Microsoft will provide a free update to Windows 8.1 that includes new and enhanced features to the Start Screen, Windows Store Apps, and UI enhancements for the Taskbar and Boot to Desktop. The Windows 8.1 Update will be released on April 8th, 2014 through Windows Update, and will also be available to Windows 8 customers who have not updated to Windows 8.1 through the Windows Store 8.1 installer.
This update is required for future servicing of the operating system. Users who do not install Windows 8.1 Update will not be eligible for further operating system updates or security patches until their computer is updated to the current release of Windows 8.1.
The Windows 8.1 Update will be available in Windows Update on April 8th, 2014. This update will be rolled out globally as an automatic update over several weeks after release. Customers who wish to install the Windows 8.1 Update immediately should simply type "Windows Update" at the Start Screen and select the Windows Update application to start the installation process.
Customers who install Windows 8.1 from the Windows Store after April 8th will automatically receive the Windows 8.1 Update as part of the installation process. No further action will be necessary.
Customers who purchase Windows 8.1 through Microsoft's Electronic Software Download service after April 8th will automatically receive the Windows 8.1 Update as part of the installation process. No further action will be necessary.
Windows 8.1 Update includes many enhancements to the existing operating system, plus some new features that make using apps easier than ever.
Windows 8.1 introduced the ability to boot directly to the Desktop view of Windows 8.1. Windows 8.1 Update now makes booting to the desktop the default option for non-tablet devices. To change the boot behavior of your computer after Windows 8.1 Update, follow these steps:
The Start Screen in Windows 8.1 is significantly enhanced with the Windows 8.1 Update:
Windows Store apps have also received enhancements in Windows 8.1 Update:
Finally, the Taskbar in Windows 8.1 Update is enhanced in the following ways: