Windows 8 Features by Edition (70-687)

There are a total of four versions of Windows 8:

Windows 8
Windows 8 Pro
Windows 8 Enterprise
Windows 8 RT

Windows RT is available as the pre-installed operating system on Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) devices such as tablets, convertibles and other systems powered by ARM processors. As an end consumer you can’t purchase Windows RT separately and install it on your own.

Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro can be found preinstalled on PCs, portable computers (laptops, convertibles, etc.) and workstations that run the x86 and x64 processor lines from AMD and Intel. Consumers are also able to purchase the operating system for from retail outlets and the Windows Store. Both Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro are available in 32 bit and 64 bit editions.

Windows 8 Enterprise edition is available to Software Assurance customers via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC). Customers who are interested in trying out the key features in Windows 8 Enterprise in order to test application compatibility in their environment can obtain Windows 8 Enterprise through their TechNet Professional Subscription or MSDN Subscription.

My prior article outlined the Windows 8 system requirements – below are the key features of Windows 8 as compared across versions:

Feature name	Windows 8	Windows 8 Pro	Windows 8 Enterprise	Windows RT
App Locker			x
Apps (Mail, Calendar, People, Messaging, Photos, etc.)	x	x	x	x
Better multiple monitor support	x	x	x	x
BitLocker and BitLocker To Go		x	x
Boot from VHD		x	x
Branch Cache			x
Client Hyper-V		x	x
Connected standby	x	x	x	x
Desktop	x	x	x	x
Device encryption				x
Direct Access			x
Domain Join		x	x
Encrypting File System		x	x
Enhanced Task Manager	x	x	x	x
Exchange ActiveSync	x	x	x	x
File history	x	x	x	x
Group Policy		x	x
Installation of x86/64 and desktop software	x	x	x
Internet Explorer 10	x	x	x	x
ISO / VHD mount	x	x	x	x
Microsoft account	x	x	x	x
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote)				x
Mobile broadband features	x	x	x	x
New Windows 8 App Deployment			x
Picture password	x	x	x	x
Play To	x	x	x	x
Remote Desktop (client)	x	x	x	x
Remote Desktop (host)		x	x
Reset and refresh your PC	x	x	x	x
SmartScreen	x	x	x	x
Snap	x	x	x	x
Start screen, Semantic Zoom, Live Tiles	x	x	x	x
Storage Spaces	x	x	x
Switch languages on the fly (Language Packs)	x	x	x	x
Touch and Thumb keyboard	x	x	x	x
Trusted boot	x	x	x	x
Updated Windows Explorer	x	x	x	x
Upgrades from Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate		x	x
Upgrades from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium	x	x	x
VDI enhancements			x
VPN client	x	x	x	x
Windows Defender	x	x	x	x
Windows Media Player	x	x	x
Windows Store	x	x	x	x
Windows to Go			x
Windows Update	x	x	x	x