Skip to main content

Windows 8 ARM tablets may not get the classic desktop

windows-8-developer-preview-task-manager-popup
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Microsoft’s decision to mix and mash the classic Windows 7 desktop with the brand new Windows Phone-like Metro-style UI of Windows 8 has been controversial since we first saw it. In our tests, we found that while the OS worked well enough, the styles and design of the new and old desktops clashed. We assume Microsoft is working to smooth this over for Intel machines, but if Windows expert Paul Thurrott is correct, Windows 8 will not have any classic desktop at all when running on ARM processors. On Windows Weekly, a TWiT.TV Webcast, Thurrott revealed that Microsoft may indeed have two very distinct versions of Windows 8 with quite different feature sets. 

(For reference, ARM processors are used in almost all mobile phones and tablets, while Intel chips, which use more power, have dominated PCs and laptops.)

The original Windows 8 Developer Preview (our thoughts on it here), which became publicly available in September at Microsoft’s Build conference, was distributed to attendees on a Samsung tablet running on an Intel processor. Does this mean that Intel-based tablets (which will begin popping up with Windows 8) are going to have the classic desktop while ARM tablets are not? 

Thurrott’s Windows Weekly co-host and ZDNet contributor Mary Jo Foley thinks it might be a good plan: “I don’t hate the idea that Microsoft might pull the plug on the Desktop App on Windows 8 ARM tablets,” said Foley on ZDNet. “In fact, I think it’s the right thing to do if Microsoft and its partners want to position ARM-based Windows tablets as more of a true iPad competitor.”

windows-8-developer-preview-windows-7-control-panel
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Foley goes on to argue a point that makes a lot of sense. Even if Microsoft includes the classic desktop in ARM-based machines, classic x86 and x64 applications (all current Windows apps, I believe) would have to be rewritten to the new ARM architecture anyway because ARM varies so much from the way Intel’s processors run. 

The big question now is whether Microsoft will allow manufacturers to develop ARM-based laptop and desktop computers. Recent rumors point toward their introduction in mid 2013. If so, users will have a clear choice: do they want the mish mashed Intel interface that has a classic Windows 7 desktop mode or the new, streamlined ARM version without any classic mode. Hardcore users will likely opt for the complicated Intel version, but new or casual users may opt to go with the Metro-only ARM computers and tablets. That is, if they go with Windows at all. With devices like the Asus Transformer Prime, Android has been creeping into the laptop space and Apple’s MacBook brand has never been stronger.

Whatever the case, hopefully Microsoft will make a clear distinction between the Windows versions and offer clear advantages to choosing either platform. Users may see the biggest benefit. Though losing Windows 7 functionality is a blow to power users, it will force Microsoft to make sure the new Windows 8 Start Screen is more robust and can do everything users need without accessing the Windows 7 desktop. The need to swap between the two drastically different environments was one of our biggest complaints with the Developer Preview. 

Jeffrey Van Camp
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…
The best MacBook to buy in 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 16 downward view showing keyboard and speaker.

Now that Apple has started outfitting its laptops with its M3 generation of chips, it's time to take another look at which is the best MacBook to buy in 2024. That’s not always easy, though, as buying the newest MacBook isn’t always the right decision. Apple has several tiers of performance, as well as various sizes, which can further complicate the matter.

What’s more, you can also still get M1 and M2 MacBooks, some from Apple’s own website and some from third-party retailers. But are they still worth your money? Our guide should help you decide.

Read more
9 best laptops of 2024: tested and reviewed
The MacBook Air on a white table.

To earn the crown as the best laptop in 2024, a device needs to have it all: gorgeous design, killer performance, a productive keyboard, long-lasting battery life, and much more.

Each of the laptops below has been vetted thoroughly by Digital Trends. Whether it's an affordable Chromebook or a top-of-the-line gaming laptop, they've all been subjected to real-world testing, as well as benchmark and battery tests, to collect enough data to objectively pit them against each other.

Read more
All the ways Intel Macs are still better than Apple Silicon Macs
cheap macbook deals

MacBooks are pretty amazing these days. Thanks to the efficiency of Apple Silicon, you get all-day battery life, as well as the ability to edit videos when unplugged from power. The new MacBook Air with the M3 chip is even good enough for gaming.

All of that is in contrast to the Intel Macs of the past.

Read more