Windows 8 vs Windows RT: What Are the Differences Between Them? - MiniTool

The release of Microsoft Surface tablets and Windows 8 has made many users confused about the difference between Windows 8 and Windows RT. This article will explain the differences between Windows 8 and Windows RT in detail.

First of all, we need to understand what Windows 8 and Windows RT are respectively. Windows 8 is a backward compatible new generation of traditional Windows operating systems, while Windows RT is an operating system focused on tablets and mobile devices.

Windows 8 and Windows RT look almost the same, both with a new tile-based start screen interface and available desktop mode. However, in fact, there are significant differences between them. Next, we will compare Windows 8 and Windows RT in multiple ways.

Windows 8 and Windows RT: Interface

Both Windows 8 and Windows RT run the new Metro interface. But Windows 8 can switch to traditional desktop mode to run legacy applications, while Windows RT doesn't.

Windows 8 and Windows RT: Hardware support

Windows 8 can only run on devices with x86 architecture, while Windows RT can only run on devices with ARM architecture. Windows RT does not run natively on Intel or AMD-based PCs, and Windows 8 does not run on ARM-architected devices such as new Surface tablets.

Windows 8 and Windows RT: Features

Both Windows RT and Windows 8 support multilingual, IE browser, Xbox Live, Windows Defender, Exchange ActiveSync, Windows to streaming and VPN. But there are some differences between the two:

• Web Browser: Windows 8 users have the same browser options as previous versions of Windows, such as Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. In Windows RT, users can only use Internet Explorer 11 to browse the Internet.

• Office Tools: Every Windows RT device is pre-installed with Office 2013 Home and Student RT. This is a Microsoft Office version that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook (since the Windows RT 8.1 update). Windows 8 can run Microsoft Office suites and many other documentation and email software that cannot be run by RT. But both Windows 8 and Windows RT can access Onedrive and Google Drive.

• Multimedia: Windows 8 is pre-installed with music applications, Windows Media Player and Windows Media Center, as well as other music and video players such as iTunes, VLC, etc., while Windows RT does not. However, Windows RT devices are pre-installed with Xbox Music and Xbox Video apps.

Windows 8 and Windows RT: Upgrade

If you are a Windows 7 user, you can upgrade to Windows 8. However, you cannot upgrade from any system to Windows RT. If you want to use Windows RT, you need to find a device that has RT preinstalled.

Windows 8 and Windows RT: Price

The Windows 8 operating system costs $119.99, the Professional version is $199.99, and the Student version is $69.99. Windows RT cannot be purchased as a standalone operating system.

Which one should I choose?

If you want a fully functional operating system and have a truly useful desktop mode, then you should choose Windows 8. If you want a tablet or mobile device that is similar to an iPad, a Windows RT device is perfect for you.

Summarize

This article introduces the information about Windows 8/Windows 8.1 and Windows RT from five aspects: interface, hardware support, functions, upgrades and price. I hope the above content can help you better understand the difference between the two.

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