Windows 8 build 7880

Windows 8 build 7880 is a build of Windows 8. Images of this build were shared on 2 June 2020, then the build was uploaded to BetaArchive on 8 June 2020.

New features and changes
This is the first known build to feature a software-based implementation of the DWM rasterization functionalities, which eliminates the 3D acceleration hardware requirement needed for Aero effects. Additionally, the ReFS file system (codenamed Protogon) has been introduced in this build.

Immersive features
Immersive Shell and Metro in general has greatly evolved since build 7850. The Metro Horizon has been removed, although a space for it still exists in the start screen, as well as its resources and DirectUI UIFILEs. Tiles are now icon-aware, and right-clicking on a tile shows a menu with several options - "Move to Other View" being among them, although this does nothing when clicked. In fact, all of the options bar the "Open" option (which opens the app without actually entering the desktop) - including such items as "Uninstall" and "Resize" - either do nothing or show an error when clicked. File search has been added, with a different UI to build 7875, although it does not seem to work. The search suggestions in the start screen now use blue text for their first letter. The Blue Screen of Death and Windows Boot Manager now support VBE2 at all times (7814 through 7878 only supported VBE2 during boot) and use a smooth font - also not covering the entire screen in certain resolutions - but otherwise is identical to Windows 7.

The Windows Runtime is more mature in this build than build 7850. Pattern logon is available if the  DWORD in the   key is set to 1. Like the previous build, there is no option to use it on the login screen.

Installation
The messages shown when setup is starting, installing or upgrading Windows, restarting the computer or preparing the OOBE are cut off.

Arial
This build uses the Arial font for the title bar and watermark because of a typo in the  and   files.

Desktop
When right clicking the desktop, it can take several seconds for the context menu to open.

Aero
This build appears to have a slightly broken Windows Aero theme, with only the top portion of the window frame using the blur effect, leaving the side borders transparent.

Aero Glass in Home Basic SKU
The Home Basic SKU doesn't support Aero Glass borders by default, but it can be enabled by clicking on "Windows 7 Standard" color scheme in Window Color and Appearance dialog from the Display control panel item.

Windows Media Center
There's a chance you can encounter a  bugcheck if you open Windows Media Center on this build.

Group Policy Editor
When opening the Group Policy Editor, an error will occur that prevents the user from accessing Administrative Templates.

Desktop Window Manager
The Windows Basic and the High Contrast themes do not properly render due to the enforcement of the DWM Aero theme.

Language switcher
This build uses both the old and the new language switcher at the same time.