Windows 8.1 Embedded, why is it so much faster than vanilla 8.1?

Boomstick777

Boomstick777

Boomstick777

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Recently installed Windows 10 to try it out, then was looking for a proper OS to go back to until W10 retail next year. Stumbled upon Windows 8.1 Embedded, thought I would give it a try. Noticed straight away how fast and responsive this OS is, I mean it literally feels like the fastest OS I've used, booting, desktop use , everything?

Why is this OS so fast? What are the difference between this and vanilla 8.1? Is this streamlined, less programs running in the background?
 
It's designed to be used on super low end hardware that goes into things like ePOS and cash machines etc.

It will have has no thrills bar the bare essentials.
 
b0rn2sk8 said:
It's designed to be used on super low end hardware that goes into things like ePOS and cash machines etc.

It will have has no thrills bar the bare essentials.
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Ah so that is why, it's streamlined. I'm using the Enterprise X64 version, it def had a smaller footprint when installed, like 8GB or something. It's so ridiculously fast :p I'm going to stick with this until W10 retail without spyware is available.
 
FunkyCowie said:
What is missing from it though?
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Nothing from what I can tell. It's the Enterprise version (Microsoft.Windows.Embedded.8.1.Industry.Enterprise.X64).

Don't take my word for it, try it. It is so fast at boot, desktop use, everything. Gaming is spot on. This is the best OS I have used, feels so fluid and responsive.

Everyone should give this a try imho.

Found this,

With this update, Windows Embedded brings the latest Windows 8.1 innovations in security, management and user experience to our partners. In addition to the full capabilities of Windows 8.1, Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry offers the flexibility and enhanced lockdown capabilities needed to power industry devices.
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So it has full W8.1 capability..
 
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markweatherill said:
Is it really faster than 'regular' Windows 8.1? Or just faster than Windows 10, which is to be expected at this stage in its development.
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It's faster than them all..

It's faster than greased lightning, small footprint, this is the shiznit. Peeps should def try this one out.

Microsoft.Windows.Embedded.8.1.Industry.Enterprise.x64
 
And can a home user buy a license for the Embedded version?

As mentioned above, I'm happy using my full version of Windows because it's been designed with a computer like mine in mind, rather than stripping things out that I would like to have in there.
 
iviv said:
And can a home user buy a license for the Embedded version?

As mentioned above, I'm happy using my full version of Windows because it's been designed with a computer like mine in mind, rather than stripping things out that I would like to have in there.
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Apart from apps like Windows store and guff like that the full Enterprise W8.1 is in this version, it just seems to have been streamlined / optimized to run on meager hardware +, so with anything else it's like butter. It has full W8.1 capability plus extras.. People should just give a try before voicing an opinion. Until you try it how do you know? Lol.

Tis awesome :)

With this update, Windows Embedded brings the latest Windows 8.1 innovations in security, management and user experience to our partners. In addition to the full capabilities of Windows 8.1, Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry offers the flexibility and enhanced lockdown capabilities needed to power industry devices.
Click to expand...
 
Boomstick777 said:
Apart from apps like Windows store and guff like that the full Enterprise W8.1 is in this version, it just seems to have been streamlined / optimized to run on meager hardware +, so with anything else it's like butter. It has full W8.1 capability plus extras.. People should just give a try before voicing an opinion. Until you try it how do you know? Lol.

Tis awesome :)
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And how would I go about obtaining a legal copy? And I mean a full version, not a trial as posted earlier.

Also, why would I want a copy of windows optimised to run on extremely basic hardware rather than one that is optimised to run on a much more powerful PC similar to what I am using?

Maybe it is faster, but without actually seeing some benchmarks (Plus the fact that I'm 99% sure you can't license a copy of it to run on a home PC) means I'll happily stick with what I currently have.
 
iviv said:
And how would I go about obtaining a legal copy? And I mean a full version, not a trial as posted earlier.

Also, why would I want a copy of windows optimised to run on extremely basic hardware rather than one that is optimised to run on a much more powerful PC similar to what I am using?

Maybe it is faster, but without actually seeing some benchmarks (Plus the fact that I'm 99% sure you can't license a copy of it to run on a home PC) means I'll happily stick with what I currently have.
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So you're not wiling to try it, and just posted here to let everyone know that and that your happy with your current OS.

Ok cool.
 
I would give it a try since its been well known for decades a more vanilla and less clutter and junk filled o/s is going to be more stable and faster overall.

But just like most after one has installed windows and spent all those lovely hours or weeks getting the system perfect they just don't want to hear about doing it all over again:)
 
Does anyone know what product key you need to use to install this? It's asking for one to install.

Got it, I see you need to register for a key.
 
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So if you have win 8.1 already can you use that key, or is this totally separate and a new key will have to be purchased?
 
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