Microsoft signs off the final version of Windows 8.1 Update 1. Now the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) version of the software is shipping to PC makers and different partners for further testing.
While we knew about the development of Windows 8.1 Update 1, this news follows Microsoft’s recent acknowledgment of the update development. The company announced, what we know as Update 1 as a “spring” update for Windows 8.1 at the Mobile World Congress press event a few days ago.
Windows 8.1 Update 1 is an update focus on making the operating system more appealing to keyboard and mouse users. Among the changes users will notice a new option to pin Metro-style apps to the taskbar, the ability to see running apps on the taskbar, and new power options in the Start screen. Non-touch devices will also get the option to close and minimize Metro-style apps with a new title bar that appears at the top of the screen.
SEE ALSO: Windows 8.1 Update 1: the complete list of changes and new features
Furthermore users with keyboard and mouse will be able to right-click on live tiles to get access to a new context menu to resize, unpin, uninstall, and more. Also the software giant decided to boot to desktop in Windows 8.1 Update 1 for those users without touchscreen displays.
The spring update for Windows 8.1 also brings a smaller footprint installation, which will allow PC makers to make computers with just 1GB of RAM and 16GB of disk space. Also the company is working on lowering the license price to bring cheaper devices to the market and combat Google Chromebooks and Android devices. Although, these changes aren’t as big as the ones found in Windows 8.1, the new Windows 8.1 Update 1 still a very significant update that shows Microsoft is working on making the operating system more useful in the desktop. Microsoft is even considering making a free version of Windows 8.1 called “Windows 8.1 with Bing”. The spring update for Windows 8.1 is expected to release on April 8th and the company plans to make it available via Windows Update.
Source The Verge
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].