Win 8 hasn't effected any of my software, no need to reinstall software, 7 is still there its just the new home page laid over the desktop. My desktop stayed the same. Don't mind it on the pc, but it comes into its own on my tablet pc. On my surface I never use the desktop, I do it all on the app screen. Settings and control panel are all still there you just pull up the hidden tool menu on the right, and go to settings. Or use the search function.