Windows 7, only better:

• Windows 8 is built on the rock-solid foundation of Windows 7, but it's been improved on all fronts.
• You can install Windows 8 on the same hardware that powers Windows Vista and Windows 7, and you'll love how it works on new devices, too.
• Windows 8 was designed with Windows 7 apps in mind, because you probably have older apps you need to use.
• In addition to the new look of the Start Screen, Windows 8 incorporates the desktop that you're familiar with.
• Think of the desktop as one of the many apps you can run in Windows 8.
• In the desktop, you'll see all the settings, devices and features you used in Windows 7-and you can run the desktop apps you ran in Windows 7, too.

Cloud-connected with your Microsoft account:

• Sign in to your Windows 8 device with your Microsoft account and you're immediately connected to the people, files and settings you care about.
• Your PC comes to life with all the things that make Windows yours, including your Start page, themes, language preferences, browsing history and browser favourites.
• You can connect your favourite services to your Microsoft account, too, like Hotmail, Messenger, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and more.
• And you can immediately get to your photos, docs and other files, whether they're on SkyDrive, Facebook, Flickr or other services.

It's all about the apps:

• In the Windows Store, you can search for or browse great apps, all grouped in easy-to-find categories.
• We highlight great apps for you and provide quick access to frequently downloaded apps.
• You can also see how other people have rated apps.
• You'll always know what's interesting, new and popular.
• You won't have to worry about buying something you don't want because you can try before you buy, if the app supports it.
• If you try an app and like it, you can buy it and continue using the full app with no interruption.
• You won't waste time or lose your place.

Windows has been reimagined to focus on your life. The beautiful, fast, and fluid design is perfect for a range of hardware: from compact, touch-enabled tablets and lightweight laptops, to PCs and large, powerful all-in-ones with high-definition screens.