Windows 8.1—a free update to Windows 8—is coming later this year, and a pre-release version is available now for you to try.
At the Build 2013 conference, Microsoft executives announced availability of the Windows 8.1, the update to its Windows 8 desktop operating system preview, underscoring the opportunities for developers and partners throughout the ecosystem to execute on the company’s devices and services strategy.
The Windows 8.1 Preview is available for public download from Microsoft HERE or through the Windows Store.
Windows 8.1 represents an opportunity to fix some of the issues with Windows 8. The fact that Microsoft is bringing back the Start button and now allowing users to boot right into the desktop is a sign that the company has been listening to its users. In many ways, 8.1 — even in this Preview version — is what Windows 8 should have been.
This preview is mainly for experienced PC users, and considering that preview versions may cause problems on some systems, it is advisable to review the FAQ's.
Microsoft has provided ISO downloads for Windows 8 32-bit and 64-bit versions. From here a bootable disc or USB-based media for a clean install of Windows 8.1 or an upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 can be created.
Please see the following Microsoft pages for information:
How to install Windows 8.1 Preview from an ISO file
The Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant
Microsoft's Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool
Note: For systems currently running Windows 8, be aware that, "...Microsoft says that people who download and use the preview version of Windows 8.1 will have to reinstall all of their Windows 8 and desktop apps when they install the final RTM x86 version of Windows 8.1; Windows RT users will also have to reinstall all their Modern-Windows Store apps for their own Windows 8.1 upgrade.
If Windows 8 users decide to simply wait until the final version of Windows 8.1 is released, and bypass installing the preview build, the good news is that they won't have to reinstall their apps."
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