Windows server 2012 or Windows 8.1 Embedded Industry Pro for desktop use

[Clanscorpia]

Hi, Microsoft said they can get me into DreamSpark (), but only those 2 OS' are available for me to download for free, so which one is better for desktop use? I don't mind upgrading Thanks

[Rush102]

Get 8.1, upgrade to 10 for free.

[Clanscorpia]

Will it still have any embedded features, or will it be full desktop? I dont mind a few just not the whole OS like that

[imperialplanet]

i wouldnt get server 2012 it wouldnt be a very good desktop experience, so go with win 8.1 and upgrade to 10 with it.  

[Rush102]

Will it still have any embedded features, or will it be full desktop? I dont mind a few just not the whole OS like that

 

Server 2012 is not going to be a great experience. You might have some compatibility issues when trying to download programs. 8.1, upgrade to 10. 

[Clanscorpia]

Ok, thanks guys

[Blake]

Get 8.1, upgrade to 10 for free.

Embedded versions do not get the free upgrade

 

See the 2nd Answer from https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-win_upgrade/dreamspark-windows-embedded-81-industry-pro/804efa0c-39a0-4a4c-9e0a-7fccf0d21642?auth=1

 

Sure you can do the upgrade, but it won't be free

[Blake]

i wouldnt get server 2012 it wouldnt be a very good desktop experience, so go with win 8.1 and upgrade to 10 with it.  

it'll be the same as 8.1 if you install the desktop experience roles, should be more stable also.

[imperialplanet]

it'll be the same as 8.1 if you install the desktop experience roles, should be more stable also.

oh, my bad, i try not to use windows server version. 

[NumLock21]

None of them, get standard Win 8.1 Pro or better off Just Win10 Pro. Server OS is really meant for server use and not for home. Embedded is for POS (point of sale) systems and other simple machines like information kiosk or atm.