of the applications. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Make it supporive for all the applications. ### 15. Tried and true operating system. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Paul M. | Director Of Integration Services, Computer Software, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 09, 2017 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Windows has gotten faster with each release since it's inception. Its small footprint leaves plenty of space on my hard drive to store meaningful date. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** The search index process seems to bloat every now and again but there is plenty of information on Microsoft to resolve those types of issues. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Windows 8 does the job. I highly recommend it! **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** I'm able to run Windows via Parallels Desktop for Mac to support my clients and can replicate browser issues on multiple platforms at once. ### 16. Slow especially for someone who had used Windows 10 **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Information Technology and Services | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 27, 2017 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** What I initially loved was this being a forward looking approach of MS team, App based, intuitive and revolutionary design/step forward. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Slow load times in enterprise setup (you feel even more when you have used Windows 10) **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** I would expect this to be best in terms of security and possibly better to be on latest than not. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** I would rate it as more secure, user friendly since this is app based and works well within the enterprise setup. ### 17. Too much hassle for most users to learn **Rating:** 0.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Information Technology and Services | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 02, 2018 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** It's another stable operating system and provides further utilities for administration and use. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** They tried to covert too much to a more mobile look and feel that it became user unfriendly for most people. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Do not use Windows 8, move directly on to Windows 10. It is far more stable and user friendly. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** A stable operating system for multiple laptops and desktops. There were no real benefits to converting. ### 18. better than windows 7 **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** mary c. | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 06, 2017 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** What I like is all of the new features and updates and the fact that they tell you when there ready **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** I really dislike The long updates that are random and shut your computer down forever **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** faster service to our customers ### 19. Windows 8 ... I think they rushed it. **Rating:** 0.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Eric B. | System Administrator, E-Learning, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 10, 2017 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** It was a nice attempt to update the User Interface and begin to consolidate a look and feel across the product line of desktop, laptop, tablet and phone. The boxes were colorful, the memory management was improved and it was built with SecureBoot, which was a great step in security. The initial sign-in screen was beautiful with the artistic Seattle skyline. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** It was rushed. There were very few positive reviews of this from early adopters, as well as technical and non-technical writers and bloggers. The login screen was beautiful, but not very intuitive. Once you signed in (with a required Microsoft account, which was another bad idea), nobody knew what to do. Or how to get your desktop. Or log off. The Charms bar was hard to access, the look and feel of Windows that they'd build since Chicago was gone. People were lost, and people lost interest. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Personally, I would recommend going to Windows 10, as they've seemed to fix the User Interface to have that Windows look and feel they've had since Windows 95 with the up-to-date cross-platform interface they have with the Windows phone UI. I know some places aren't comfortable yet with Windows 10, so I'd recommend Windows 8.1 as it took a lot of the pain points of Windows 8 and improved on them. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** None, and none. Outside of our QA and Surface RT users, we never adopted Windows 8, or Windows 8.1. We waited for Windows 10. ### 20. Windows 8 **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Information Technology and Services | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 03, 2017 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Windows 8 is fast and fun to use with a touch screen **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Older computers are unable to run win 8. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Fast and easy to use most of the time ### 21. Behind TimesQ **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Eric M. | Teacher, Primary/Secondary Education, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 29, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Our IT dept. is behind times on making sure that our computers are up-to-date. However, I have found that Windows 8 has for the most part has had no compatibility issues when it comes to using programs on these systems. The positive is that this system is very similar to many of the older versions of Microsoft Windows so it really does not take a learning curve to figure out how to use it. Most of the programs that we use on it are internet based. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** I really do not have any dislikes about the operating system itself, compared to some of the newer versions that I have used. This one is more like buying a new car without the fancy buttons, it gets you from point A to Point B without having to use a GPS. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** This operating system helps us to be more efficient and it takes away the need for paper and pencil! ### 22. Win8 **Rating:** 2.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Education Management | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 08, 2017 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Good progress from Win7 toward Win10. Concepts being developed, although not fully realized. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Seems a bit half baked. Took a step backward in security. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** We did not implement Win8 after initial testing; kept with Win7 until release of Win10 ### 23. not as bad as it could be **Rating:** 2.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Andrew W. | PC Technician, Information Technology and Services, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 13, 2017 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** I like the changes from Windows 7. The start screen was an improvement. It had better driver support than windows 7 too. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** it's not windows 10. I really don't have anything negative to say about it. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Just go to WIndows 10 or stick with Windows 7. I had enjoyed Windows 8 and 8.1, but it is not as convenient as the previous or latest versions of WIndows. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** It's a version of windows that actually had better driver support than windows 7, but there's not really any solutions that are being solved by WIndows 8. ### 24. Good **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Higher Education | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 07, 2017 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** What can I say that hasn't been said before...it works, its windows **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Certainly there are times when windows could be faster **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Teams is a great windows product ### 25. Windows 8 Is a massive step up **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Retail | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 06, 2017 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Loads on citrix nicely and met security requirments, **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Clunky and bulky - features we dont need. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Nothing - it was an update with citrix ### 26. Amazing OS **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Accounting | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 09, 2017 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Super improvement in the OS. helps a lot **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Slow as compare to MAC. UI needs to be better **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Fast ### 27. Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 7; Is there really a difference besides adding swipe technology? **Rating:** 2.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Roberta J. | IT Administrative Specialist, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 08, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** I'm not a fan of Windows 8. I personally feel that Windows 8 was full of bugs and presented the user with an unfriendly interface. We also faced problems with the OS being incompatible with other programs that we need to use daily. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** I didn't like swiping from one screen to the next. I also didn't like the home screen and how the programs were set up like apps. It made me feel like I was using an OS that was made for a tablet instead of an OS made for a fully functioning computer. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Do Not buy this software. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** We are not using Windows 8 any longer because it caused more problems than it solved. I honestly haven't seen any benefits of using Windows 8. I have heard other users say that they enjoyed using it on their touch screen devices. ### 28. Making adjustments **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Sports | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 14, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** I like that all of my essential programs (ticketing and data collection) can only operate on Windows 8, and that the upgrade would have knocked out my ability to work. I also like that after years of using Windows 8 at home for personal use, the interface is user friendly. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** While I am familiar with the system, I prefer the much easier Windows 10, which kept the good of 8 and brought back the ease of use that previous versions had. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Evaluate the compatibility of your essential software and go from there. If possible, go with Windows 10 as it is much more user friendly. If not, Windows 8 is a suitable, easy to use operating system. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** I work in sports ticketing, so the problem is how to operate the ticketing system, and the upgrade wouldn't allow for that, so the benefit is a smooth operation, especially on marquee event days. ### 29. Windows 8 review **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Information Technology and Services | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 24, 2017 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Much stable, easy to apply patches, user friendly **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Takes up more resources than prev versions. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** SQL Servers ### 30. Windows 8 **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Kathleen E. H. | Director - Pride Alliance, Higher Education, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 06, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** I like the difference in the interface between 7 and 8. It was more eye-catching and pleasing to engage with. It also groups my apps together, which allows for ease of finding programs. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** There is nothing that I don't like about Windows 8! **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Because it is possible to group apps and programs, I would recommend getting into the organization features so that you can customize it, rather than going with the default settings. The default settings work just fine, but you have the opportunity to really customize your experience! **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** The biggest benefit for me is that it groups all of my apps and programs into like categories. It makes them easier to find, especially given the volume of apps and programs I use for work. I also like that I can interact easily with the interface on my tablet and can swipe to new pages and categories effortlessly. ### 31. Ok operating system. Stepping stone to the future **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Josh A. | Project Manager, Hospitality, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 06, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** The operating system is virtually crashless and extremely fast. Great file management **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Very disjointed between being a desktop and tablet OS. The metro apps tend to lack functionality. Windows 8 start menu is terrible. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Just use windows 10 at this point. Windows 8 was a stepping stone. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Windows 8 really isn't a great OS for business. It was a good proof of concept for what would become windows 10, but that's it. ### 32. Windows 8.1 Pro Has been stable and successful **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 31, 2017 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Have been able to utilize windows 8 deployed across mobile devices successfully. Has been easy to image and re-deploy. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** This OS was designed, as far as I am concerned for mobile devices only. It is fine for a tablet type hardware and designed for the use of the buttons / tiles. Does not go well with anything other than a tablet, in my mind. Have to use a third party application to design custom tiles. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** It is okay once you get used to it. Took quite some time to get used to. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Solved issue of needing new hardware and OS for mobile field devices. It has worked well on surface units and served its purpose. ### 33. Some steps back from windows 7 **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Giuseppe A. | WEB & Mobile Team Leader - Innovation & Digital Transformation presso Intralot Italia S.p.A, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 29, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** I like the stability of the system, the compatibility with many devices and hardware, the support and the OS in general. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** I don't like metro UIX and in general the application management. Windows store is not really good. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** New installation sghould start always from edge technology. I think you should use windows8 only if it has some unique feature that windows 7 or 10 don't have. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** nothing really... we just upgrede some pc from 7 trying to emprove performance. ### 34. Windows 8 is great for computer training companies! **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Holly F. | Software Trainer, Consultant, Programmer & Database Developer, Computer Software, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 12, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Great to use on touchscreen computers. More like apple products and can be very user friendly for non-computer literate people who are already using a touch pad and now purchased a touch screen for computer or laptop. Definitely need to upgrade to 8.1 though because some of the issues have been somewhat resolved. Newer backgrounds, screen savers, colors, desktop options, etc. Definitely more stable than some previous versions of Windows. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Very cumbersome for users that are still using the mouse and do not have a touch screen. Mouse users have 3-4 times as many clicks to do something they way they used to do it in pre-windows 8. Upgrading to 8.1 helped mouse users slightly. The worst feature....mouse users can't figure out how to close a window! Microsoft really blew it on this one for all mouse users but it's great for computer trainers because their business increased substantially due to having to retrain all of the regular computer users. Older generation of computer beginners definitely have problems with windows 8 interface. Microsoft really forgot about their mouse users with this version and should be hammered for it! **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Windows 8 is great if have a touch screen and is a more modern interface. But hard to learn if still using a mouse and don't have a touch screen yet. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Since I am a computer trainer I love that all of the issues with Windows 8 just increased my business! ### 35. Stable, fast, user friendly, misunderstood **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Internet | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 03, 2017 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** - It seems lightweight (fast) - Finding settings is easy with text search - Stable **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Comes with preinstalled apps that are useless to me. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Windows 8 is currently more stable than Windows 10, while searchability and performance seems to be equal. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** We needed an OS for work and home that was versatile, cheap, stable and easy to configure. Windows 8 was well tested too, given its age. ### 36. Better than 10, not as great as 7 **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Melissa Y. | Client Services Administrator, Investment Management, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 10, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** While I much prefer Windows 8 to Windows 10, it does not surpass Windows 7 in my opinion. It's easier to use than 10 since that is more for touchscreens and is not as user friendly when using it on a regular non-touchscreen computer. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** I prefer the ease of Windows 7 - they tried to make Windows 8 too much and it just doesn't work as well. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** As with the other Windows software, we simply use it until the upgrade comes out. ### 37. Windows 8 **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Rachael C. | Research Administrator, Higher Education, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 13, 2017 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Simple to use, friendly user interface. Can't go wrong with windows. Also, very compatible with other systems **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** There is nothing I really dislike about Windows 8 **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Can't go wrong with Windows 8. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Windows 8 is used in daily functions, from technical writing, collaborating with other researchers, etc ### 38. Windows 8 for Me **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Christina H. | Executive Assistant, Commercial Real Estate, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 03, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** I like the speed and clarity at which the program runs and appears. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** I do not like the constant apps closing when I switch screens (I have dual monitors). **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** I am able to get a lot more done with a smooth running operation! ### 39. Windows 8 **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Tiffany O. | Service Administrator, Machinery, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 08, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Still having the start menu is useful to have **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** The size of icons in the start menu is too large. The search function is clunky and doesn't seem as detailed as Windows 7. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Invoicing, billing. No benefits ### 40. Stable but Clunky **Rating:** 2.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Computer Software | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 04, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Windows 8 seems to be pretty stable and if you can make use of the metro side of it on a tablet, the interface is fairly intuitive. It's easy to search for files and programs on the metro side. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Combining the tablet'ish (metro) mode within the typical Windows Desktop is pretty much a failure. Metro is good for tablets and that's about it. By default it should be turned off for laptops and desktop computers. The lack of a typical start menu is also frustrating. Thankfully Windows 10 brings this back. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** I am not sure if Windows 8 is readily available anymore. If it is, I would skip it and go straight to Windows 10. Windows 10 is much more user friendly and seems to be very stable as well. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** This really does not solve business problems other than providing the user with more current compatibility than Windows 7. If anything it metro makes it more difficult. I find it tough to walk clients through processes with the confusing metro side of Windows 8. ### 41. windows 8 review **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Law Practice | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 10, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** easy to use, especially if you're not tech savvy. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** crashing websites, the build up of cookies, and the more you browse on the internet, the slower it gets (unless you clear your browsing history regularly. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** great software, not a lot of issues at all. I'd chose windows and recommend windows out of any software products out there. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** none at the moment. ### 42. Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Mark H. | IT Tech, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 09, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** The ease of adding printers - no more having to wait on Windows Update to find the correct drivers Windows 8.1 The most needed Start button - helping everyone navigate around much smoother. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** The tablet look of Windows 8 and hard to get around layout of the operating system with their new tricky disappearing features. Hard to find what you need especially when needed quickly. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Make sure you get Windows 8.1! **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** In the wake of Microsoft stopping their support for prior versions of Windows, you must keep your workplace current to prevent security attacks from the outside. ### 43. My experience with Windows 8 **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jorge G. | Full-Stack Developer, Information Technology and Services, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 01, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** The visual upgrades from previous Windows versions are very welcome. I like the tiles and I use them for quick access to information, like weather, news headlines, etc. I also like the two separate modes: apps and desktop. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** The start button - a very recognizable Windows element - wasn't there. I had to guess my way around in the first days. The tile menu is terrible, once you get past the first columns or so. That menu isn't practical at all when it comes to finding a program, even though the search feature helps a bit with that. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** I code mostly for clients that use Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10), and I have to test the websites on Internet Explorer. Linux is a better choice in terms of development environment, but it lacks the software I use in my day to day professional like. Windows runs all that. ### 44. Easy Operating System **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Michael C. | Assistant Branch Manager, Banking, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 27, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** I like that Windows 8 would provide updates without fees to the user. There is more integration with the web browser, which makes finding things an easier task in a difficult environment. I like that Microsoft puts out new versions, and does not charge for updating to Windows 10 with this version. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Windows moved away from the menu system that made them famous. Instead, opting for ridiculous windows to find things. It takes much more time to navigate than previous versions. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Go for Windows 10. Windows 8 was an experiment gone wrong. Although there is more integration with the web browser, it is not yet, "there". **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Windows is the most widely used operating system in the world. It runs the productivity software that we use each and every day. It gives us the security we need, and at the same time gives the freedom to do our work without fear of security failures. Windows allows us to be more productive and competitive in the business environment. ### 45. Was not a fan but don't hate it. **Rating:** 2.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Tanesha J. | Data Analyst, Law Practice, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 26, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** I did like the modern look kinda. I loved the OneDrive included, we use that all the time. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** I didn't like the layout I ended up using a shell for the first few months to a year. I didn't like the start menu or the task bar. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** Window 7 start button. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** No problem, didn't give a benefit. ### 46. User Friendly and Nice UI **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Lily S. | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 06, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Windows is everyone familiar with and we have been using windows from such a long time. Windows 8 is a start with the new UI for the tab user experiences. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** I don't really have one because i already used windows for such a long time **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Dealer management system ### 47. Windows 8 **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Construction | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 08, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** This software is quicker than the older versions. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** This software has more hangups/error messages than I would like! **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Having a computer keep up with me is great! ### 48. Windows for non-users **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Hermia L. | Salesforce Technical Architect, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 07, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** The familiar feel kept of the software. Not over the top in revamping the interface. **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** lack of good mouse click. ease of use is not as intuitive as eariler incarnations **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** wait for service pack to come out. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** inventory tracking, leads into customers ### 49. G2 **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Hospital & Health Care | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 10, 2016 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** It is a newer version of the previous. Faster **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** The set-up it is harder for me to find things. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** Mainly projects, nothing too much. ### 50. Despite it's smooth operation, Windows 8 is unfamiliar and polarizing as a result **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Casey S. | Graduate Student Instructor, Higher Education, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 13, 2015 **What do you like best about Windows 8?** Functionally, Windows 8 is as smooth of an operating system that I've used (I've been paying attention to operating systems since XP). It handled multiple operations without issue, it actually helped self-diagnose when the few issues that I had arose, and the multi-platform utilization is a nice touch, particularly if you are a Windows phone user or if you use Microsoft gaming systems (Xbox 360 and Xbox One). The application approach is a nice change of pace for some, and makes the PC experience a bit more competitive with the MAC world; however this transition is one of the more controversial transitions that I can think of when it comes to computers. For some, it was a welcome change of pace, for others it was a major frustration (will be addressed below). **What do you dislike about Windows 8?** Windows should have done a better job with the transition from the traditional home screen appearance of older iterations of Windows to the new tile approach of Windows 8. It looked different, acted different, and felt different for an extended amount of time. The standard desktop is still available, but it is buried a few layers deep and is somewhat frustrating to try and access. Beyond that, the app aspect wasn't really ready to launch as the main approach to computing, however they continued to build this up as time went past. **Recommendations to others considering Windows 8:** If you are adventurous and looking for a change of pace, Windows 8 may be for you. If you feel more comfortable in the realm of XP, Vista, and 7, then skip Windows 8 and jump to Windows 10. **What problems is Windows 8 solving and how is that benefiting you?** After becoming familiar with the application/tile approach in Windows 8, I felt as though I could more readily switch between programs. My efficiency and productivity increased once I became familiar with the new design. ## 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?page=10§ion=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-07-15+10%3A46%3A44+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=8006ccd8-8c68-4127-a155-43c70e71c26b&secure%5Btoken%5D=40a74208020351c1b454cec621aa7203bbc88cf2865ce5910f98c74560423497&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 (2,342 reviews) - [Android](https://www.g2.com/products/android/reviews) - 4.6/5.0 (1,216 reviews) - [Oracle Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-linux/reviews) - 4.4/5.0 (330 reviews)