Product Description
Use of this OEM System Builder Channel software is subject to the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows software and cannot be transferred to another computer once it is installed. To acquire Windows software with support provided by Microsoft please see our full package "Retail" product offerings.Looking for your product key? The product key is a 25-digit string with a hyphen between each 5 digits. It will say "Product Key" before 25 digits or have an image of a key next to 10 digits with the remaining 15 on the next line below. The Product Key is generally located in the lower left corner of the DVD case, on the disc itself, or on a leaflet in the packaging you received.
Product Details
- Brand: Microsoft
- Model: FQC-06950
- Released on: 2013-08-28
- Platform: Windows 8
- Format: DVD-ROM
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 8.00" h x 8.00" w x 17.00" l, .15 pounds
Features
- It plays as hard as it works. Windows 8.1 gives you the power to quickly browse, watch movies, play games, polish your resume, and pull together a killer presentation - all on a single PC.
- The Start screen. Personalize your Start screen with your favorite news, friends, social networks, and apps. Customizable colors and backgrounds and four different tile sizes make your device as unique as you are.
- The apps you want. In addition to great built-in apps for e-mail, people, photos and video editing, you can also download thousands of popular apps from the Windows Store, including Netflix, ESPN, Skype, and Halo: Spartan Assault.
Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Some features require Windows 8.1. Update available through Windows store for Windows 8 users. Internet access required; fees may apply. Don’t forget, Office isn’t included in Windows 8.
** Data is protected on Windows 8 PCs and removable drives using BitLocker and BitLocker to Go.
*** Requires a TV tuner.
21 of 25 people found the following review helpful.
Not As Bad As You've Heard
By Mick
This is the single license OEM version which means you can only install it on one PC (no license transfer allowed) and there is no tech support from Microsoft but if you're buying this version, you probably already know that. This version has the 8.1 upgrade patches baked in so you don't have suffer through the (free) update if you have the 8.0 version and that alone is worth it for me. Some of the highlights with 8.1 include the ability to boot to the desktop as well as customization tweaks with wallpapers and the app start screen.
I've docked it one star due to the confusing start screen/app screen/desktop layout. I don't think it really works that well and seems needlessly complicated.The modern/metro apps are often cartoonish and sort of a waste. Also, there is no easy way to set up an PC account unless you have a Microsoft account as well and that might very well be a deal breaker for some. On the plus side, the backup feature is simplified and works very well and hardware recognition is better than in Windows 7. So, going forward it's not the worst choice out there.
29 of 36 people found the following review helpful.
Flexible and Versitile OS
By C. Leavitt
Windows 8.1 does a good job of polishing the new Windows functionality added in Windows 8. Windows 8 was a little rough around the edges in some ways.
Windows 8 and 8.1 are basically improved versions of Windows 7 that also have the ability to OPTIONALLY run Windows Store (tablet/touch optimized) apps as well. The benefit of this is that it gives you the ability to use one OS and set of applications on any device including a multi-monitor desktop, laptop, tablet, or some hybrid combination of those. There is a bit of a learning curve with Windows 8.x, but once you spend a little time with it and configure it for the device it's installed on, you can move seamlessly between traditional keyboard/mouse optimized desktop programs and full screen touch/tablet optimized apps on the same device depending on what you need to get done. You can even have a tablet that plugs into a docking station and becomes a multi-monitor desktop. This isn't something that can currently be done with other platforms because the OS only does desktop or touch, but not both.
Windows 8.x also has the OPTION to sync certain settings to the cloud so that they can be synced to other devices if the option is also enabled on those devices. This includes things like browser favorites, browser tabs, start screen layout, wallpaper, and plenty of other stuff. These can be enabled or disabled individually (or all at once) per device. Microsoft SkyDrive cloud storage is also built in to the OS. This allows you to save files in your SkyDrive folder and have them automatically show up on other devices that are linked to your SkyDrive account. It's very fast and convenient. I rarely need to use a thumb drive any more. SkyDrive is free and currently has the best cross platform compatibility of all the cloud storage providers.
All of the additional cloud storage/syncing functionality in Windows 8.1 is tied to using a Microsoft account to log in. This is nothing more than an account that is tied to various MS services. The other reviews that claim that you MUST use a Microsoft account with 8.1 are simply not correct. During the install process (or when adding new accounts) it will prompt you for an existing Microsoft account login. If you don't already have one or if you don't want to use one there is an option to "create a new account". From that screen you can either create a new MS account or select the option to use a local login. In addition, all of the related cloud sync/storage functionality in Windows 8.x is completely optional even if you do use MS accounts instead of local accounts. You can simply save your super secret documents to the local "my documents" folder instead of the SkyDrive folder if you don't want that document stored on the cloud. SkyDrive is simply for documents you WANT to make available on other devices or remotely, not to store the entire contents of your hard drive. It's a shame to see people giving a product 1 star and bad reviews because of their own ignorance.
Having said that, the Microsoft account functionality is actually very useful. I didn't fully appreciate it until I got a new computer (tablet) recently. After starting it up for the first time and logging in with the MS account I use on my other computer (desktop), my new Windows tablet was already 90% of the way configured the way I like it. Various Windows settings were copied in, my wallpaper and start screen layout were synced. It prompted me to download and install a list of Windows Store apps that I currently had installed on my desktop. My browser favorites, email accounts, calendar, and lots of other little details were synced over already. The only thing I had to do manually was install the desktop programs I wanted to use on my tablet. I have never had a new computer configured and ready to go so quickly. In the past, for me, getting a new PC configured the way I like it is an all day process. If you are super paranoid and believe that MS is helping the government spy on you any more than any other company obligated to cooperate with search warrants or the Patriot Act then use a local account instead of a MS account. For more rational minded people, just don't save any highly sensitive data in your SkyDrive folder...or any cloud storage...or Facebook...or anywhere else on the Internet.
As far as backwards compatibility goes, Windows 8.x will run pretty much everything that runs on Windows 7. I use a lot of diverse software and I have yet to encounter anything that ran on Windows 7 that won't run on Windows 8. That goes for hardware such as printers as well.
Some of my favorite options that Windows 8.x adds...
- Improved multi-monitor support for when I'm working.
- Ability to run Windows Store touch/tablet optimized apps and games for when I'm not working.
- Miracast support for streaming my screen wirelessly to my TV.
- Ability to run tablet/touch apps "snapped" along side the desktop.
- Built in SkyDrive storage for files that I want to share with other devices.
- Cloud synching options for various settings with other devices.
- Improved task manager.
- Improved file copy dialog with pause/resume support.
- Start screen/live tiles. I didn't like it at first but it grew on me.
Some cons...
- Windows 8 and 8.1 have a bit of a learning curve if you are coming from previous versions of Windows. Mostly, you just have to learn how to navigate the new Windows Store touch/table optimized apps.
- The Windows Store is still fairly new and it doesn't have all the apps you will find on other tablets like an iPad or Android tablet. However, it will run any of the traditional desktop programs that Windows 7 runs so while it's currently short on tablet apps it wins on the desktop program side.
***** Updated *****
If you want to optimize Windows 8.1 primarily for "desktop use" here are some things you should do out of the box...
1) Set your default programs for pictures, music, and video files to the equivalent desktop programs instead of the touch optimized apps.
Move mouse to upper right corner of the screen to open the Charms Bar >> select "Settings" >> select "Change PC Settings" >> select "Search and Apps" >> select "Defaults"
Change the following items:
- Music Player = Windows Media Player
- Video Player = Windows Media Player
- Photo Viewer = Windows Photo Viewer
Setting these programs (or other installed third party desktop programs) as your defaults will prevent you from "getting kicked out of the desktop" when you open a music, video, or image file. A lot of people complain about this, but it's really just a matter of configuring Windows for the device you are using.
2) Install your favorite desktop programs so you can do something useful. Too many people just play with a stock Windows 8 PC in a store and assume that the desktop doesn't do much anymore. The desktop still does everything that the Windows 7 desktop did, but just like any other version of Windows you need to install the programs that you intend to use before you can start doing the things you want to do.
3) Configure the Start Screen. Take the time to learn the new Start Screen and organize it to your liking. Unpin the touch apps if you don't need them and pin the desktop apps you use frequently. For desktop users, the new Start Screen isn't really any better or worse than the old Start Menu. It's just different. If you set it up right you can find and launch your programs just as quickly (if not more quickly) than you could in any other version of Windows.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful.
Different doesn't always mean bad.
By Kallun Sheppard
I've seen some bad reviews on this and thought I would share my experiences. I was doing a fresh install and it installed within minutes. The GUI does take some getting used to but it seems to work well enough.
Windows 8.1 Pro System Builder OEM DVD 64-Bit
Built for Business
With the new Windows, you get the best of work and play. Windows 8.1 Pro includes everything in Windows 8.1, plus enhanced features that help you easily connect to company networks, manage your devices, access one PC from another, encrypt your data, and more.- Get to it all from the new Start screen, even your familiar desktop
- Discover popular and unique apps in the Windows Store
- Personalize with more tile sizes, colors, & backgrounds
- Do more with side by side views of apps and sites
- Access photos & files virtually anywhere with SkyDrive built-in
- Search, browse, and share more securely and quickly
- Protect your data by encrypting it with BitLocker
- Access one PC from another with Remote Desktop
- Connect to your company network with domain join
What’s new with Windows 8.1 Pro
It Plays as Hard as it Works
Windows 8.1 gives you the power to quickly browse, watch movies, play games, polish your resume, and pull together a killer presentation — all on a single PC. Now you can organize up to three apps on your screen at once in a single view.The Start Screen
Personalize your Start screen with your favorite news, friends, social networks, and apps. Customizable colors and backgrounds and four different sizes of tiles make your device as unique as you are.The Apps you Want
In addition to great built-in apps for email, people, photos and video editing – you can also download thousands of popular apps from the Windows Store, including Netflix, ESPN, Skype and Halo: Spartan Assault.Security
Stay up to date and more secure with Windows Defender, Windows Firewall, and Windows Update.Speed
Windows 8.1 starts up faster, switches between apps faster, and uses power more efficiently than previous versions of Windows, including Windows 7.Your Familiar Desktop
From the Start screen, you are just a click away from the familiar Windows desktop you know so you can do the stuff you’ve always done.Multitasking Made Easy
It’s easy to do more at once. Snap multiple apps side by side in a single view for easy multitasking.Mouse, Keyboard—and now Touch
Windows 8.1 works harmoniously with various types of devices, including touch, mouse-and-keyboard, or both. Whatever kind of device you have, you'll discover fast and fluid ways to switch between apps, move things around, and go smoothly from one place to another.Your files, Everywhere
Stay connected to your photos and important files and access them on your phone, tablet or PC with SkyDrive. By signing in with your Microsoft account to any of your PCs running Windows 8.1 and you'll immediately see your own background, display preferences, and settings.You Keep all your Files
If your PC is running Windows 7, your files, apps and settings will easily transfer to Windows 8.1 Pro.You Keep Familiar Programs
Programs that run on Windows 7 will run on Windows 8.1 Pro.Your Office. Your Way.
Experience Office at its best on Windows 8 devices. Discover new and better ways to create, edit, and browse—using a keyboard, pen, or touchscreen. Don't forget: Office is not part of Windows 8.Some features require Windows 8.1. Update available through Windows store for Windows 8 users. Internet access required; fees may apply. Don’t forget, Office isn’t included in Windows 8.
The New Windows | Windows 8.1 | Pro Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Great Apps built in such as Mail, Calendar, Messaging, Photos, and SkyDrive with many more available at Windows Store. | ✔ | ✔ |
| Includes Internet Explorer 11 for fast, intuitive, touch-friendly browsing. | ✔ | ✔ |
| Keeps you up-to-date and more secure with Windows Defender, Windows Firewall, and Windows Update. | ✔ | ✔ |
| Works with new and existing Windows desktop software including the full Microsoft Office experience (Outlook, SharePoint Designer and more).* | ✔ | ✔ |
| Comes with Windows Media Player | ✔ | ✔ |
| Provides enhanced data protection using BitLocker technology to help keep your information secure.** | ✔ | |
| Enables you to connect to your PC when you’re on the go with Remote Desktop Connection. | ✔ | |
| Connects to you corporate or school network with Domain Join. | ✔ | |
| Watch and record live TV with Windows Media Center.*** |
System requirements
- 1 GHz processor or faster with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2
- 2 GB RAM
- 20 GB available hard disk space
- 1366 x 768 screen resolution
- DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM driver
- To use touch, you need a PC that supports multitouch
- Internet access (fees may apply)
- Microsoft account required for some features
- Watching DVDs requires separate playback software
- Windows Media Center license sold separately
** Data is protected on Windows 8 PCs and removable drives using BitLocker and BitLocker to Go.
*** Requires a TV tuner.
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews21 of 25 people found the following review helpful.
Not As Bad As You've HeardBy Mick
This is the single license OEM version which means you can only install it on one PC (no license transfer allowed) and there is no tech support from Microsoft but if you're buying this version, you probably already know that. This version has the 8.1 upgrade patches baked in so you don't have suffer through the (free) update if you have the 8.0 version and that alone is worth it for me. Some of the highlights with 8.1 include the ability to boot to the desktop as well as customization tweaks with wallpapers and the app start screen.
I've docked it one star due to the confusing start screen/app screen/desktop layout. I don't think it really works that well and seems needlessly complicated.The modern/metro apps are often cartoonish and sort of a waste. Also, there is no easy way to set up an PC account unless you have a Microsoft account as well and that might very well be a deal breaker for some. On the plus side, the backup feature is simplified and works very well and hardware recognition is better than in Windows 7. So, going forward it's not the worst choice out there.
29 of 36 people found the following review helpful.
Flexible and Versitile OSBy C. Leavitt
Windows 8.1 does a good job of polishing the new Windows functionality added in Windows 8. Windows 8 was a little rough around the edges in some ways.
Windows 8 and 8.1 are basically improved versions of Windows 7 that also have the ability to OPTIONALLY run Windows Store (tablet/touch optimized) apps as well. The benefit of this is that it gives you the ability to use one OS and set of applications on any device including a multi-monitor desktop, laptop, tablet, or some hybrid combination of those. There is a bit of a learning curve with Windows 8.x, but once you spend a little time with it and configure it for the device it's installed on, you can move seamlessly between traditional keyboard/mouse optimized desktop programs and full screen touch/tablet optimized apps on the same device depending on what you need to get done. You can even have a tablet that plugs into a docking station and becomes a multi-monitor desktop. This isn't something that can currently be done with other platforms because the OS only does desktop or touch, but not both.
Windows 8.x also has the OPTION to sync certain settings to the cloud so that they can be synced to other devices if the option is also enabled on those devices. This includes things like browser favorites, browser tabs, start screen layout, wallpaper, and plenty of other stuff. These can be enabled or disabled individually (or all at once) per device. Microsoft SkyDrive cloud storage is also built in to the OS. This allows you to save files in your SkyDrive folder and have them automatically show up on other devices that are linked to your SkyDrive account. It's very fast and convenient. I rarely need to use a thumb drive any more. SkyDrive is free and currently has the best cross platform compatibility of all the cloud storage providers.
All of the additional cloud storage/syncing functionality in Windows 8.1 is tied to using a Microsoft account to log in. This is nothing more than an account that is tied to various MS services. The other reviews that claim that you MUST use a Microsoft account with 8.1 are simply not correct. During the install process (or when adding new accounts) it will prompt you for an existing Microsoft account login. If you don't already have one or if you don't want to use one there is an option to "create a new account". From that screen you can either create a new MS account or select the option to use a local login. In addition, all of the related cloud sync/storage functionality in Windows 8.x is completely optional even if you do use MS accounts instead of local accounts. You can simply save your super secret documents to the local "my documents" folder instead of the SkyDrive folder if you don't want that document stored on the cloud. SkyDrive is simply for documents you WANT to make available on other devices or remotely, not to store the entire contents of your hard drive. It's a shame to see people giving a product 1 star and bad reviews because of their own ignorance.
Having said that, the Microsoft account functionality is actually very useful. I didn't fully appreciate it until I got a new computer (tablet) recently. After starting it up for the first time and logging in with the MS account I use on my other computer (desktop), my new Windows tablet was already 90% of the way configured the way I like it. Various Windows settings were copied in, my wallpaper and start screen layout were synced. It prompted me to download and install a list of Windows Store apps that I currently had installed on my desktop. My browser favorites, email accounts, calendar, and lots of other little details were synced over already. The only thing I had to do manually was install the desktop programs I wanted to use on my tablet. I have never had a new computer configured and ready to go so quickly. In the past, for me, getting a new PC configured the way I like it is an all day process. If you are super paranoid and believe that MS is helping the government spy on you any more than any other company obligated to cooperate with search warrants or the Patriot Act then use a local account instead of a MS account. For more rational minded people, just don't save any highly sensitive data in your SkyDrive folder...or any cloud storage...or Facebook...or anywhere else on the Internet.
As far as backwards compatibility goes, Windows 8.x will run pretty much everything that runs on Windows 7. I use a lot of diverse software and I have yet to encounter anything that ran on Windows 7 that won't run on Windows 8. That goes for hardware such as printers as well.
Some of my favorite options that Windows 8.x adds...
- Improved multi-monitor support for when I'm working.
- Ability to run Windows Store touch/tablet optimized apps and games for when I'm not working.
- Miracast support for streaming my screen wirelessly to my TV.
- Ability to run tablet/touch apps "snapped" along side the desktop.
- Built in SkyDrive storage for files that I want to share with other devices.
- Cloud synching options for various settings with other devices.
- Improved task manager.
- Improved file copy dialog with pause/resume support.
- Start screen/live tiles. I didn't like it at first but it grew on me.
Some cons...
- Windows 8 and 8.1 have a bit of a learning curve if you are coming from previous versions of Windows. Mostly, you just have to learn how to navigate the new Windows Store touch/table optimized apps.
- The Windows Store is still fairly new and it doesn't have all the apps you will find on other tablets like an iPad or Android tablet. However, it will run any of the traditional desktop programs that Windows 7 runs so while it's currently short on tablet apps it wins on the desktop program side.
***** Updated *****
If you want to optimize Windows 8.1 primarily for "desktop use" here are some things you should do out of the box...
1) Set your default programs for pictures, music, and video files to the equivalent desktop programs instead of the touch optimized apps.
Move mouse to upper right corner of the screen to open the Charms Bar >> select "Settings" >> select "Change PC Settings" >> select "Search and Apps" >> select "Defaults"
Change the following items:
- Music Player = Windows Media Player
- Video Player = Windows Media Player
- Photo Viewer = Windows Photo Viewer
Setting these programs (or other installed third party desktop programs) as your defaults will prevent you from "getting kicked out of the desktop" when you open a music, video, or image file. A lot of people complain about this, but it's really just a matter of configuring Windows for the device you are using.
2) Install your favorite desktop programs so you can do something useful. Too many people just play with a stock Windows 8 PC in a store and assume that the desktop doesn't do much anymore. The desktop still does everything that the Windows 7 desktop did, but just like any other version of Windows you need to install the programs that you intend to use before you can start doing the things you want to do.
3) Configure the Start Screen. Take the time to learn the new Start Screen and organize it to your liking. Unpin the touch apps if you don't need them and pin the desktop apps you use frequently. For desktop users, the new Start Screen isn't really any better or worse than the old Start Menu. It's just different. If you set it up right you can find and launch your programs just as quickly (if not more quickly) than you could in any other version of Windows.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful.
Different doesn't always mean bad.By Kallun Sheppard
I've seen some bad reviews on this and thought I would share my experiences. I was doing a fresh install and it installed within minutes. The GUI does take some getting used to but it seems to work well enough.
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