Windows 8 removed support for CPUs without SSE2 and NX support. Windows 8 is the first version of Windows to support the ARM architecture, under the Windows RT branding. Additional security features were introduced, such as built-in antivirus software, integration with Microsoft SmartScreen phishing filtering, and support for Secure Boot on supported devices. Windows 8 added support for USB 3.0, Advanced Format, near-field communication, and cloud computing.

Many of these features were adapted from Windows Phone. In particular, these changes included a touch-optimized Windows shell and start screen based on Microsoft's Metro design language, integration with online services, the Windows Store, and a new keyboard shortcut for screenshots. Windows 8 introduced major changes to the operating system's platform and user interface intended to improve its user experience on tablets, where Windows was now competing with mobile operating systems, including Android and iOS. It was released to manufacturing on Augit was subsequently made available for download via MSDN and TechNet on August 15, 2012, and later to retail on October 26, 2012. Windows 8 is a major release of the Windows NT operating system developed by Microsoft.

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