Windows RT vs. Windows 8: Understanding the Differences
Understanding the Distinction Between Windows RT and Windows 8
It’s a common misconception that Windows RT and Windows 8 are identical operating systems. Although Windows RT presents a desktop interface visually similar to that of Windows 8, its functionality is significantly restricted.
This distinction isn't merely a concern for technically inclined users; it impacts the experience of all individuals utilizing Windows-based devices.
Key Differences in Desktop Functionality
Previously, we detailed the core differences between these two versions of Windows. A crucial point is that Windows 8 features a complete and fully operational desktop environment.
However, it’s important to note that the traditional Start menu is not present in the default Windows 8 configuration.
Windows RT's Limitations
In contrast to Windows 8, Windows RT’s desktop environment operates with considerable limitations. This impacts the types of applications and tasks that can be performed.
The restricted nature of Windows RT’s desktop is a fundamental difference that users should be aware of when selecting a device.
Essentially, while the visual appearance may be similar, the underlying capabilities of the desktop experience differ substantially between the two operating systems.
Limitations on Desktop Applications in Windows RT
A significant distinction of Windows RT lies in its desktop environment. Despite visually resembling the Windows 8 desktop, users are restricted from installing conventional software applications.
Only applications pre-loaded by Microsoft are executable within this desktop interface. This limitation stems from a fundamental architectural difference.
Windows RT utilizes the ARM processor architecture, differing from the x86 architecture employed by Windows 8 and earlier Windows versions. Adapting existing desktop applications for Windows RT would necessitate modifications by developers.
However, Microsoft actively prevents this adaptation. The company leverages this architectural shift to incentivize developers to create applications specifically for the new Modern environment, rather than the traditional desktop.
Consequently, desktop usage on Windows RT is largely confined to Microsoft’s own offerings, such as Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer. Alternatives like OpenOffice and Mozilla Firefox are unavailable.
For basic tasks like image editing or text manipulation, users are limited to MS Paint and Notepad. Popular third-party alternatives, including Paint.NET and Notepad++, cannot be installed.
Microsoft directs users towards the Windows Store for third-party applications. These applications operate within the Modern interface, previously referred to as Metro.
Key Restrictions Summarized
- Inability to install traditional desktop software.
- Reliance on pre-installed Microsoft applications.
- Architectural incompatibility between ARM and x86.
- Microsoft’s push for Modern app development.
The core intention is to steer developers and users towards the Modern app ecosystem, offering a curated and controlled application experience.
Windows Desktop Applications Included
The Windows RT desktop environment provides a standard set of applications typically found with Windows. Key among these is a desktop-based version of Internet Explorer 10, alongside File Explorer – the tool for file management, previously known as Windows Explorer.
A majority of other commonly pre-installed programs, such as Notepad and MS Paint, are also present. However, Windows Media Player is not included with Windows RT.
Microsoft intends for users to utilize the newly designed Music and Videos applications within the Modern interface as alternatives.
Microsoft Office
A key feature of Windows RT is the inclusion of pre-installed editions of four applications from Microsoft Office 2013: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
Although a Modern app is available for OneNote, dedicated Modern applications for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are absent. Users of Windows tablets such as the Surface RT must rely on the desktop interface, which isn't ideally suited for touch interaction, to utilize these applications. Touch Mode can be activated within Office 2013, but the desktop environment itself isn’t optimized for touch-based input.
Despite Windows RT’s emphasis on the innovative Modern interface, Microsoft’s core productivity tools remain exclusive to the desktop environment. The reason for the lack of Modern versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint remains uncertain. A possible explanation is that the desktop provides a more effective experience for these types of productivity tasks. Alternatively, it could be that the Office development team didn't fully embrace the new interface, or a combination of both factors.
Microsoft promotes Windows RT devices as capable tools for genuine work, yet the bundled Office 2013 version is based on Office Home & Student. For business or commercial use of Office applications on Windows RT, users are required to obtain separate commercial-use licenses from Microsoft. Furthermore, these applications lack support for macros and add-ins.
Tablet Configuration Options
The Windows desktop environment provides access to the familiar Windows Control Panel, encompassing the full range of standard settings. Despite the introduction of the Modern-style PC Settings app in Windows 8 and Windows RT, the new interface doesn't replicate every option available within the traditional Control Panel.
For tasks such as installing language packs, altering the default search engine in Internet Explorer 10, or adjusting more specialized settings, users must navigate away from the touch-optimized Modern interface.
Access to these functionalities is achieved through the Control Panel located on the desktop. Comparable tablet operating systems typically offer these settings directly within their touch-based interfaces.
It's important to note that while the Modern interface prioritizes simplicity, the desktop environment remains essential for comprehensive system customization.
Accessing Advanced Settings
The Control Panel allows for granular control over system behavior. This includes managing hardware, network connections, and user accounts.
Certain advanced configurations are exclusively accessible through the desktop Control Panel. These are not mirrored in the Modern PC Settings app.
Therefore, users requiring full administrative control should be comfortable transitioning between the Modern interface and the traditional desktop environment.
The Desktop's Role in Windows RT
The presence of the Desktop environment on Windows RT feels somewhat incongruous. A more unified user experience might have been achieved by fully embracing Modern apps and foregoing the Desktop altogether.
Currently, the Desktop retains its utility for two key purposes. These include modifying system settings not yet accessible through the Modern PC Settings app, and utilizing Microsoft Office applications, which are still awaiting adaptation to the Modern interface.
As Office apps are rewritten for the Modern environment and further settings are integrated into the PC Settings app, the Desktop is anticipated to be phased out in subsequent iterations of Windows RT.
Microsoft’s decision not to permit third-party developers to create applications for the Windows RT Desktop signals its eventual removal from future versions.
When purchasing a new Windows tablet or laptop, it’s crucial to evaluate the importance of Desktop applications to your workflow. Both Windows 8 (x86) and Windows RT (ARM) systems present a similar Desktop appearance in retail settings.
However, a significant distinction becomes apparent upon installation of custom applications at home, highlighting the functional differences between the two platforms.
