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'{{Short description|2012 device-oriented operating system from Microsoft}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2013}} {{Good article}} {{distinguish|Windows Runtime}} {{redir|Always On, Always Connected|the connected standby technology|InstantGo}} {{Infobox OS version |name =Windows RT |logo =Windows RT logo and wordmark.svg |screenshot =Windows RT 8.1 Update 3 desktop.png |caption =Screenshot of Windows RT 8.1 Update 3 running on a Surface RT, showing [[Start menu]] and system specifications |version of =[[Windows NT]] |developer =[[Microsoft]] |website = this is Windows RT tablet don't doesn't have 128GB manufactured also 4gb of RAM without Pentium default media player is Xbox. also Microsoft Office preview release watching Netflix in low end tablet 32 gig storage few movie titles getting run out of the storage the tablet storage less 0.9 MB. the Netflix.appx has stopped working. Windows RT no media player Fresh Metro interface no one's likes |succeeded_by ={{ubl|[[Windows 10 S]]|[[Windows 10|Windows 10 (ARM64), version 1709]]}} |supported_platforms=[[ARMv7]] |kernel type =[[Hybrid kernel|Hybrid]] ([[Windows NT]]) |first release_date ={{start date and age|2012|10|26}}<ref>{{cite web|last1=LeBlanc|first1=Brandon|title=Windows 8 has reached the RTM milestone|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2012/08/01/windows-8-has-reached-the-rtm-milestone/|website=Windows Experience Blog|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=August 1, 2012}}</ref> |release version =6.3.9600 Update 3 (Windows RT 8.1 Update 3) |release date ={{start date and age|2023|01|10}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/help/5022346|title=January 10, 2023—KB5022346 (Security-only update)|website=support.microsoft.com|date=January 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/help/5022352|title=January 10, 2023—KB5022352 (Monthly Rollup)|website=support.microsoft.com|date=January 10, 2023}}</ref> |discontinued =yes |sales = |support_status ={{Plainlist| *Windows RT (8.0) is unsupported as of January 12, 2016. Customers had to update to Windows RT 8.1 to continue to receive support.<ref name=support>{{cite web|url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-rt|title=Microsoft Lifecycle Policy - Windows RT|access-date=2022-04-22}}</ref> *Mainstream support for Windows RT 8.1 ended on January 9, 2018 *Extended support for Windows RT 8.1 ended on January 10, 2023<ref name=support/><ref name=EOS>{{cite web|url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/windows-message-center#2993|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112184131/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/windows-message-center#2993|title=Windows 8.1 has reached end of service|website=Microsoft Documentation|date=January 10, 2023|archivedate=January 12, 2023|accessdate=January 13, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> }} }} {{Windows 8}} '''Windows RT''' is<!--Attention! Do NOT change to "was". This violates [[MOS:TENSE]], which specifies that all articles on operating systems are written in previous tense, even if discontinued.--> a [[mobile operating system]] developed by [[Microsoft]]. It is a version of [[Windows 8]] or [[Windows 8.1]] built for the [[ARMv7|32-bit ARM architecture]] (ARMv7).<ref name="The Windows RT Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/6392/the-windows-rt-review/3|title=The Windows RT Review|last1=Gowri|first1=Vivek|last2=Lal Shimpi|first2=Anand|date=October 25, 2012|website=Anandtech.com|access-date=October 29, 2013}}</ref> First unveiled in January 2011 at [[Consumer Electronics Show]], the Windows RT 8 operating system was officially launched alongside Windows 8 on October 26, 2012, with the release of three Windows RT-based devices, including Microsoft's [[Surface (2012 tablet)|original Surface tablet]]. Unlike Windows 8, Windows RT is only available as preloaded software on devices specifically designed for the operating system by [[original equipment manufacturer]]s (OEMs). Microsoft intended for devices with Windows RT to take advantage of the architecture's power efficiency to allow for longer battery life, to use [[system-on-chip]] (SoC) designs to allow for thinner devices and to provide a "reliable" experience over time. In comparison to other [[mobile operating system]]s, Windows RT also supports a relatively large number of existing [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]] peripherals and accessories and includes a version of [[Microsoft Office 2013]] optimized for ARM devices as pre-loaded software. However, while Windows RT inherits the appearance and functionality of Windows 8, it has a number of limitations; it can only execute software that is [[Digital signature|digitally signed]] by Microsoft (which includes pre-loaded software and [[Windows Store app]]s), and it lacks certain developer-oriented features. It also lacks support for running applications designed for x86 processors, which were the main platform for Windows at the time. ([[Windows 10]] would later add support for running x86 applications on ARM64 processors.) Windows RT was released to mixed reviews from various outlets and critics. Some felt that Windows RT devices had advantages over other mobile platforms (such as [[iOS]] or [[Android (operating system)|Android]]) because of its bundled software and the ability to use a wider variety of USB peripherals and accessories, but the platform was criticized for its poor software ecosystem, citing the early stage of [[Windows Store]] and its incompatibility with existing Windows software, and other limitations over Windows 8. Critics and analysts deemed Windows RT to be commercially unsuccessful, citing these limitations, its unclear, uncompetitive position of sitting as an underpowered system between [[Windows Phone]] and Windows 8, and the introduction of Windows 8 devices with battery life and functionality that met or exceeded that of Windows RT devices. Improvements to [[Intel]]'s mobile processors, along with a decision by Microsoft to remove OEM license fees for Windows on devices with screens smaller than 9 inches, spurred a market for low-end [[Wintel]] tablets running the full Windows 8 platform. These devices largely [[Cannibalization (marketing)|cannibalized]] Windows RT; vendors began phasing out their Windows RT devices due to poor sales, and less than a year after its release, Microsoft suffered a US$900 million loss that was largely blamed on poor sales of the ARM-based Surface tablet and unsold stock. Only two more Windows RT devices, Microsoft's [[Surface 2]] and the [[Nokia Lumia 2520]] in late 2013, were released beyond the five original launch devices, and no Windows RT counterpart to the [[Surface Pro 3]] was released due to a re-positioning of the Surface line into the high-end market, and a switch to Intel architecture for the [[Surface 3]]. These developments left Microsoft's future support of the platform in doubt. With the end of production for both Microsoft Surface 2 and Lumia 2520, Microsoft and its subsidiaries no longer manufacture any Windows RT devices. ==History== At the 2011 [[Consumer Electronics Show]], it was officially announced that the next version of Windows would provide support for [[system-on-chip]] (SoC) implementations based on the [[ARM architecture]]. [[Steven Sinofsky]], then Windows division president, demonstrated an early version of a Windows port for the architecture, codenamed Windows on ARM (WoA), running on prototypes with [[Qualcomm]] [[Snapdragon (system on chip)|Snapdragon]], [[Texas Instruments]] [[OMAP]], and [[Nvidia]] [[Tegra 2]] chips. The prototypes featured working versions of [[Internet Explorer 9]] (with [[DirectX]] support via the Tegra 2's [[GPU]]), [[Microsoft PowerPoint|PowerPoint]] and [[Microsoft Word|Word]], along with the use of [[class driver]]s to allow printing to an [[Epson]] printer. Sinofsky felt that the shift towards SoC designs were "a natural evolution of hardware that's applicable to a wide range of form factors, not just to slates", while Microsoft CEO [[Steve Ballmer]] emphasized the importance of supporting SoCs on Windows by proclaiming that the operating system would "be everywhere on every kind of device without compromise."<ref name="zdnet-cesunveil">{{cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/ces-windows-to-run-on-arm-chips-says-microsoft/|title=CES: Windows to run on ARM chips, says Microsoft|last=Bisson|first=Simon|date=January 6, 2011|work=[[ZDNet]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=November 21, 2012}}</ref> Initial development on WoA took place by porting code from [[Windows 7]]; [[Windows Mobile]] [[smartphone]]s were used to test early builds of WoA because of lack of readily available ARM-based tablets. Later testing was performed using a custom-designed array of [[rack-mount]]ed ARM-based systems.<ref name=bw8-buildingarm/> Changes to the Windows codebase were made to optimize the OS for the internal hardware of ARM devices, but a number of technical standards traditionally used by x86 systems are also used. WoA devices would use [[Unified Extensible Firmware Interface|UEFI]] firmware and have a software-based [[Trusted Platform Module]] to support device encryption and [[UEFI Secure Boot]].<ref name="cw-rtsecureboot">{{cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2501405/windows-8-on-arm--you-can-look-but-you-can-t-touch.html|title=Windows 8 on ARM: You can look but you can't touch|last=Niccolai|first=James|date=January 13, 2012|work=[[Computerworld]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|access-date=January 27, 2012}}</ref> [[Advanced Configuration and Power Interface|ACPI]] is also used to detect and control [[plug and play]] devices and provide power management outside the SoC. To enable wider hardware support, peripherals such as [[human interface device]]s, storage and other components that use [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]] and [[I²C]] connections use class drivers and standardized protocols. [[Windows Update]] serves as the mechanism for updating all system drivers, software, and [[firmware]].<ref name="bw8-buildingarm">{{cite web|url=https://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/02/09/building-windows-for-the-arm-processor-architecture.aspx|title=Building Windows for the ARM processor architecture|last=Sinofsky|first=Steven|date=February 9, 2012|work=Building Windows 8|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=November 21, 2012}}</ref> Microsoft showcased other aspects of the new operating system, to be known as [[Windows 8]], during subsequent presentations. Among these changes (which also included an overhauled interface optimized for use on touch-based devices built around [[Metro (design language)|Metro design language]]) was the introduction of [[Windows Runtime]] (WinRT). Software developed using this new architecture could be processor-independent (allowing compatibility with both x86- and ARM-based systems),<ref name="cnet-mozilla"/> would emphasize the use of touch input, would run within a [[Sandbox (computer security)|sandboxed environment]] to provide additional security, and be distributed through [[Windows Store]]—a [[application store|store]] similar to services such as the [[App Store (iOS)|App Store]] and [[Google Play]]. WinRT was also optimized to provide a more "reliable" experience on ARM-based devices; as such, [[backward compatibility]] for [[Windows API|Win32]] software otherwise compatible with older versions of Windows was intentionally excluded from Windows on ARM. Windows developers indicated that existing Windows applications were not specifically optimized for reliability and energy efficiency on the ARM architecture and that WinRT was sufficient for providing "full expressive power" for applications, "while avoiding the traps and pitfalls that can potentially reduce the overall experience for consumers." Consequentially, this lack of backward compatibility would also prevent existing [[malware]] from running on the operating system.<ref name=bw8-buildingarm/><ref name="verge-talkswin8">{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/5/17/3026590/microsoft-windows-8-developers-windows-store-sandboxing|title=Microsoft talks Windows Store features, Metro app sandboxing for Windows 8 developers|last=Ziegler|first=Chris|date=May 17, 2012|work=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=September 8, 2012}}</ref> On April 16, 2012, Microsoft announced that Windows on ARM would be officially branded as Windows RT.<ref name="bw-win8editions">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2012/04/16/announcing-the-windows-8-editions/|title=Announcing the Windows 8 Editions|last=LeBlanc|first=Brandon|date=April 16, 2012|work=Blogging Windows|publisher=Microsoft|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802140736/https://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2012/04/16/announcing-the-windows-8-editions/|archive-date=August 2, 2014|access-date=April 17, 2012}}</ref> Microsoft did not explicitly indicate what the "RT" in the operating system's name referred to, but it was believed to refer to the WinRT architecture.<ref name=wsj-rtname>{{cite web|last=Gara|first=Tom|title=What Does the 'RT' In Windows RT Stand For?|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/corporate-intelligence/2012/10/26/what-does-the-rt-in-windows-rt-stand-for-nothing-andor-something/|work=Wall Street Journal|date=October 26, 2012|access-date=July 10, 2013}}</ref> Steven Sinofsky stated that Microsoft would ensure the differences between Windows RT and 8 were adequately addressed in advertising. However, reports found that promotional web pages for the [[Microsoft Surface]] tablet had contained confusing wording alluding to the compatibility differences and that [[Microsoft Store (retail)|Microsoft Store]] representatives were providing inconsistent and sometimes incorrect information about Windows RT. In response, Microsoft stated that Microsoft Store staff members would be given an average of 15 hours of training prior to the launch of Windows 8 and Windows RT to ensure that consumers were able to make the correct choice for their needs.<ref name="theverge-rtconfusion">{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/10/17/3514556/windows-8-vs-windows-rt-surface-confused-microsoft-store-employees|title=With Surface looming, Microsoft fails to explain Windows 8 vs. Windows RT to consumers|last=Hollister|first=Sean|date=October 17, 2012|work=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=November 19, 2012}}</ref> The first Windows RT devices were officially released alongside Windows 8 on October 26, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-come-celebrate-windows-8-on-oct-25/|title=Microsoft: Come 'celebrate' Windows 8 on Oct 25|last=Reisinger|first=Don|date=September 17, 2012|work=[[CNET]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=September 17, 2012}}</ref> [[Windows 8.1]], an upgrade for Windows 8 and RT, was released in [[Windows Store]] on October 17, 2013, containing a number of improvements to the operating system's interface and functionality. For Windows RT devices, the update also adds [[Microsoft Outlook|Outlook]] to the included Office RT suite.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/08/14/mark-your-calendars-for-windows-8-1.aspx|title=Mark your calendars for Windows 8.1!|publisher=Microsoft|work=Blogging Windows|access-date=August 14, 2013|last=LeBlanc|first=Brandon|archive-date=August 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815234725/http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/08/14/mark-your-calendars-for-windows-8-1.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2013/08/14/technology/enterprise/windows-8-1-update/index.html|title=Windows 8.1 update coming October 18|last=Covert|first=Adrian|date=August 14, 2013|work=CNN Money|publisher=[[Time Warner]]}}</ref><ref name="ms-blueannounce">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/05/14/windows-keeps-getting-better.aspx|title=Windows Keeps Getting Better|last=LeBlanc|first=Brandon|date=May 14, 2013|website=Blogging Windows|publisher=Microsoft|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515142421/http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/05/14/windows-keeps-getting-better.aspx|archive-date=May 15, 2013|access-date=May 20, 2013}}</ref><ref name="extech-rt81beta">{{cite web|url=https://www.extremetech.com/computing/159838-windows-rt-8-1-still-slow-still-plagued-by-the-desktop-still-useless|title=Windows RT 8.1: Still slow, still plagued by the Desktop, still useless|last=Anthony|first=Sebastian|date=June 27, 2013|work=[[ExtremeTech]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=July 9, 2013}}</ref><ref name="cnet-outlookrt">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/outlook-finally-coming-to-windows-rt-tablets/|title=Outlook finally coming to Windows RT tablets|last=Greene|first=Jay|date=June 5, 2013|work=[[CNET]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=June 5, 2013}}</ref> The update was temporarily [[product recall|recalled]] by Microsoft shortly after its release, following reports that some Surface users had encountered a rare bug which corrupted their device's [[Boot Configuration Data]] during installation, resulting in an error on startup.<ref name="verge-81pulled">{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/10/19/4855660/windows-rt-8-1-update-taken-offline-due-to-installation-issues|title=Windows RT 8.1 update taken offline due to installation issues|last=D'Orazio|first=Dante|date=October 19, 2013|work=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=October 19, 2013}}</ref><ref name="pcw-rtpulled">{{cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2056283/microsoft-temporarily-pulls-windows-rt-8-1-update-due-to-a-situation.html|title=Microsoft temporarily pulls Windows RT 8.1 update due to 'a situation'|last=Chacos|first=Brad|date=October 19, 2013|work=PC World|access-date=October 20, 2013}}</ref> On October 21, 2013, Microsoft released recovery media and instructions which could be used to repair the device and restored access to Windows 8.1 the next day.<ref name="pcw-surfacertfix">{{cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2056295/microsoft-releases-fix-for-surface-rt-slates-borked-by-windows-rt-8-1-update.html|title=Microsoft releases fix for Surface RT slates borked by Windows RT 8.1 update|last=Newman|first=Jared|date=October 19, 2013|work=PC World|access-date=October 22, 2013}}</ref><ref name="pcw-81returned">{{cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2056548/microsoft-fixes-windows-rt-8-1-issues-returns-update-to-windows-store.html|title=Microsoft fixes Windows RT 8.1 issues, returns update to Windows Store|last=Chacos|first=Brad|date=October 22, 2013|work=PC World|access-date=October 22, 2013}}</ref> ==Comparison to Windows 8== {{Further|Windows 8#Features|Features new to Windows 8}} While Windows RT functions similarly to Windows 8, there are still some notable differences, primarily involving software and hardware compatibility.<ref name=anand-winrt/> [[Julie Larson-Green]], then executive vice president of the Devices and Studios group at Microsoft, explained that Windows RT was ultimately designed to provide a "[[Closed platform|closed]], [[turnkey]]" user experience, "where it doesn't have all the flexibility of Windows, but it has the power of [[Microsoft Office|Office]] and then all the new style applications. So you could give it to your kid and he's not going to load it up with a bunch of [[Browser Helper Object|toolbars]] accidentally out of [[Internet Explorer]] and then come to you later and say, 'why am I getting all these [[Pop-up ad|pop-ups]]?' It just isn't capable of doing that by design."<ref name=guardian-killingrt/><ref name=verge-threewindows/> ===Included software=== {{Main|Office 2013#Office RT}} Windows RT does not include [[Windows Media Player]], in favor of other multimedia apps found on Windows Store; devices are pre-loaded with the in-house [[Xbox Music]] and [[Xbox Video]] apps.<ref name=anand-winrt/> All Windows RT devices include [[Office 2013|Office 2013 Home & Student RT]]—a version of [[Microsoft Office]] that is optimized for ARM systems.<ref name="PC Pro">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/376276/windows-rt-wont-get-full-office-2013|title=Windows RT won't get full Office 2013|publisher=PC Pro|date=August 8, 2012|access-date=October 5, 2012}}</ref> As the version of Office RT included on Windows RT devices is based on the Home & Student version, it cannot be used for "commercial, nonprofit, or revenue-generating activities" unless the organization has a volume license for Office 2013, or the user has an [[Office 365]] subscription with commercial use rights.<ref name=cnet-outlookrt/><ref name=zdnet-officert-commercial>{{cite web|title=Microsoft Office for Windows RT: How to move to a commercial-use license|url=http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-office-for-windows-rt-how-to-move-to-a-commercial-use-license-7000005893/|publisher=ZDNet|access-date=October 27, 2012}}</ref> For compatibility and security reasons, certain advanced features, such as [[Visual Basic for Applications|Visual Basic macros]], are not available in Office RT.<ref name="PC Pro"/> Windows RT also includes a [[BitLocker Drive Encryption|BitLocker]]-based [[Full disk encryption|device encryption]] system, which passively encrypts a user's data once they sign in with a [[Microsoft account]].<ref name=ars-deviceencryption>{{cite web|title=Windows 8.1 includes seamless, automatic disk encryption—if your PC supports it|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/10/windows-8-1-includes-seamless-automatic-disk-encryption-if-your-pc-supports-it/|work=Ars Technica|date=October 17, 2013|access-date=October 18, 2013}}</ref> ===Software compatibility=== Due to the different [[microarchitecture|architecture]] of ARM-based devices compared to x86 devices, Windows RT has software compatibility limitations. Although the operating system still provides the traditional Windows desktop environment alongside Windows 8's touch-oriented [[Shell (computing)|user interface]], the only desktop applications officially supported by Windows RT are those that come with the operating system itself; such as [[File Explorer]], [[Internet Explorer]], and Office RT. Only [[Windows Store app]]s can be installed by users on Windows RT devices; they must be obtained from [[Windows Store]] or sideloaded in enterprise environments. Developers cannot [[Porting|port]] desktop applications to run on Windows RT since Microsoft developers felt that they would not be properly optimized for the platform.<ref name="cnet-mozilla">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-bans-firefox-on-arm-based-windows-mozilla-says/|title=Microsoft bans Firefox on ARM-based Windows, Mozilla says|last=Shankland|first=Stephen|date=May 9, 2012|publisher=CNET|access-date=October 22, 2012}}</ref> As a consequence, Windows RT also does not support "new-experience enabled" [[web browser]]s: a special class of app used on Windows 8 that allows web browsers to bundle variants that can run in the Windows RT "modern-style user interface" and integrate with other apps but still use [[Windows API|Win32]] code like desktop programs.<ref name="ms-developbrowser">{{cite web|title=Developing a new experience enabled desktop browser|url=http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=243079|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=November 15, 2012|date=October 22, 2012}}</ref><ref name=winrt-browsers>{{cite web|title=Windows 8 browsers: the only Metro apps to get desktop power|date=March 27, 2012|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/windows-8-browsers-the-only-metro-apps-to-get-desktop-power-1073930|publisher=TechRadar|access-date=November 13, 2012}}</ref> ===Hardware compatibility=== In a presentation at Windows 8's launch event in New York City, Steven Sinofsky claimed that Windows RT would support 420 million existing hardware devices and peripherals. However, in comparison to Windows 8, full functionality will not be available for all devices, and some devices will not be supported at all.<ref name=zdnet-whichwork>{{cite web|title=Which peripherals work with Windows RT, Surface RT?|url=http://www.zdnet.com/which-peripherals-work-with-windows-rt-surface-rt-7000006938/|publisher=ZDNet|access-date=May 4, 2013}}</ref> Microsoft provides a "Compatibility Center" portal where users can search for compatibility information on devices with Windows RT; on launch, the site listed just over 30,000 devices that were compatible with the operating system.<ref name=tr-hcl>{{cite web|title=Windows RT hardware compatibility list released by Microsoft|date=November 2012|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/windows-rt-hardware-compatibility-list-released-by-microsoft-1109143|publisher=TechRadar|access-date=May 4, 2013}}</ref> ===Networking and device management=== While Windows RT devices can join a [[Features new to Windows 7#HomeGroup|HomeGroup]] and access files stored within shared folders and libraries on other devices within the group, files cannot be shared from the Windows RT device itself.<ref name=zdnet-whydoesit>{{cite web|title=If you're asking, 'why does Windows RT do it like that?' The answer's battery life|url=http://www.zdnet.com/if-youre-asking-why-does-windows-rt-do-it-like-that-the-answers-battery-life-7000008245/|work=ZDNet|access-date=December 31, 2013}}</ref> Windows RT does not support connecting to a [[Windows domain|domain]] for network logins, nor does it support using [[Group Policy]] for device management. However, [[Exchange ActiveSync]], the [[Windows Intune]] service, or [[System Center Configuration Manager]] 2012 SP1 can be used to provide some control over Windows RT devices in enterprise environments, such as the ability to apply security policies and provide a portal which can be used to sideload apps from outside Windows Store.<ref name=winrt-npgp>{{cite web|title=Windows RT vs Windows 8: On the Surface, there's still a lot of confusion|date=October 24, 2012|url=http://www.infoworld.com/d/microsoft-windows/microsoft-surface-and-group-policy-dont-mix-now-what-205435|publisher=ZDNet|access-date=November 19, 2012}}</ref> ===User interface=== After installation of the KB3033055 update for Windows RT 8.1, a desktop [[Start menu]] becomes available as an alternative to the Start screen. It is divided into two columns, with one devoted to recent and pinned applications, and one devoted to live tiles.<ref name="ms-3033055">{{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3033055|title=Update for Windows RT 8.1 feature improvement|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=September 20, 2015}}</ref><ref name="ars-rtupdate3">{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/09/windows-rt-gets-a-start-menu-of-its-own-in-windows-rt-8-1-update-3/|title=Windows RT gets a Start menu of its own in Windows RT 8.1 Update 3|website=Ars Technica|date=September 16, 2015|publisher=Conde Nast|access-date=September 16, 2015}}</ref> It is similar to, but not identical to, [[Windows 10]]'s version.<ref name=ars-rtupdate3/> ===Support lifecycle=== Windows RT follows the lifecycle policy of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. The original Surface tablet fell under Microsoft's support policies for consumer hardware and received mainstream support until April 11, 2017.<ref name="zdnet-rtlifecycle">{{cite web|url=http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-commits-to-surface-with-windows-rt-for-at-least-four-years-7000007844/|title=Microsoft commits to Surface with Windows RT for at least four years|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|work=[[ZDNet]]|date=November 24, 2012|access-date=May 20, 2013|first=Ed|last=Bott}}</ref> Mainstream support for Windows RT (8.0) ended on January 12, 2016. Users must have updated to Windows RT 8.1 which continued receiving support until the dates mentioned below. Mainstream support for Windows RT 8.1 ended on January 9, 2018, and extended support for Windows RT 8.1 ended on January 10, 2023.<ref name="support"/><ref name=EOS/> ==Devices== [[File:Surface RT.jpg|thumb|right|[[Surface (first generation)|Microsoft Surface]] was created as a first-party device for Windows RT.]] Microsoft imposed tight control on the development and production of Windows RT devices: they were designed in cooperation with the company, and built to strict design and hardware specifications, including requirements to only use "approved" models of certain components. To ensure hardware quality and control the number of devices released upon launch, the three participating ARM chip makers were only allowed to partner with up to two PC manufacturers to develop the first "wave" of Windows RT devices in Microsoft's development program. [[Qualcomm]] partnered with [[Samsung]] and [[Hewlett-Packard|HP]], [[Nvidia]] with [[Asus]] and [[Lenovo]], and [[Texas Instruments]] with [[Toshiba]]. Additionally, Microsoft partnered with Nvidia to produce [[Microsoft Surface|Surface]] (retroactively renamed "Surface RT") – the first Windows-based computing device to be manufactured and marketed directly by Microsoft.<ref name=cnet-mscontrol>{{cite web|last=Tibken|first=Shara|title=How Microsoft became a control freak with tablet makers|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57561849-75/how-microsoft-became-a-control-freak-with-tablet-makers/|publisher=CNET|access-date=January 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Epstein|first=Zach|url=http://www.bgr.com/2012/06/20/microsoft-surface-tablet-ploy-acer-stan-shih/|title=Microsoft's tablet efforts are fleeting, says Acer founder.|work=[[Boy Genius Report]]|date=June 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/06/18/microsoft-tablet-announced/|title=Microsoft reveals its own Windows 8 tablet: meet the new Surface for Windows RT|date=June 18, 2012 |publisher=Engadget|access-date=June 20, 2012}}</ref> Windows RT was designed to support chips meeting the ARMv7 architecture, a [[32-bit]] processor platform.<ref name="The Windows RT Review"/> Shortly after the original release of Windows RT, [[ARM Holdings]] disclosed that it was working with Microsoft and other software partners on supporting [[64-bit computing|64-bit]] [[AArch64]].<ref name=pcw-64bitrt>{{cite web|title=ARM, Microsoft collaborating on 64-bit Windows version|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2013405/arm-microsoft-collaborating-on-64bit-windows-version.html|work=PC World|access-date=October 28, 2013}}</ref> Multiple hardware partners pulled out of the program during the development of Windows RT, the first being Toshiba and Texas Instruments. TI later announced that it was pulling out of the consumer market for ARM system-on-chips to focus on [[embedded system]]s.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-tis-move-out-of-smartphones-into-servers-highlights-chip-issues/|title=How TI's move out of smartphones into servers highlights chip issues {{!}} ZDNet|last=Branscombe|first=Mary|date=2012-11-16|work=ZDNet|access-date=2018-04-09|language=en}}</ref> HP also pulled out of the program, believing that Intel-based tablets were more appropriate for business use than ARM. HP was replaced by [[Dell]] as an alternate Qualcomm partner.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tablet-news.com/dell-could-replace-hp-as-windows-rt-tablet-maker/|title=Dell Could Replace HP As Windows RT Tablet Maker - Tablet News|last=Iorga|first=Radu|date=2012-07-26|work=Tablet News|access-date=2018-04-09|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Acer Inc.|Acer]] also intended to release a Windows RT device alongside its Windows 8-based products, but initially decided to delay it until the second quarter of 2013 in response to the mixed reaction to Surface.<ref name="acer-nortq2">{{cite news|title=Acer delays Windows RT tablets over Surface concerns|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20156061|work=BBC News|date=October 31, 2012|access-date=January 11, 2013}}</ref> The unveiling of the Microsoft-developed tablet caught Acer by surprise, leading to concerns that Surface could leave "a huge negative impact for the [Windows] ecosystem and other brands."<ref name=cnet-mscontrol/> ===First-generation devices=== The first wave of Windows RT devices included: *[[Surface (first generation)|Microsoft Surface]] (released October 26, 2012, concurrently with general availability of Windows 8)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-07-30-microsofts-new-ipad-rival-surface-for-windows-rt-release-date|title=Microsoft's new iPad rival Surface for Windows RT release date|date=July 30, 2012|publisher=Eurogamer|access-date=July 30, 2012}}</ref> *[[Asus VivoTab#Asus VivoTab RT|Asus VivoTab RT]] (released October 26, 2012)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eee.asus.com/en/vivo-tab/features/|title=Asus Vivo Tab Official Site|access-date=August 29, 2012|archive-date=October 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014215658/http://eee.asus.com/en/vivo-tab/features/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Wollman|first=Dana|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/10/23/asus-vivotab-rt-pricing-availability/|title=ASUS VivoTab RT tablet arrives October 26th, starting at $599 for the 32GB model; keyboard dock included (update: eyes-on!)|work=Engadget|date=October 23, 2012|access-date=January 8, 2013}}</ref> *[[Dell XPS 10]] (released December 2012; discontinued on September 25, 2013)<ref name="cnet-mscontrol"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/08/30/dell-xps-10-xps-12-duo/|title=Dell announces XPS 10 Windows 8 hybrid, XPS Duo 12 convertible (update: hands-on)|date=August 30, 2012 |access-date=September 2, 2012}}</ref><ref name="engadget-xps10discontinued">{{cite web|title=Dell no longer selling its XPS 10 Windows RT tablet, wants you to buy the Latitude 10 instead (updated)|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/09/25/dell-no-longer-selling-its-xps-10-windows-rt-tablet/|work=Engadget|date=September 25, 2013 |access-date=September 27, 2013}}</ref> *[[Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11]] (released December 2012)<ref name="verge-ideapad11">{{cite web|title=Lenovo's backflipping 13-inch IdeaPad Yoga will cost $1,099, 11-inch Windows RT version arrives December for $799 (hands-on)|date=October 9, 2012|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/10/9/3476938/lenovo-ideapad-yoga-11-yoga-13-price-release-date|publisher=The Verge|access-date=January 27, 2013}}</ref> *[[Samsung Ativ Tab]] (Released in United Kingdom on December 14, 2012; American and German releases cancelled)<ref name="cnet-mscontrol"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slashgear.com/samsung-ativ-tab-10-1-windows-rt-tablet-announced-29244569/|title=Samsung ATIV Tab 10.1 Windows RT tablet announced|date=August 29, 2012|access-date=August 29, 2012}}</ref><ref name="cnet-winrtsamsung"/><ref name="hexus-ativrelease">{{cite web|title=Samsung ATIV S and ATIV Tab available in the UK tomorrow|date=December 13, 2012|url=http://hexus.net/mobile/news/windows-phone/49293-samsung-ativ-s-ativ-tab-available-uk-tomorrow/|publisher=Hexus|access-date=January 17, 2013}}</ref><ref name="engadget-ativgermany">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/03/06/samsung-windows-rt-ativ-tab-germany/|title=Samsung will stop sale of Windows RT tablets in Germany due to weak demand, according to reports|last=Sakr|first=Sharif|date=March 6, 2013|website=Engadget|access-date=March 13, 2013}}</ref> After having planned to produce a Windows RT device close to its launch, Acer's president Jim Wong later indicated that there was "no value" in the current version of the operating system, and would reconsider its plans for future Windows RT products when the Windows 8.1 update was released.<ref name=iw-acerwait>{{cite web|title=Acer waits for Windows RT 8.1 to make tablet decision|date=May 3, 2013|url=http://www.infoworld.com/d/mobile-technology/acer-waits-windows-rt-81-make-tablet-decision-217914|publisher=InfoWorld|access-date=May 4, 2013}}</ref> On August 9, 2013, Asus announced that it would no longer produce any Windows RT products; chairman Johnny Shih expressed displeasure at the market performance of Windows RT, considering it to be "not very promising".<ref name=atd-asusrt>{{cite web|title=Asus Pulling Back on Windows RT, Chairman Says|url=http://allthingsd.com/20130730/asus-pulling-back-on-windows-rt-chairman-says/|work=AllThingsD|access-date=August 7, 2013}}</ref><ref name=wsj-asusnort>{{cite web|title=Asustek Pulls Plug on Windows RT Tablet|url=https://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20130809-703280.html|work=Wall Street Journal|access-date=August 9, 2013|archive-date=August 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811141114/http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20130809-703280.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the introduction of its Android and Windows 8-based ''Venue'' tablets in October 2013, Dell's vice president Neil Hand stated that the company had no plans to produce an updated version of the XPS 10.<ref name="pcw-dellrt">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2051700/with-new-venue-tablets-dell-signals-its-pc-division-is-alive-and-kicking.html|title=With new Venue tablets, Dell signals its PC division is alive and kicking|last1=Shah|first1=Agam|date=October 2, 2013|website=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=October 2, 2013}}</ref> ===Second-generation devices=== In September 2013, Nvidia CEO [[Jen-Hsun Huang]] stated that the company was "working really hard" with Microsoft on developing a second revision of Surface.<ref name="cnet-nvidiasurface2">{{cite web|title=Nvidia CEO: We're working hard on Surface 2|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57597706-94/nvidia-ceo-were-working-hard-on-surface-2/|work=CNET|access-date=September 5, 2013}}</ref> The [[Microsoft Surface 2]] tablet, which is powered by Nvidia's quad-core [[Tegra 4]] platform and features the same full HD display as the [[Surface Pro 2]], was officially unveiled on September 23, 2013, and released on October 22, 2013, following Windows 8.1 general availability the previous week.<ref name="engadget-surface2">{{cite web|title=Microsoft announces the Surface 2, the follow-up to the original Surface RT; coming October 22nd for $449|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/09/23/microsoft-surface-2-announced/|work=Engadget|date=September 23, 2013 |access-date=September 23, 2013}}</ref> On the same day as the Surface 2's release, [[Nokia]] (the acquisition of their [[Microsoft Mobile|mobile business]] by Microsoft had just been announced, but not yet been completed) unveiled the [[Nokia Lumia 2520|Lumia 2520]], a Windows RT tablet with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, [[LTE (telecommunication)|4G LTE]], and a design similar to its [[Lumia series|line]] of [[Windows Phone]] products.<ref name="verge-lumiart">{{cite web|title=Nokia answers the Surface 2 with the Lumia 2520, a beautiful, ultra-mobile Windows RT tablet|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/10/22/4865306/nokia-lumia-2520-windows-tablet-announced|work=The Verge|date=October 22, 2013|access-date=October 22, 2013}}</ref> An LTE-capable version of the Surface 2 was made available the following year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/microsoft-surface-2|title=Microsoft Surface 2 4G review|last=Oliver|first=Dave|date=2014-05-15|work=Wired.co.uk|access-date=2018-04-09}}</ref> In January 2015, after its stock sold out on [[Microsoft Store (digital)|Microsoft Store]] online, Microsoft confirmed that it had discontinued further production of the Surface 2 to focus on Surface Pro products.<ref name="pcw-surface2over">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2875808/microsoft-has-stopped-making-the-surface-2-tablet-spelling-trouble-for-windows-rt.html|title=Microsoft has stopped making the Surface 2 tablet, spelling trouble for Windows RT|last=Hachman|first=Mark|date=January 27, 2015|website=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=January 28, 2015}}</ref> Microsoft ended production of the Lumia 2520 the following month, ending active production of Windows RT devices after just over two years of general availability.<ref name="pcw-2520done">{{cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2878832/is-windows-rt-dead-windows-stops-making-nokia-lumia-2520.html|title=Is Windows RT dead? Microsoft stops making Nokia Lumia 2520|last=Shah|first=Agam|date=February 2, 2015|website=PC World|access-date=February 4, 2015}}</ref> With the end of production for both Surface 2 and Lumia 2520, Microsoft and its subsidiaries no longer manufacture any Windows RT devices.<ref name="pcw-surface2over"/><ref name="pcw-2520done"/> ===Cancelled devices=== Microsoft originally developed a "mini" version of its Surface tablet later known as [[Surface Mini]] and had planned to unveil it alongside the [[Surface Pro 3]] in May 2014; it was reportedly cancelled at the last minute.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://pocketnow.com/2014/10/01/surface-mini-was-cancelled|title=Thank goodness the Surface Mini was cancelled|last=Doud|first=Adam|date=2014-10-01|work=Pocketnow|access-date=2018-04-09|language=en-US|archive-date=July 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722213817/http://pocketnow.com/2014/10/01/surface-mini-was-cancelled|url-status=dead}}</ref> Images of the product were leaked in June 2017, revealing specifications such as a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, an 8-inch display, and support for the [[Surface Pen]] instead of a [[List of Microsoft Surface accessories|keyboard attachment]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsofts-canceled-surface-mini-photos-exclusive|title=This is Microsoft's canceled Surface Mini (exclusive photos and details)|last=Bowden|first=Zac|date=2017-07-30|work=Windows Central|access-date=2018-04-09|language=en}}</ref> In July 2016, an image depicting a number of cancelled Nokia-branded Lumia devices was released, depicting a prototype for a second Nokia tablet known as the Lumia 2020.<ref name="softpedia-lumia2020">{{cite web|title=Leaked Photo Shows Canceled Microsoft Phones and Nokia 2020 Windows RT Tablet|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/leaked-photo-shows-canceled-microsoft-phones-and-nokia-2020-windows-rt-tablet-506589.shtml|website=Softpedia|date=July 25, 2016|access-date=August 1, 2016}}</ref> Details revealed in September 2017 showed the product to have an 8.3-inch display and the same Snapdragon 800 chip as that of the Surface "mini" tablet.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/lumia-2020-review|title=Nokia's canceled Lumia 2020 was a compact Windows RT tablet after my heart|last=Bowden|first=Zac|date=2017-09-27|work=Windows Central|access-date=2018-04-09|language=en}}</ref> ==Reception== {{See also|Windows 8#Reception}} Windows RT's launch devices received mixed reviews upon their release. In a review of the Asus VivoTab RT by ''[[PC Advisor]]'', Windows RT was praised for being a mobile operating system that still offered some PC amenities such as a full-featured [[file manager]], but noted its lack of compatibility with existing Windows software, and that it had no proper media player aside from a "shameless, in-your-face conduit to [[Xbox Music]]."<ref name=pcadvisor-vivotabreview>{{cite web|title=Asus Vivo Tab RT review|url=http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/tablets/3407062/asus-vivo-tab-rt-review/|publisher=PC Advisor|access-date=November 2, 2012}}</ref> [[AnandTech]] believed Windows RT was the first "legitimately useful" mobile operating system, owing in part to its multitasking system, bundled Office programs, smooth interface performance, and "decent" support for a wider variety of [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]] devices in comparison to other operating systems on the ARM architecture. However, the OS was panned for its slow application launch times in comparison to a [[iPad (3rd generation)|recent iPad]], and spotty driver support for printers. The small number of "quality" apps available on launch was also noted—but considered to be a non-issue, assuming that the app ecosystem would "expand significantly unless somehow everyone stops buying Windows-based systems on October 26th."<ref name=anand-winrt>{{cite web|author1=Gowri, Vivek|author2=Shimpi, Anand Lal|title=The Windows RT Review|url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/6392/the-windows-rt-review|publisher=AnandTech|date=October 25, 2012|access-date=November 2, 2012}}</ref><ref name=iw-rtdisaster/> Reception of the preview release of RT 8.1 was mixed; both ''[[ExtremeTech]]'' and ''[[TechRadar]]'' praised the improvements to the operating system's tablet-oriented interface, along with the addition of Outlook; ''TechRadar''{{'}}s Dan Grabham believed that the inclusion of Outlook was important because "nobody in their right mind would try and handle work email inside the standard Mail app—it's just not up to the task." However, both experienced performance issues running the beta on the [[Tegra 3]]-based Surface; ''ExtremeTech'' concluded that "as it stands, we’re still not sure why you would ever opt to buy a Windows RT tablet when there are similarly priced [[Atom (system on chip)|Atom]]-powered x86 devices that run the full version of Windows 8."<ref name="extech-rt81beta"/><ref name=tr-81preview>{{cite web|title=Hands on: Windows 8.1 RT review|url=http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/operating-systems/windows-8-1-rt-1162188/review|work=TechRadar|date=June 27, 2013|access-date=September 11, 2013}}</ref> ===Market relevance and response=== The need to market an ARM-compatible version of Windows was questioned by analysts because of recent developments in the PC industry; both Intel and AMD introduced x86-based system-on-chip designs for Windows 8, [[Atom (system on chip)|Atom "Clover Trail"]] and [[AMD Accelerated Processing Unit#Jaguar architecture (2013): Kabini and Temash|"Temash"]] respectively, in response to the growing competition from ARM licensees. In particular, Intel claimed that Clover Trail-based tablets could provide battery life rivaling that of ARM devices; in a test by ''[[PC World]]'', Samsung's Clover Trail-based Ativ Smart PC was shown to have battery life exceeding that of the ARM-based Surface. Peter Bright of ''[[Ars Technica]]'' argued that Windows RT had no clear purpose, since the power advantage of ARM-based devices was "nowhere near as clear-cut as it was two years ago", and that users would be better off purchasing Office 2013 themselves because of the removed features and licensing restrictions of Office RT.<ref name=iw-rtdisaster>{{cite web|last=Chacos|first=Brad|title=Why Windows RT is hurtling toward disaster|url=http://www.infoworld.com/d/microsoft-windows/why-windows-rt-hurtling-toward-disaster-210995?page=0,1|publisher=InfoWorld|access-date=January 27, 2013}}</ref><ref name=forbes-intelchallenge>{{cite web|title=Can Intel Challenge ARM's Mobile Dominance?|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2012/11/09/can-intel-challenge-arms-mobile-dominance/|work=Great Speculations|publisher=Forbes|access-date=November 22, 2012}}</ref><ref name=ars-rtplace>{{cite web|last=Bright|first=Peter|title=Now that it's here, is there a place for Windows RT?|date=October 24, 2012|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/10/now-that-its-here-is-there-a-place-for-windows-rt/|publisher=Ars Technica|access-date=November 22, 2012}}</ref> Windows RT was also met with lukewarm reaction from manufacturers; in June 2012, [[Hewlett-Packard]] canceled its plans to release a Windows RT tablet, stating that its customers felt Intel-based tablets were more appropriate for use in business environments. In January 2013, Samsung cancelled the American release of its Windows RT tablet, the [[Samsung Ativ Tab|Ativ Tab]], citing the unclear positioning of the operating system, "modest" demand for Windows RT devices, plus the effort and investment required to educate consumers on the differences between Windows 8 and RT as reasons for the move. Mike Abary, senior vice president of Samsung's U.S. PC and tablet businesses, also stated that the company was unable to build the Ativ Tab to meet its target price point—considering that lower cost was intended to be a selling point for Windows RT devices.<ref name=cnet-winrtsamsung>{{cite web|last=Tibken|first=Shara|title=Uh-oh, Windows RT, Samsung's got second thoughts|url=http://ces.cnet.com/8301-34439_1-57563340/uh-oh-windows-rt-samsungs-got-second-thoughts/|publisher=CNET|access-date=January 11, 2013|archive-date=January 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112055156/http://ces.cnet.com/8301-34439_1-57563340/uh-oh-windows-rt-samsungs-got-second-thoughts/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Nvidia CEO [[Jen-Hsun Huang]] expressed disappointment over the market performance of Windows RT, but called on Microsoft to continue increasing its concentration on the ARM platform. Huang also commented on the exclusion of Outlook from the Office 2013 suite included on the device and suggested that Microsoft port the software for RT as well (in response to public demand, Microsoft announced the inclusion of Outlook with future versions of Windows RT in June 2013).<ref name=cnet-outlookrt/><ref name=pcw-nvidiadisapointment>{{cite web|title=Nvidia CEO disappointed with Windows RT, prays to Outlook god|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2031336/nvidia-ceo-disappointed-with-windows-rt-prays-to-outlook-god.html|publisher=PC World|access-date=April 15, 2013}}</ref> In May 2013, reports surfaced that [[HTC]] had scrapped plans to produce a 12-inch Windows RT tablet as it would cost too much to produce, and that there would be greater demand for smaller devices.<ref name=bloomberg-htc12inch>{{cite news|title=HTC Said to Cancel Large Windows RT Tablet on Weak Demand|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=May 30, 2013|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-30/htc-said-to-cancel-large-windows-rt-tablet-on-weak-demand.html|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=June 3, 2013}}</ref> The poor demand resulted in price cuts for various Windows RT products; in April 2013 the price of Dell's XPS 10 fell from [[United States dollar|US$]]450 US to $300, and Microsoft began offering free covers for its Surface tablet in some territories as a limited-time promotion—itself a US$130 value for the Type Cover alone.<ref name=pcw-rtpricedrop>{{cite web|title=Prices of Windows RT tablets drop, point to failure of OS|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2032871/prices-of-windows-rt-tablets-drop-point-to-failure-of-os.html|publisher=PC World|access-date=April 15, 2013}}</ref><ref name=iw-racetothebottom>{{cite web|title=Windows RT's race to the bottom|date=May 15, 2013|url=http://www.infoworld.com/t/microsoft-windows/windows-rts-race-the-bottom-218623|publisher=InfoWorld|access-date=May 22, 2013}}</ref> Microsoft also reportedly reduced the cost of Windows RT licenses for devices with smaller screens, hoping that this could spur interest in the platform.<ref name=bloomberg-pricedrop>{{cite news|title=Microsoft Said to Cut Windows for Tablet Prices|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=June 3, 2013|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-03/microsoft-said-to-cut-windows-for-tablet-prices.html|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=June 3, 2013}}</ref> In July 2013, Microsoft cut the price of the first-generation Surface worldwide by 30%, with its U.S. price falling to $350. Concurrently, Microsoft reported a loss of US$900 million due to the lackluster sales of the device.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Nathan|last1=Ingraham|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/7/18/4535976/microsoft-lost-900-million-on-surface-rt|title=Microsoft took a $900 million hit on Surface RT this quarter|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|work=[[The Verge]]|date=July 18, 2013|access-date=February 8, 2015|ref=$900M}}</ref><ref name=atd-writeoff>{{cite web|title=Microsoft Misses, Takes a $900 Million Charge on Surface RT Stock|url=http://allthingsd.com/20130718/microsoft-misses-shares-sink/|work=All Things Digital|access-date=July 25, 2013}}</ref><ref name=verge-surfacecut>{{cite web|title=Microsoft cuts Surface RT prices by 30 percent worldwide, hopes to boost slow sales|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/7/15/4524454/microsoft-surface-rt-price-cuts-worldwide|work=The Verge|date=July 15, 2013|access-date=July 25, 2013}}</ref><ref name=bloomberg-surface>{{cite news|title=Microsoft's Surface Tablet Is Said to Fall Short of Predictions|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=March 15, 2013|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-14/microsoft-s-surface-tablet-is-said-to-fall-short-of-predictions.html|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=May 21, 2013}}</ref><ref name="900M loss">{{cite news|last=Lowe|first=Scott|title=Microsoft Lost $900 Million on Surface RT in Q1|url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2013/07/18/microsoft-lost-900-million-on-surface-rt-in-q1|access-date=July 20, 2013|newspaper=IGN.com|date=July 18, 2013}}</ref> In August 2013, Dell silently pulled the option to purchase the XPS 10 from its online store without a keyboard dock (raising its price back up to US$479), and pulled the device entirely in September 2013.<ref name=engadget-xps10discontinued/><ref name=cw-dellxpskeyboard>{{cite web|title=Dell drops $299 Windows RT tablet; cheapest deal is now $479|url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9241708/Dell_drops_299_Windows_RT_tablet_cheapest_deal_is_now_479|work=Computerworld|date=August 17, 2013|access-date=August 17, 2013}}</ref> Microsoft's discount on the Surface tablet did result in a slight increase of market share for the device; in late-August 2013, usage data from the advertising network [[AdDuplex]] (which provides advertising services within Windows Store apps) revealed that Surface usage had increased from 6.2 to 9.8%.<ref name=pcworld-surfacertskyrocket>{{cite web|title=Surface RT usage skyrockets after steep price cuts|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2047440/surface-rt-usage-skyrockets-after-steep-price-cuts.html|work=PC World|access-date=December 28, 2013}}</ref> ===Restrictions and compatibility limitations=== In contrast to Windows 8 (where the feature had to be enabled by default on OEM devices, but remain user-configurable), Microsoft requires all Windows RT devices to have [[UEFI Secure Boot]] permanently enabled, preventing the ability to run alternative operating systems on them. Tom Warren of ''[[The Verge]]'' stated that he would have preferred Microsoft to "keep a consistent approach across ARM and x86, though, not least because of the number of users who'd love to run [[Android (operating system)|Android]] alongside Windows 8 on their future tablets", but noted that the decision to impose such restrictions was in line with similar measures imposed by other mobile operating systems, including recent Android devices and Microsoft's own [[Windows Phone]] mobile platform.<ref name="cw-rtsecureboot"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Jon|last=Brodkin|url=https://arstechnica.com/business/news/2012/01/microsoft-mandating-secure-boot-on-arm-making-linux-installs-difficult.ars|title=Microsoft mandating Secure Boot on ARM, making Linux installs difficult|work=[[Ars Technica]]|publisher=Condé Nast|date=January 16, 2012|access-date=August 3, 2012}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/microsoft/2012/1/16/2710502/microsoft-secure-boot-windows-8-arm|title=Windows 8 ARM devices won't have the option to switch off Secure Boot|first=Tom|last=Warren|work=The Verge|date=January 16, 2012|access-date=August 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.computerworlduk.com/open-enterprise/2012/01/is-microsoft-blocking-linux-booting-on-arm-based-hardware/index.htm|title=Is Microsoft Blocking Linux Booting on ARM Hardware?|author=Glyn Moody|date=January 12, 2012|work=Computerworld UK|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309162902/http://blogs.computerworlduk.com/open-enterprise/2012/01/is-microsoft-blocking-linux-booting-on-arm-based-hardware/index.htm|archive-date=March 9, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The requirement to obtain most software on Windows RT through Windows Store was considered to be similar in nature to the application stores on other "[[closed platform|closed]]" mobile platforms; where only software certified under guidelines issued by the vendor (i.e. Microsoft) can be distributed in the store.<ref name=pcw-remotelydeleteapps>{{cite web|title=Microsoft: We Can Remotely Delete Windows 8 Apps|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/245797/microsoft_we_can_remotely_delete_windows_8_apps.html|work=PC World|access-date=July 10, 2013|archive-date=May 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518115144/http://www.pcworld.com/article/245797/microsoft_we_can_remotely_delete_windows_8_apps.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Microsoft was also criticized by the developers of the [[Firefox]] web browser for effectively preventing the development of third-party web browsers for Windows RT (and thus forcing use of its own Internet Explorer browser) by restricting the development of desktop applications and by not providing the same APIs and exceptions available on Windows 8 to code web browsers that can run as apps.<ref name="cnet-mozilla"/><ref name=winrt-browsers/> However, the [[European Union]], in response to a complaint about the restrictions in relation to an [[European Union Microsoft competition case|antitrust case]] involving Microsoft, ruled that "so far, there are no grounds to pursue further investigation on this particular issue." As mandated by the EU, the [[BrowserChoice.eu]] service is still included in Windows 8.<ref name=pcworld-eurtantitrust>{{cite web|title=EU antitrust regulators let Microsoft limit browsers on Windows RT|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2013097/eu-antitrust-regulators-let-microsoft-limit-browsers-on-windows-rt.html|work=PC World|access-date=December 31, 2013|archive-date=January 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101115248/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2013097/eu-antitrust-regulators-let-microsoft-limit-browsers-on-windows-rt.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ===="Jailbreak" exploit==== In January 2013, a [[privilege escalation]] exploit was discovered in the Windows kernel that can allow unsigned code to run under Windows RT; the exploit involved the use of a [[Debugger|remote debugging]] tool (provided by Microsoft to debug [[Windows Runtime|WinRT]] apps on Windows RT devices) to execute code which changes the [[code signing|signing level]] stored in [[Random-access memory|RAM]] to allow unsigned code to execute (by default, it is set to a level that only allows code signed by Microsoft to execute).<ref name=extremetech-exploit>{{cite web|title=Windows RT jailbroken to run third-party Desktop apps|url=http://www.extremetech.com/computing/144888-windows-rt-jailbroken-to-run-third-party-desktop-apps|publisher=ExtremeTech|access-date=March 14, 2013}}</ref> Alongside his explanation of the exploit, the developer also included a personal appeal to Microsoft urging them to remove the restrictions on Windows RT devices, contending that their decision was not for technical reasons, and that the devices would be more valuable if this functionality were available.<ref name=pcw-rtunsigned>{{cite web|last=Paul|first=Ian|title=Windows RT can be tweaked to run desktop apps, hacker says|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2023856/windows-rt-can-be-tweaked-to-run-desktop-apps-hacker-says.html|publisher=[[PC World]]|access-date=January 8, 2013}}</ref> In a statement, a Microsoft spokesperson applauded the effort, indicating that the exploit does not pose a security threat because it requires administrative access to the device, advanced techniques, and would still require programs to be re-compiled for ARM. However, Microsoft has still indicated that the exploit would be patched in a future update.<ref>{{cite web|last=Whitney|first=Lance|title=Windows RT hack? Don't sweat it, Microsoft says|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57562697-75/windows-rt-hack-dont-sweat-it-microsoft-says/|publisher=CNET|access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> A [[batch file]]-based tool soon surfaced on [[XDA Developers]] to assist users in the process of performing the exploit, and a variety of ported desktop applications began to emerge, such as the [[emulator]] [[Bochs]], [[PuTTY]] and [[TightVNC]].<ref name=extremetech-exploit/><ref name=pcw-jailbreaktool>{{cite web|last=Paul|first=Ian|title=Jailbreak tool gives Windows RT tablets desktop-like functions|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2024918/jailbreak-tool-gives-windows-rt-tablets-desktop-like-functions.html|publisher=PC World|access-date=January 12, 2013}}</ref><ref name=itw-jailbreak>{{cite web|title=You can jailbreak Windows RT to run desktop apps...or even Mac OS|url=http://www.itworld.com/consumerization-it/335499/you-can-jailbreak-windows-rt-run-desktop-appsor-even-mac-os|publisher=IT World|access-date=January 12, 2013}}</ref><ref name=tnw-bochs>{{cite web|title=Microsoft declares Windows RT Jailbreak tool is safe, says it 'appreciates the work of researchers'|date=January 11, 2013|url=https://thenextweb.com/microsoft/2013/01/11/microsoft-is-investigating-windows-rt-jailbreak-tool-says-will-take-appropriate-action/|publisher=The Next Web|access-date=January 28, 2013}}</ref> Afterwards, an emulator known as "Win86emu" surfaced, allowing users to run x86 software on a jailbroken Windows RT device. However, it does not support all Windows APIs, and runs programs slower than they would on a native system.<ref name=ext-win32emu>{{cite web|title=How to run normal x86 Windows apps on your Windows RT tablet|url=http://www.extremetech.com/computing/148841-how-to-run-normal-x86-windows-apps-on-your-windows-rt-tablet|work=ExtremeTech|access-date=December 22, 2013}}</ref> ==Demise== In November 2013, speaking about Windows RT at the UBS Global Technology Conference, [[Julie Larson-Green]] made comments discussing the future of Microsoft's mobile strategy surrounding the Windows platform. Larson-Green stated that in the future (accounting for Windows, Windows RT, and [[Windows Phone]]), Microsoft was "[not] going to have three [mobile operating systems]." The fate of Windows RT was left unclear by her remarks; industry analysts interpreted them as signs that Microsoft was preparing to discontinue Windows RT due to its poor adoption, while others suggested that Microsoft was planning to unify Windows with Windows Phone.<ref name=guardian-killingrt>{{cite web|title=Microsoft ready to kill Windows RT|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/nov/26/microsoft-kill-windows-rt-larson-green|work=The Guardian|date=November 26, 2013|access-date=November 29, 2013}}</ref><ref name=verge-threewindows>{{cite web|title=Microsoft's device chief sees a future without three versions of Windows|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/11/25/5142850/julie-larson-green-future-windows-versions|work=The Verge|date=November 25, 2013|access-date=November 29, 2013}}</ref> Microsoft ultimately announced its "Universal Windows Apps" platform at Build 2014, which would allow developers to create WinRT apps for Windows, Windows Phone, and [[Xbox One]] that share common codebases.<ref name=pcworld-universalapps>{{cite web|title=Microsoft's universal Windows apps run on tablets, phones, Xbox, and PCs|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2138625/microsoft-introduces-universal-apps-that-scale-across-phones-tablets-and-pcs.html|work=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=April 5, 2014}}</ref><ref name=pcw-startback>{{cite web|title=Rejoice! The Start menu is coming back to Windows|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2138443/rejoice-the-start-menu-is-coming-back-to-windows.html|work=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=April 2, 2014}}</ref><ref name=ars-startreturn>{{cite web|title=Future Windows 8.1 update will finally bring back the Start menu|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/04/future-windows-8-1-update-will-finally-bring-back-the-start-menu/|work=Ars Technica|date=April 2, 2014|access-date=April 5, 2014}}</ref><ref name=infoworld-universalapps>{{cite web|title=One Windows, all devices: The new Microsoft app strategy unveiled|url=http://www.infoworld.com/t/microsoft-net/one-windows-all-devices-the-new-microsoft-app-strategy-unveiled-239698|work=InfoWorld|date=April 2, 2014|access-date=April 5, 2014}}</ref> These initiatives were compounded by a goal for [[Windows 10]] to unify the core Windows operating system across all devices.<ref name=informationweek-7observations/> Critics interpreted Microsoft's move to cancel the launch of a smaller Surface model in May 2014 as a further sign that Microsoft, under new CEO [[Satya Nadella]], and new device head [[Stephen Elop]] (who joined Microsoft upon the purchase of Nokia's mobile phone business in September 2013,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/stephen-elop-returns-to-microsoft-2013-9|title=Steve Ballmer Tells Employees: 'Stephen Elop Will Be Coming back to Microsoft'|last=Bort|first=Julie|date=2013-09-03|work=Business Insider|access-date=2018-04-09}}</ref> only to depart the company the following year<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thenextweb.com/microsoft/2015/06/17/nokias-ex-ceo-stephen-elop-is-leaving-microsoft/|title=Nokia's ex-CEO, Stephen Elop, is leaving Microsoft|last=Williams|first=Owen|date=2015-06-17|work=The Next Web|access-date=2018-04-09|language=en-US}}</ref>), was planning to further downplay Windows RT, given that the company had shifted its attention towards a higher-end, productivity-oriented market with the Pro 3—one which would be inappropriate for Windows RT given its positioning and limitations. Analysts believed that Microsoft was planning to leverage its acquisition of Nokia's device business for future Windows RT devices, possibly under the Lumia brand;<ref name=cw-rtsurface3>{{cite news|title=Why the Surface Pro 3 just killed Windows RT|url=http://blogs.computerworld.com/tablets/23942/why-surface-pro-3-just-killed-windows-rt|access-date=July 24, 2014|work=ComputerWorld|date=May 22, 2014|archive-date=August 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810171153/http://blogs.computerworld.com/tablets/23942/why-surface-pro-3-just-killed-windows-rt|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=zdnet-nomini>{{cite news|title=What Microsoft didn't announce today: An ARM-based Surface Mini|url=http://www.zdnet.com/what-microsoft-didnt-announce-today-an-arm-based-surface-mini-7000029664/|access-date=July 24, 2014|work=ZDNet|date=May 20, 2014}}</ref><ref name=cw-notdeadyet>{{cite news|title=Windows RT isn't dead -- yet|url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9248465/Windows_RT_isn_t_dead_yet|access-date=July 24, 2014|work=ComputerWorld|date=May 20, 2014}}</ref> On January 21, 2015, Microsoft unveiled [[Windows 10 Mobile]], an edition of Windows 10 for smartphones and sub-8-inch tablets running on ARM architecture; unlike RT, which was based upon the user experience of the PC version, Windows 10 on these devices is a continuation of the Windows Phone user experience that emphasizes the ability for developers to create "universal" Windows apps that can [[Write once, run anywhere|run across PCs, tablets, and phones]], and only supports the modern-style interface and Windows apps (although on compatible devices, a limited desktop experience will be available when connected to an external display).<ref name="witpro-continumwm10">{{cite web|title=A PC in Your Pocket: Continuum for Windows Phones|url=http://windowsitpro.com/windows-10/pc-your-pocket-continuum-windows-phones|access-date=May 16, 2015|website=Windows IT Pro|publisher=Penton}}</ref><ref name="w10-phonedesktop-verge">{{cite web|date=April 29, 2015|title=Your Windows 10 phone can turn into a full PC|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/4/29/8513519/microsoft-windows-10-continuum-for-phones|access-date=April 29, 2015|website=The Verge}}</ref><ref name="cnet-tailored10">{{cite web|title=Microsoft has 'tailored' version of Windows 10 for phones, tablets|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-has-tailored-version-of-windows-10-for-phones-tablets/|access-date=January 23, 2015|website=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref><ref name="verge-10phonedebut">{{cite web|last1=Savov|first1=Vlad|date=January 21, 2015|title=Windows 10 makes its phone debut|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/1/21/7865923/microsoft-windows-10-mobile-os|access-date=January 21, 2015|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media}}</ref> Following the event, a Microsoft spokesperson stated that the company was working on a Windows RT update that would provide "some of the functionality of Windows 10",<ref name="cnet-notdeadyet">{{cite web|title=Microsoft's Windows RT isn't dead… yet|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/microsofts-windows-rt-isnt-dead-yet/|access-date=January 21, 2015|website=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref><ref name="pcw-noenterprise">{{cite web|title=Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2873214/windows-10-will-be-a-free-upgrade-for-windows-7-and-8-users.html|access-date=January 22, 2015|website=PCWorld|publisher=IDG}}</ref> and the company ended production of both the Surface 2 and Lumia 2520.<ref name="pcw-2520done"/> Microsoft's purchase of Nokia ultimately turned out to be a failure,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.windowslatest.com/2016/11/08/reason-lumia-failed/|title=This is The Reason of Why Lumia Failed|date=2016-11-08|work=Windows Latest|access-date=2018-04-09|language=en-US}}</ref> and Microsoft would eventually leave the consumer mobile phone market,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/955890/microsoft-is-leaving-the-consumer-mobile-market.html|title=Microsoft is leaving the consumer mobile market|last=Patrizio|first=Andy|date=2016-09-29|work=Network World|access-date=2018-04-09|language=en}}</ref> selling its assets to [[Foxconn]] and [[HMD Global]] in May 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/05/18/nokia-phones-are-back-after-microsoft-sells-mobile-assets-for-350-million-to-foxconn-hmd.html|title=Nokia phones are back as Microsoft sells mobile assets to Foxconn|last=Kharpal|first=Arjun|date=2016-05-18|work=CNBC|access-date=2018-04-09}}</ref> Newer Intel processors for mobile devices were more competitive in comparison to ARM equivalents in regards to performance and battery life; this factor and other changes made by Microsoft, such as the removal of Windows OEM license fees on devices with screens less than 9 inches in size,<ref name="verge-free9inch">{{cite web|title=Microsoft making Windows free on devices with screens under 9 inches|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/4/2/5574146/microsoft-making-windows-free-on-devices-with-screens-under-nine/in/5338899|work=The Verge|date=April 2, 2014|access-date=April 2, 2014}}</ref> spurred the creation of a market for lower-end tablets running the full Windows 8 operating system on Intel-compatible platforms, leaving further uncertainty over Microsoft's support of ARM outside of smartphones—where they remain ubiquitous.<ref name="informationweek-7observations">{{cite web|title=Windows 10 On ARM: 7 Observations|url=http://www.informationweek.com/mobile/mobile-devices/windows-10-on-arm-7-observations/a/d-id/1316523|website=InformationWeek|date=October 13, 2014|access-date=November 24, 2014}}</ref><ref name="infoworld-cheap81">{{cite web|title=Cheap Windows 8.1 tablets flood the market|url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/2825878/mobile-technology/cheap-windows-8-1-tablets-rush-to-the-bottom-windows-rt-loses-big-time.html|website=InfoWorld|date=October 14, 2014|access-date=November 24, 2014}}</ref> Such a device came in March 2015, when Microsoft unveiled a new low-end Surface model, the [[Atom (system on chip)|Intel Atom]]-based [[Surface 3]]; unlike previous low-end Surface models, Surface 3 did not use ARM and Windows RT.<ref name="verge-surface3">{{cite web|title=Microsoft's Surface 3 is a $499 tablet that could be a full Windows laptop|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/31/8317597/microsoft-surface-3-tablet-features|website=The Verge|date=March 31, 2015|access-date=March 31, 2015}}</ref> It was succeeded in 2018 by the [[Kaby Lake|Pentium Gold]] [[Surface Go]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bohn|first=Dieter|date=2018-08-07|title=Microsoft Surface Go review: a little goes a long way|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/7/17657174/microsoft-surface-go-review-tablet-windows-10|access-date=2022-11-04|website=The Verge|language=en-US}}</ref> Windows 8.1 RT Update 3 (KB3033055)<ref name="ms-3033055"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Windows 8.1 RT Update 3|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/windows-8-1-rt-update-3-28beae0d-e383-8d0b-6cf8-ba5c15b400fd|access-date=2021-04-06|website=support.microsoft.com}}</ref><ref name="ars-rtupdate3"/> was released on September 16, 2015;<ref name="ars-rtupdate3"/><ref name="techradar-rt10update">{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/microsoft-confirms-windows-rt-will-get-an-update-within-weeks-1297963|title=Microsoft confirms Windows RT will get an update within weeks|website=TechRadar|publisher=Future|access-date=June 29, 2015}}</ref><ref name="neowin-wrtupdate3">{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-rt-update-3-is-coming-in-september|title=Windows RT update 3 is coming in September|last1=Sams|first1=Brad|website=Neowin|publisher=Neowin LLC|access-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref> it adds a version of the updated Start menu seen in early preview versions of Windows 10 (which combines an application list with a sidebar of tiles),<ref name="ars-rtupdate3"/> but otherwise does not contain any other significant changes to the operating system or its functionality, nor any support for Windows 10's application ecosystem.<ref name="ars-rtupdate3"/> ''[[The Verge]]'' characterized this update as being similar to [[Windows Phone 7.8]]—which similarly [[backporting|backported]] user interface changes from [[Windows Phone 8]] (which switched from a [[Windows Mobile]]-derived platform to one derived from the NT kernel), without making any other significant upgrades to the platform.<ref name="pcw-rtupdate3">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2949983/windows/windows-rt-users-shouldnt-expect-much-from-update-3-report-claims.html|title=Windows RT users shouldn't expect much from Update 3, report claims|website=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=July 20, 2015}}</ref><ref name="verge-update3details">{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/9/9123277/windows-rt-8-1-update-3-start-menu-lock-screen-features|title=Upcoming Windows RT update will include new Start menu and lock screen|website=The Verge|date=August 9, 2015|access-date=August 20, 2015}}</ref> ==Impact on Windows 10== ===ARM support=== On December 7, 2016, Microsoft announced that as part of a partnership with Qualcomm, it planned to launch an ARM version of Windows 10 for Snapdragon-based devices, initially focusing on laptops. Unlike Windows RT, the ARM version of Windows 10 supports using an emulation layer to run software compiled for 32-bit x86 architectures.<ref name="verge-w10armsoftware">{{cite web |title=Microsoft is bringing Windows desktop apps to mobile ARM processors |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/7/13866936/microsoft-windows-10-arm-desktop-apps-support-qualcomm |website=The Verge |date=December 7, 2016 |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=December 8, 2016}}</ref> {{anchor|AOAC|ACPC}}The following year, Microsoft announced the ''Always Connected PC'' brand, covering Windows 10 devices with cellular connectivity; the launch featured two Snapdragon 835-powered 2-in-1 laptops from Asus and HP, and an integration of Qualcomm's [[Qualcomm Snapdragon LTE modem|Snapdragon X16]] gigabit LTE modem with AMD's [[Ryzen Mobile]] platform.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/12119/microsoft-launches-windows-10-on-arm-always-connected-pcs |date=2017-12-05 |title=Microsoft Launches Windows 10 On ARM: Always Connected PCs |last=Howse |first=Brett |work=[[AnandTech]] |access-date=2017-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/12/05/amd-qualcomm-always-connected-pc-ryzen-snapdragon/ |title=AMD and Qualcomm join forces to power higher-end connected PCs |date=2017-12-05 |work=Engadget |access-date=2017-12-05 |language=en-US}}</ref> ===Windows 10 S=== On May 2, 2017, Microsoft unveiled [[Windows 10 S]], an edition of Windows 10 designed primarily for low-end mobile devices targeting the education market (competing primarily with [[Google]]'s Linux-based [[ChromeOS]]). Similarly to Windows RT, it restricted software installation to applications obtained via Windows Store.<ref name="verge-windows10s">{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/2/15506378/microsoft-windows-10-s-os-operating-system-announced-features|title=Windows 10 S is Microsoft's answer to Chrome OS|website=The Verge|date=May 2, 2017|access-date=May 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/09/desktop-apps-make-their-way-into-the-windows-store/|title=Desktop apps make their way into the Windows Store|last=Bright|first=Peter|date=September 14, 2016|website=[[Ars Technica]]|publisher=[[Condé Nast]]}}</ref><ref name="verge-10cloudscreen">{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/2/3/14502748/windows-10-cloud-leaked-screenshots|title=Windows 10 Cloud looks just like Windows 10 in leaked screenshots|website=The Verge|date=February 3, 2017|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=March 11, 2017}}</ref><ref name="pcw-w10cloud">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3191195/computers/leaked-microsoft-document-confirms-windows-10-cloud-and-a-chromebook-competitor.html|title=Leaked Microsoft document confirms Windows 10 Cloud and a Chromebook competitor|website=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=April 23, 2017}}</ref> Windows 10 S was replaced by S Mode, a mode in which manufacturers can ship Windows 10 computers with the same restrictions, but they can be turned off by the user.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/8/17095424/microsoft-windows-10-s-mode-free-upgrades|title=Microsoft admits Windows 10 S was confusing, new 'S Mode' upgrades will be free|work=The Verge|access-date=2018-03-08}}</ref> ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== *<!--just skip(?) as this now links the the FAQ, link below: {{Official website|https://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/rt-welcome}}--> *[https://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-rt-faq Windows RT 8.1: FAQ] *[https://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/windows-8-vs-windows-rt-what-s-the-difference-1086980 Windows 8 vs Windows RT 8: what's the difference?] {{Microsoft Windows family}} {{Windows tablets}} {{Mobile operating systems}} [[Category:2012 software]] [[Category:ARM operating systems]] [[Category:Mobile operating systems]] [[Category:Tablet operating systems]] [[Category:Windows 8]] [[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2023]] [[Category:Microsoft Windows|RT]] [[no:Windows 8#RT]]'