Customer Ratings & Reviews

Our Windows 8.0 did not work very well and we were unable to obtain a Win 8.1 update online. So we went to BestBuy to purchase a Win 8.1 update and installed it. Now some things are better with general operation but some of our desktop programs do not run well - we receive many "not responding" messages and have to wait 2-5 minutes for the program to start running again.

Purchased this one as I needed to install Windows and PC recovery partition was corrupted. If you plan on upgrading Windows to the Professional version then get the PRO version now, or you'll end up paying more through the AnyTime Upgrade. The OS itself is decent if you have a touchscreen PC, but necessary if you don't have a valid Win 7 install media and license key. I preferred the older Windows User Interface, and was glad that 8.1 restored the Start Button (sort of). I used a free application called "Classic Start Menu" to completely restore Win 7 Start Menu functionality on Win 8.1. I even customized the Start Button to look like Win 7's. I did notice in Win 8.1 that Microsoft was able to improve on handling multiple simultaneous file transfers. Previous versions would either queue them up or slow them all down considerably. That and the histogram (graphical representation of data transfer over time) are real benefits. If you purchase Windows 8.1 now, Microsoft is offering FREE upgrades to Windows 10 when it comes out. Lastly, a warning: Do not buy the OEM (System Builder) version of Windows! It may be cheaper than the retail version, but here are 3 reasons not to: 1) you will not be fulfilling the EULA requirements if it is for your own personal use (if that is important to you) 2) you will be locked in to use it on that 1 particular PC (can't transfer your license to another PC if that one stops working) 3) there is NO TECH SUPPORT from Microsoft. With the OEM version, it's understood that any tech support issues will be handled by the system builder. Usually that would be the major vendors (HP, Dell, IBM, Lenovo, ASUS, etc.) you bought the computer from, but in this case, it's now YOU.

I decided to re-install Windows on some older (but working) equipment in the house. It was an easy process that did not take a lot of time. My son'so laptop is working well now. Windows 8 takes some getting used to, but has some good features.

I did a clean install of Windows 8.1 on a SSD. The installation went extremely smoothly without a single glitch. I was able to copy my files onto the SSD with no trouble thus returning my data to its pre-upgrade state. As with any clean install, the issue of reinstalling the applications is always a chore but... I am enjoying 8.1 much more than I expected and I was a Loyal Win 7 fan. I notice speed improvements both from the software and hardware and am delighted I did it.

Windows 8 is fast simple and more of everything you wanted and got in previous versions of Windows. Initially every hardcore Windows fan shunned this version. They need to get over themselves. Windows 8 is simple enough for your grandparents to use and when you did deep it rewards you with powerful tools and incredible speed.

Had to buy a new op sys when my hard drive with the built-in op sys tanked. Got this. Was a little pricey, but I had to. It was different getting used to the "apps" and moving your mouse to the corners to get features to pop up. I didn't like the fact that I paid for Pro, and I have to pay another $9.99 to get the Media Center, which was included in my last version of Windows. Whatevs, though. It works, it's better, has more features. In this world nowadays, you gotta keep up. Sad to lose my previous version, but I had to suck it up. And, so far, I'm happy. Change is good.

Up front I'm a Mac user but need windows for programming as I'm a programmer for Audio video system. My new Laptop Macbook pro doesn't support Windows 7 and I was forced to purchase this. I was very nervous as most people I know do't care for 8 at all. I find it fine once you take the time to learn how to use it. I actually think Windows has some good ideas and I'm really hoping 10 is the polished version everyone wants.

I was a little leery about purchasing the OS; however, once installed and with a little patience I felt very comfortable and was able to use the OS without any problems... I actually like the OS more than Windows 7. I also like the fact that it comes with installation discs!

From what I've seen, so far, Windows 8 is not as user friendly as Windows 7, in my opinion. It's almost too busy, which tends to make a user feel overwhelmed. I opted to have a program installed to make it look and work much like Windows 7. Windows 10 upgrade is supposed to be more like 7. So, I had Windows 8.1 installed on my new computer mainly to be up to date on my new computer and to qualify for free Windows 10 upgrade. I decided to just deal with it for a while. I'm sure it has some good features, but I haven't used it enough yet to offer anything about that. I have read some things about some compatibility issues with things. I'm waiting to see how it interacts with all my accessories and hardware. Only reason I would recommend is to get to to date and ready for Windows 10 upgrade which is supposed to be more like Windows 7.

When I first tried windows 8, I was not a fan. Maybe I'm getting old and dislike change more. But maybe windows 8.1 has fixed some of the things that just didn't seem right before, because it seems to make more sense than when I was first playing with win 8. I will say this, win 8.1 does seem much quicker than any previous versions of windows.

Not just hype to say this is their best OS since Windows 7. Sure, you may have to currently run a script to get it back to a classic windows desktop but on my Surface Pro and desktop computer, Windows 8.1 has been Fast, Reliable and I like that you can use a MS Domain with this version. With Windows 10 in public Beta the best news if you can get the Windows 10 Pro upgrade for free when released. Something to keep in mind with this purchase as well is Windows 10 will have bugs so this will be the more stable option for the first 6 months-1year. Having this in your physical media collection is essential for IT Pros who support windows at work or home.

I was worried that the new windows would be hard to learn but it wasn't. The only glitch I have discovered is the reader. It eliminated some graphics from a pdf brochure so that was a concern but after loading Adobe, all is well.

I was reluctant at first but since installing and adjusting everything to my liking I haven't had any complaints.

Once you understand windows 8.1 works best with a touch screen it's the best system you can own.

much faster than any older version. takes some time to get used to the two different modes

I got this from a best buy store where I was looking for a Windows 8.1 and the manager was not able to find the product and he offered me Windows 8.1 Pro for the same price and I was really happy to see the customer service.

Needed to have to advance in my job! Pretty easy to follow.Pleased with program!!

Easy to install and maneuver. Great that Office 2010 was also enclosed.

I bought this software because it is mandatory in order for me to a run a specific program on my computer. I really don't know much about software but my program works great.

First time experiencing Windows 8.1 and I love it.