The wait is over on Tuesday, April 8th, 2014, users around the world will start getting the awaited Windows 8.1 Update via the Windows Update and not via the Windows Store as the company did with Windows 8.1.
The new update brings new improvement and features to Microsoft’s Windows 8, but this time focus on keyboard and mouse, and less on touchscreens, although there are a few improvements in this area as well. Windows 8.1 Update also includes all previously released security and non-security updates for the operating system.
Very important
- The company will label the update as “Important”
- Users wanting to move the new update will have to have Windows 8.1 installed prior to the update — this is a prerequisite –.
- Windows 8.1 PC will have to install Windows 8.1 Update in order to continue to receive security and feature updates for the OS. (Windows 8 PCs in the other hand will continue to download patches from Microsoft until the end of support, which is until January 12, 2016.)
- Windows 8 users have extra work to do: install Windows 8.1 first and then Windows 8.1 Update.
- Unless you device is a tablet, the new update will force PCs to boot to the desktop by default.
- You won’t find the new Start menu in this update. The Start menu for Windows 8.1 will be released in a future update.
- Failure to install the update (previously known as “Update 1″/ “Spring update”) will prevent Windows Update from patching the system.
- Windows 8.1 is a prerequisite.
- Update KB2919442 is also require before installing the update. You can get it here.
SEE ALSO: How to download Windows 8.1 Update manually
Microsoft is officially releasing the update for Windows 8.1 on April 8th, but the company has made the update available on April 2nd, for MSDN and TechNet subscribers. I have been running the update since April 2nd, in my main computer and as a mouse and keyboard users, I couldn’t be more pleased. Now I can move and navigate between the Desktop and the Metro-style environment more quickly and easily. And although, I really like the Start screen, now I’m looking forward to update once again to bring back the Start menu.
Source Microsoft
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].