Enhances Windows 8 with new features and improved interface, including OneDrive integration and touchscreen support
Enhances Windows 8 with new features and improved interface, including OneDrive integration and touchscreen support
Vote (1,144 votes)
Program license Trial version
Developer Microsoft
Version 6.3.9600.16384
Works under Windows
Vote
(1,144 votes)
Developer
Microsoft
Works under
Windows
Program license
Trial version
Version
6.3.9600.16384
Pros
- Works much better than its Windows 8 predecessor.
- You don't have to reinstall everything after you have upgraded.
Cons
- If you choose to download Windows 8.1 from Windows XP or Windows 7, you will first have to download Windows 8.
Windows 8.1 is the predecessor of Windows 10, but the software has now become one of the most freely downloadable defaults for the Microsoft operating system. Windows 8.1 takes everything that was wrong with Windows 8 and cuts it out. Meanwhile, it takes everything Windows 8 did right and improves it.
What Can You Look Forward To?
Whether you're surfing your updates on Facebook or looking at the the full-featured mail app with a more modern Outlook, everything on Windows 8.1 looks better than ever before. In fact, you have the most modern version of Internet Explorer 11, and you have a new Windows Scan app, where you will have access to all the best access that was teased back in 2013. Unfortunately, we're still left waiting for the touch version of the Office app, but that's how it goes within the "Continuous development" world of Microsoft.
Changes to the Interface and Skydrive
With the latest system, we have seen how SkyDrive has been built to sync with the files of both Windows 8.1 RT and Windows 8.1. You can choose the setting that you find the most preferable and look at the layout of the start screen and the desktop taskbar. We have found a lot more modern apps in Windows 8.1 than what we had in Windows 8, and you have more settings that you can change without the need to jump over to the desktop for the more advanced options because it works off how you position the modern apps on the screen.
About the Installation of Windows 8.1
If you have already downloaded Windows 8, then downloading Windows 8.1 will be fairly straightforward. It's the first app you see each time you have opened the Windows Store, and the installation is fairly quick and painless compared to the upgrade from 8.1 to Windows 10. For example, you won't have to reinstall all your desktop applications or the Windows Store apps after you have downloaded it. Everything remains in place, and all the files that you need the most will still be there.
Signing in with Microsoft Account You Haven't Used Before
If you decide to sign in with a different Microsoft account or one that you haven't used before, you may have to enter a code from either a text or email to confirm that the download has come from you. Luckily, you don't have to do any of this as a separate step, but if you have Windows 7 or one of the earlier versions, you will need to first install Windows 8 before you can upgrade, which can be a little obnoxious when you're trying to get to Windows 8.1.
Pros
- Works much better than its Windows 8 predecessor.
- You don't have to reinstall everything after you have upgraded.
Cons
- If you choose to download Windows 8.1 from Windows XP or Windows 7, you will first have to download Windows 8.
Pros
- Connects your XBOX Live or Microsoft account with your computer
- Includes integration with apps like Skype
- Gives you access to apps and programs owned by Microsoft
- Its Bing search system will now analyze and predict your online behaviors
- Removes some of the common problems that affected Windows 8
Cons
- Long installation times that can take overnight
- May restart your computer multiple times
- No support for Facebook because of changes with Facebook Connect
- Doesn't solve all the problems with Windows 8
- Windows 10 is now available
While the internet went crazy following the release of Windows 10, if you have an older system that cannot support that operating system you can download Windows 8.1 instead. It improves on the features found in Windows 8, and gives you access to some new features too.
Released in the fall of 2013, Windows 8.1 is a free and simple update to the previous OS. If you have Windows 8, your computer should notify you that the update is available and provide you with a link that lets you download and install it. You can also download a copy online and install it on your computer. Though you might expect the installation to go quickly, it can take hours to complete the process. Your computer may shut itself down and restart several times before completing the process.
Another issue with Windows 8.1 is that it doesn't work for everyone. Many people had a problem with the applying the update to their computers. After completing multiple steps, the update froze while only partially complete. If this happens, you'll need to manually shut down and restart your computer, which may cause a loss of data. These problems only occurred in a small number of cases.
The update includes an overhaul of your interface. You can now view some of the top apps on your home screen when first turning on your computer. Those apps let you view news, check out the weather, look at photos on your computer and even watch Netflix with a linked account. You can use a tile, the name Microsoft gave to its new buttons, to reach your desktop. On touchscreen devices, you can use those tiles with a touch of your finger.
Windows 8.1 also includes new features that helps you access and use apps designed and developed by Microsoft. You can now view documents and content saved in OneDrive, though you will need a registered account to use this app. It also comes with Skype and Bing integration. If you have an XBOX Live account, which you can get for free, you can even access music and other files from your gaming console on your computer. Microsoft released Windows 10, which serves as a new operating system, but you can still download and install Windows 8.1 to update your old Windows 8 OS.
Pros
- Connects your XBOX Live or Microsoft account with your computer
- Includes integration with apps like Skype
- Gives you access to apps and programs owned by Microsoft
- Its Bing search system will now analyze and predict your online behaviors
- Removes some of the common problems that affected Windows 8
Cons
- Long installation times that can take overnight
- May restart your computer multiple times
- No support for Facebook because of changes with Facebook Connect
- Doesn't solve all the problems with Windows 8
- Windows 10 is now available
