Windows 8 RT

Overview

Windows RT (often called Windows 8 RT) is the ARM‑based edition of Windows 8 built specifically
for tablets and lightweight mobile devices. It looks and feels like standard
Windows 8, but it can only run apps from the Windows Store and the built‑in Microsoft software
included with the system. Traditional desktop programs are not supported, making Windows RT a
streamlined, secure, and battery‑efficient version of Windows designed for mobile use.

Release Information

• Release year: 2012
• Type: ARM‑based mobile/tablet OS
• Platform: Windows NT 6.2 kernel (ARM architecture)
• Last update: Windows RT 8.1 Update 3
• Predecessor: None (first ARM Windows release)
• Successor: None (platform discontinued; concept later replaced by Windows 10 Mobile)

Build and Distribution

• Preinstalled on ARM‑based tablets such as Surface RT, Surface 2, and OEM devices.
• Not available as standalone retail software.
• Included Office Home & Student 2013 RT.
• Could not install traditional Win32 desktop applications.

System Requirements

Minimum Hardware

• CPU: ARMv7‑compatible processor (NVIDIA Tegra 3/4, Qualcomm Snapdragon)
• RAM: 2 GB typical
• Storage: 32 GB or 64 GB flash storage
• Graphics: ARM‑integrated GPU with DirectX support
• Display: 1024×768 minimum for Modern UI apps

Recommended Hardware (2012–2015)

• CPU: Tegra 4 or Snapdragon S4+
• RAM: 2–4 GB
• Storage: 64 GB flash storage
• Graphics: DirectX‑capable ARM GPU

Supported CPU Architectures

• ARM: ARMv7 only

Supported Components

Graphics Cards

• NVIDIA Tegra 3/4 integrated GPUs
• Qualcomm Adreno GPUs (device‑dependent)
• ARM Mali GPUs (device‑dependent)

Sound

Windows RT supported ARM‑based audio chipsets with full multimedia playback, VoIP support, and
integrated tablet audio hardware.

Input Devices

• Multi‑touch screens
• Surface Touch and Type Covers
• USB mice and keyboards
• Bluetooth keyboards and mice

Storage

• Flash storage (eMMC)
• microSD/microSDXC cards
• USB 2.0/3.0 external storage

File System Support

Windows RT supported FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT. NTFS was used internally for system partitions.

Supported File Systems

• FAT32: Removable media
• NTFS: Internal storage and external drives
• exFAT: Flash‑optimized file system

Limits

• No support for installing Win32 desktop applications
• Desktop mode limited to built‑in Microsoft apps
• Drivers required ARM‑compiled versions only

Major Features

Windows RT focused on mobility, security, and long battery life. It delivered a simplified,
locked‑down environment similar to modern mobile operating systems.

Key Additions

• Office Home & Student 2013 RT included
• Secure Boot enforced
• BitLocker device encryption (automatic on supported hardware)
• Windows Store app ecosystem
• Touch‑first Modern UI
• Connected Standby (instant‑on power mode)

Networking

Windows RT offered strong wireless networking capabilities optimized for mobile and tablet use.

Built‑In Networking Features

• Wi‑Fi with WPA2 support
• Bluetooth 4.0 (device‑dependent)
• Remote Desktop client (no host mode)
• Workplace Join (added in 8.1)
• VPN support

Supported Protocols

• TCP/IP
• IPv6
• IPsec

Supported Network Cards

• ARM‑integrated Wi‑Fi chipsets
• Broadcom/Qualcomm Wi‑Fi modules (device‑dependent)

Driver Information

Driver Sources (2012–2015)

• Windows Update
• OEM firmware updates

Driver Notes

• Only ARM‑compiled drivers were supported.
• No compatibility with traditional Windows drivers.
• Firmware updates were device‑specific.

Updates & Patches

Windows RT received Windows RT 8.1 and Update 3, which added the Start menu and improved
usability. Support remained more limited than x86 editions.

Related Versions

• Windows 8: x86/x64 consumer edition
• Windows 8 Professional: Business edition
• Windows 8 Enterprise: Corporate edition
• Windows RT 8.1: Updated successor

Installation Notes

Installation Media

• Preinstalled only; no retail installation media
• Recovery partitions included on devices
• USB recovery images provided by OEMs

Typical Installation Steps (Device Recovery)

1. Boot into recovery mode.
2. Select reset or refresh.
3. Reinstall from recovery partition or USB image.

Virtual Machine Notes

Windows RT cannot run in standard virtual machines due to ARM architecture requirements.

• No Hyper‑V support
• No VMware/VirtualBox support
• Runs only on ARM hardware

Known Issues & Fixes

Common Issues

• Cannot install desktop applications
• Limited Windows Store app selection
• Performance issues on early ARM hardware
• Driver limitations due to ARM‑only support

Stability Notes

• Generally stable due to locked‑down design
• Performance improved with Windows RT 8.1
• Battery life was a major strength

End of Support

• Mainstream support ended in 2018; extended support ended in 2023.
• Platform discontinued with no direct successor.

Retro PC Tips

Best Hardware to Run Windows RT

• Surface RT
• Surface 2
• ARM‑based OEM tablets (Samsung, ASUS, Dell)