Windows 8.1 ‘August Update’ now ready for download

Windows 8.1 Update - red logo

Microsoft just made available for download the Windows 8.1 August Update. This new update was supposed to be the so called “Windows 8.1 Update 2” a much bigger update, however the software maker stated that it won’t be releasing an “Update 2”, instead this is a minor update that is part of a set of new monthly releases, similar to what the company already does with Xbox One system updates.

The August Update for Windows 8.1 will download automatically via Windows Update, but for those who can’t wait, the tech giant already posted the links for direct download (see the below links to download).

As previously announced Microsoft is bringing the following changes to Windows 8.1:

  • Precision touchpad improvements – three new end-user settings have been added: Leave touch pad on when a mouse is connected; allow right-clicks on the touchpad; double-tap and drag.
  • Miracast Receive – exposes a set of Wi-Fi direct APIs for Independent Hardware Vendor (IHV) drivers or OEM drivers to develop Windows 32-bit applications that run on all supported x86-based or x64-based versions of Windows 8.1, enabling the computer as a Miracast receiver.
  • Minimizing login prompts for SharePoint Online – reduces the number of prompts with federated use in accessing SharePoint Online sites. If you select the “Keep me signed in” check box when you log on for the first time, you will not see prompts for successive access to that SharePoint Online site.

Microsoft was expected to release a bigger update, which was supposed to include new features such as the Start menu and window modern apps, among others. But the company revert this decision and it’s saving the big guns for Windows 9, which is due in spring 2015. However users can expect more regular update releases like today’s to keep improving the operating system.

Update: August update can now be downloaded via Windows Update, just click the check for update button. Also August Patch Tuesday is now available with firmware update for Surface and fixes for Windows 8.1.

About the author

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.