Microsoft: Here are the Four Editions of Windows 8

Those hoping for fewer Windows editions than in previous versions, your prayers have been answered. Sort of…. It’s official as of yesterday, April 16: Windows 8 is the name for the next version of x86/64 edition of Windows. And there will be four SKUs only. According to a blog post on the Windows Team Blog, there will be two editions of Windows 8 for x86/64 processors: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.

Windows 8 is the consumer SKU. It will include the updated Windows Explorer, Task Manager, better multi-monitor support and the ability to “switch languages on the fly,” which previously was only available to those purchasing the Enterprise and Ultimate Editions of Windows .Windows 8 Pro is for tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals, and adds features for encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity. The Windows Media Center functionality will be available as an add-on to Windows 8 Pro, known as the “Media Pack.”