It seems that Microsoft wants as many Windows PCs as possible updated to the latest version of the operating system, as the company is releasing an update to allow Windows RT devices to update automatically to Windows RT 8.1 Update.
Previously the company tried to push users to update manually using the Windows Store, but this approach got many users confused more than it helped, because the traditional way to get updates is by using the Windows Update service. And many users weren’t able to find the update in the Store or had many problems installing it.
Starting July 1st, the company is making available an update for ARM-based devices, like for the original Surface and Surface 2, defined as KB2973544, that will help users to automatically update from Windows 8.0 to Windows RT 8.1 Update.
This is the same process Microsoft already put in place for Windows 8.0 consumers to update to Windows 8.1 a few months ago. On a comment to ZDNet, Microsoft’s official stated the following:
“This (Windows RT) pilot program is an example of ways we’re experimenting to help ensure more of our customers benefit from a continuously improving Windows experience. Similar to how the Windows 8.1 Update process works today, the pilot program will automatically update consumer Windows 8 and Windows RT machines for free to Windows 8.1 Update and Windows RT 8.1 Update in select markets.”
The new process is a “pilot program”, meaning not everyone will be updated automatically, however anyone can download the bits to update automatically to the latest and greatest (use the link mentioned above).
This new approach will help Microsoft to migrate users to a more stable and refined operating system. Also Windows 8.1 Update 2 is coming in the next August Patch Tuesday, and it will be an automatic update too.
Finally, Windows “Threshold”, which may or may not be called “Windows 9”, is set to release in Spring 2015. How the company plans to deliver this new version, through the Windows Store or Windows Update, still something to be determined, but looking at the backslash of Windows 8 and all the features the Windows team is preparing for the next version, it is not hard to think it could be an automatic update. And currently the company is thinking on making Windows 9 a free update for Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 users, because again, the company is really interested on getting as many PCs as possible updated to the latest version of the operating system.
Source ZDNet
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 15 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 21 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].