While Microsoft may be eager to sell its “re-imagined” Windows 8 to enterprises, Forrester research reveals that IT leaders are not keen to move onto the operating system any time soon.

Microsoft has revealed that Australians will be able to purchase Microsoft Surface Pro tablets from 30 May.

Microsoft's Windows 8 update, code-named Windows Blue, will be formally released as Windows 8.1 and will be free for customers who have the new OS installed.

An update to Windows 8 is in the works, codenamed Windows Blue.

Microsoft plans to release a preview version of Windows 8's update, code-named Windows Blue, at the end of June, according to Julie Larson-Green, a corporate vice president in charge of the OS's development.

For a variety of reasons, some businesses are looking to downgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 7. The good news is that Microsoft's business licenses come with downgrade rights, but the catch is that the rules can be tricky and compliance could become an issue. Here are some clarifications on your rights when downgrading from Windows 8 or standardising on earlier Microsoft operating systems.

The Microsoft Surface Pro tries to be a tablet and an ultrabook, but it brings out the worst in both devices. If Microsoft gets v2.0 right, though, people may be willing to replace their iPads.

DOS 4.0, Zune, and Windows 8 are but a few of the landmarks among 25 years of failures Redmond-style

Microsoft made big bets on Windows 8, Windows Phone and Surface tablets in 2012, and now it needs to make those bets to pay off. As more consumers and businesses go mobile, 2013 will be Microsoft's most challenging year yet.

It was a challenging year for Microsoft as it continued to adapt to a mobile world and launched Windows 8. Here's a look back at the most popular CIO.com stories and slideshows about Microsoft from 2012.