Windows 8.1 is now available for download from the Windows Store

Windows 8.1

Windows eight.1 is at present available on the Windows Store. Should you exist rocking Windows viii, y'all'll run across a banner for the upgrade when striking up the store for some more than content (see in a higher place image). Boot off the download through the shop, consumers will be able to take full advantage of new features and functionality in the latest release of Windows.

While the upgrade will not bear upon files and installed apps, nosotros do recommend yous back up your stuff (which you should already exist doing on a regular basis). Some of the included features in Windows eight.one are displayed on the shop before y'all begin the upgrade. While the update is downloading, yous're able to carry on using your PC until the notification pops-up that the next step is unlocked.

Windows 8.1 Store

The upgrade procedure for those on Windows viii is relatively painless (as ane would expect), only if yous've been trying out the Windows eight.i Preview, there are a few steps published on the Windows Blog that apply to you.

Upgrading from Windows 8.1 Preview

If you fetched the preview of Windows viii.1 from the Windows Shop, and then you should be able to upgrade without a hitch.

If y'all installed Windows eight.1 Preview by using a downloaded ISO on a DVD or USB memory drive, you'll exist able to upgrade every bit normal (through the store), but Windows viii.1 won't activate without a valid license (since the preview didn't crave you to own a re-create of the final production). If yous have a Windows viii central, you won't be able to activate Windows 8.1 using the key (see this page for more details).

Y'all'll be required to reinstall Windows 8 before upgrading, or fork out for a copy of Windows eight.1. For more information regarding the upgrade, exist sure to check out Microsoft's FAQ page. Head on into the Windows Store and hit the rather large Windows eight.one imprint to kick off the download. Surface RT owners: you'll too be able to upgrade today too.

Windows 8.1

A quick side note: If you're loving Windows viii.1, Microsoft will as well exist hosting an IAmA conversation on Reddit today with several engineers to answer your questions about Windows 8.1 (x:30am to 12:00pm - PST). After the IAmA on Reddit, the company volition host a special Tech Thursday Live Twitter Conversation to hash out the upgrade (from 12:00pm to i:00pm - PST).

Lastly, Microsoft is celebrating the new version of Windows 8. Starting today for the next 8 days, the company will option 810 random winners per 24-hour interval who tweet and share their new Start screen afterwards updating to Windows 8.ane. Accept some screen shots and tag them with the #MyStart hashtag. Note sure how to accept screenshots? Pull out the charm menu, hit the down arrow and choose "Screenshot" (or only press the Windows + PrtScn keys)

Upgrade Link for Store(click on link with your Windows eight PC): ms-windows-store:WindowsUpgrade

We may earn a committee for purchases using our links. Learn more.

History catches up

The problem for a consumer HoloLens was always the lack of Windows Phone

What is the future for Microsoft (and Windows) mixed reality? The latest study from Business Insider sheds some lite, simply this all comes back to ane major trouble for Microsoft: No mobile Windows Bone. But what nearly a future headset that is cloud-based? Some thoughts on what could happen for Microsoft mixed reality.