What's new with Windows 8 Enterprise?

Windows 8 Enterprise features include all the capabilities that customers get with Windows 8 Pro* plus premium features designed to provide the mobile productivity, security, manageability and virtualization needs of today's businesses. Some of the key features available exclusively to Windows 8 Enterprise customers are:

  • Windows To Go

    This fully manageable corporate Windows 8 desktop on a bootable external USB stick, allows IT organizations to support the "Bring Your Own PC" trend and businesses can give contingent staff access to the corporate environment without compromising security.

  • DirectAccess

    Allows remote users to seamlessly access resources inside a corporate network without having to launch a separate VPN and helps IT administrators keep remote users' PCs in compliance by applying the latest policies, software updates. When used with Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 makes DirectAccess easier to deploy and implement with the existing IPv4 infrastructure.

  • BranchCache

    Allows users' PCs to cache files, websites, and other content from central servers, so content is not repeatedly downloaded across the wide area network (WAN). When used with Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 brings several improvements to BranchCache to streamline the deployment process, optimize bandwidth over WAN connections and ensure better security and scalability.

  • AppLocker

    Can help mitigate issues by restricting the files and apps that users or groups are allowed to run.

  • VDI Enhancements

    Enhancements in Microsoft RemoteFX and Windows Server 2012, provide users with a rich desktop experience with the ability to play 3D graphics, use USB peripherals and use touch-enabled devices across any type of network (LAN or WAN) for VDI scenarios.

  • New Windows 8 App Deployment

    Domain joined PCs and tablets running Windows 8 Enterprise are automatically enabled to side-load internal, Windows 8 apps.

Additional resources

* Windows 8 Enterprise is not eligible for the aftermarket Pro Pack add-on which includes DVD playback.