Microsoft has been developing Windows 8.1 over the summer, and the free update to Windows 8 is almost ready for consumers. Set for official release on October 18, Windows 8.1 will be available as a downloadable ISO and physical DVD in retail packaging. Microsoft will offer up Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1 Pro, and a Windows 8.1 Pro Pack (which upgrades an existing Windows 8.1 install to Pro).
The new operating system will be available as full version software, which means that users will not have to upgrade from an earlier version of Windows. The asking price gets a full retail key which can be used on its own to install Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Pro in a VM, a new system build with no prior OS, or in a dual boot environment. As far as installation and upgrade options, users will be able to perform upgrade or clean installs using the installation media. Microsoft recommends that Vista and XP users backup all files and perform a clean install of both the OS and applications. On the other hand, the company has encouraged Windows 7 users to go through the update process where users will be able to keep personal files. However, even Windows 7 users will have to re-install any applications that do not come bundled with Windows. Users that are already running Windows 8 can grab the free update and safely do an in-place install/update to Windows 8.1 from the Windows Store.
If users have OEM machines that come pre-installed with Windows 8.1, they will be able to add on the Pro features (including being eligible for Windows Media Center) by purchasing the Pro Pack upgrade rather than needing to purchase a full Windows 8.1 Pro download or DVD.
The various Windows 8.1 flavors will be available on October 18th. The base Windows 8.1 will cost $119.99 while Windows 8.1 Pro will cost $199.99. The Windows 8.1 Pro upgrade pack will be available later this year following sometime after Windows 8.1's launch for $99.99. Note that these are prices for users without prior licenses. Users that are already running Windows 8 can upgrade to Windows 8.1 for free.
For comparison, full versions of Windows 8.0 and Windows 8.0 Pro were $99.99 and $139.99 at launch respectively.
Will you be upgrading to Windows 8.1?
“Upgrade” is an interesting
“Upgrade” is an interesting Term.
“Trialing” perhaps might be more accurate. I’ve not liked Windows 8 since I have no touchscreen. I would assume if I had one I may feel different. Otherwise it feels worthless.
Just got an HP probook, it
Just got an HP probook, it has a windows 8 sticker on the bottom, but it came with windows 7, pre-installed, and windows 7 will remain on this laptop until the support cows come home, then it will get Linux! This laptop also ships with opensuse enterprise, so I know there will be Linux drivers! So it’s 7 until the support runs out! 7 it’s the new XP, better get the TIFKAM out, M$, or you will become M¢!
I just bought an $80 Nokia
I just bought an $80 Nokia Lumia 521 Windows Phone. I set it on my computer desk. That’s the closest my PC will ever get to running Win 8!
As long as my work VPN
As long as my work VPN service allows me to connect (8.1 preview broke that feature) I will be upgrading.
how to download windows8.1
how to download windows8.1 ultimate version by simple method
Looking forward to see if
Looking forward to see if windows 8.1 is worthy for me to upgrade because right now I have windows 7 64 bit and it is a excellent o/s. Windows 8.1 is coming with Direct X 11.2 so I am contemplating if I want to go towards windows 8.1 but I will have to see. Black Friday is coming up so everything gos down in price.
this windows was very good &
this windows was very good & fast softwere
I used windows 7 Home Premium
I used windows 7 Home Premium for about 1 year as it came preinstalled with my HP Probook. Then I bought 8 pro upgrades for my XP and 7 H. Premium.
I am very happy with Windows 8 pro as compared to 7. It is very fast, stable and smooth. I use classic shell start button from day one and had no problems with start screen rectangles at all. I never go there in fact. There are lot of hidden features in 8 that one needs to discover.
One flip side is my finger scanner sensor is not working now that worked smoothly in 7. I hope 8.1 will iron out this too. All peripherals working very well otherwise. I still wonder how people find 7 better than 8.
Have been using Windows 8 for
Have been using Windows 8 for a year now and have 9.1 preview installed as a dual boot.
Those who critisize this new release have not given it a fair chance. Once you learn to navigate with the keyboard shortcats and watch some tutorials, it becomes a pleasure to use.
Using the live tiles like Sport, Finance, News and Weather make the Internet more enjoyable and easy to reach.
If you are running programs like Quicken, Photoshop or Office, the Desktop has not changed from Windows 7. I do not miss the Start Button at all. If a program I want to run does not have an icon on the Desktop, I use the fast Search Charm to find it and execute. Much faster than using the old windows 7 Start Button.
I probaly will be one of the first users to download the final version of 8.1.
Where is this much talked
Where is this much talked about downloadable ISO if windows 8.1. 17 October has come and gone. I hope it shows up on 18th.
I am searching the net for last 5 hours since the final release at 4AM PDT for a clue on this downloadable ISO. IT is listed only on MSDN subscription downloads. that is all. Why MS gives false hopes? It should have be posted simultaneously with the store route upgrade for windows 8 users.
MS takes great sadistic pleasure in this I am sure. This time upgrade is equal to a full clean install DVD, say many websites. So why make a fuss about the ISO?
Did you try the Microsoft
Did you try the Microsoft Store?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/buy
I forgot to mention earlier,
I forgot to mention earlier, I am a legal owner of a windows 8 pro license and it is installed on my PC. So I do not need to buy it again to get an ISO. Does it mean One needs to buy 8.1 from store to get an ISO?