automatically upgraded to Windows 8.1 for free

Buy Windows 8.1 - Microsoft Store

If you're already running Windows 8 you'll be automatically upgraded to Windows 8.1 for free on October 17. If you're running Windows 7, pre-order Windows 8.1 now.

See also: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/32995-windows-8-1-upgrade-windows-8-8-1-preview.html

 

[Hewjr100]

Generally I find the Winbeta site to be quite accurate. I think they have inside info from someone at Microsoft, but I can't be sure about that, just saying it's possible.

Henry

 

[ARC1020]

Generally I find the Winbeta site to be quite accurate. I think they have inside info from someone at Microsoft, but I can't be sure about that, just saying it's possible.

Henry

Yeah, Winbeta is usually quite accurate, so like others I hope it's true (especially for those who will have a few computers to upgrade). However, back in August in response to people asking for an ISO to be made available, Brandon LeBlanc posted the following reply in the comments section of one of his Microsoft Blogs:

Mark your calendars for Windows 8.1!

"Consumers will only be able to get Windows 8.1 for free through the Windows Store. ISO images won’t be made available broadly for consumers. For most consumers, the Windows Store is the easiest and most efficient route for updating a Windows 8 device to Windows 8.1. "

So, I'm not sure what Microsoft have planned exactly, but I guess we'll find out in a few days... Hopefully Winbeta is right and they will also make an ISO available.

 

[Hewjr100]

You have a valid point, but August vs Oct...only time will tell, 48 hours anyway

Henry

 

[alphanumeric]

It will be interesting to see how many failed upgrades happen. That's when you'll hear the cries for install media to put systems back to a working state. I do believe it was posted that if you upgrade though the store, you can do a Windows Reset and go back to Windows 8. That may bail a few out if its true. I'm thinking it could end up being a real mess for some and we'll be busy try to help them sort it out. Fingers crossed I guess.

 

[alphanumeric]

IMHO, that one concession of offering up an ISO, would generate a lot of positive press and good feelings towards Microsoft. Being able to do a clean install would be much more appealing to a lot of people than an upgrade, especially a big upgrade like this. I had issues after doing the store upgrade to the Preview so I'm not in any big hurry to go that route again. On could argue that was because it was a Preview but once burned....

 

[HippsieGypsie]

"For most consumers, the Windows Store is the easiest and most efficient route for updating a Windows 8 device to Windows 8.1."

It is? Trying to remain optimistic, but I'm leery because it didn't work going from 8 RTM to 8.1 RP. Twice I tried Just for the experience. Waste of my time.

It will be interesting to see how many failed upgrades happen.

Lol! Let's not fool ourselves. Past experience hints to the percentage of failures.

I'm thinking they may release the ISO since it was released to MSDN and Technet, but will be somewhat hidden from the public on their site.

I refuse to be a guinea pig this time. Like I said, if no ISO, I'll wait to see how it goes for others even though I'm anxious, let them work out the kinks or release the ISO, then upgrade. I may ultimately spend the bucks to get the disk.

 

[alphanumeric]

"For most consumers, the Windows Store is the easiest and most efficient route for updating a Windows 8 device to Windows 8.1."

It is? Trying to remain optimistic, but I'm leery because it didn't work going from 8 RTM to 8.1 RP. Twice I tried Just for the experience. Waste of my time.

It will be interesting to see how many failed upgrades happen.

Lol! Let's not fool ourselves. Past experience hints to the percentage of failures.

I'm thinking they may release the ISO since it was released to MSDN and Technet, but will be somewhat hidden from the public on their site.

I refuse to be a guinea pig this time. Like I said, if no ISO, I'll wait to see how it goes for others even though I'm anxious, let them work out the kinks or release the ISO, then upgrade. I may even spend the bucks to get the disk.

If it ends up being a high percentage of failures its going to generate a lot of negative press for Microsoft. This could really backfire on them, big time.

 

[HOODY]

OK so I'm wondering here, I have 8 pro with media center already, will this update remove my media center?

I never do anything with this so called "store" how does one that doesn't use this thing get this free update? I wonder if MS will send us a email with a link to D/L the ISO? or just give you the option of getting it in the usual windows update manner.

Or at least a link to D/l the damned update without this store thing, as I have no idea how to even use this store..

 

[alphanumeric]

When I upgraded to the Preview though the store I kept Media Center. Also when I did my clean install of the 8.1 RTM I was able to use my 8 Media Center code to add it back in again. I highly doubt Microsoft is going to send you an e-mail. They aren't going to know everybody's e-mail address and they don't e-mail you unless you subscribe to one of their services like TechNet or MSDN anyway. They could just do a small update though Windows update to notify you the update is available though the Store if you want it. Or a one time reminder when you go to the Windows Store that 8.1 is available. There are lots of different ways they can do it.

 

[bagavan]

when I upgrade from windows store I hope I won't have any network issues

http://www.eightforums.com/network-sharing/32252-wireless-network-adapter-not-detected.html

 

[alphanumeric]

I had network issues after updating to the preview though the store. It would work then quit for 10 or 15 seconds then come back then quit again over and over. My mouse would do the same thing.

 

[Burgurne]

Is Windows 8 store the only way to get win8.1? I do NOT log in via my "microsoft email" into Windows 8 and therefore I am not trusted in Windows Store, and can't "buy" any apps. Will that be a problem for me about win 8.1?

 

[HOODY]

Is Windows 8 store the only way to get win8.1? I do NOT log in via my "microsoft email" into Windows 8 and therefore I am not trusted in Windows Store, and can't "buy" any apps. Will that be a problem for me about win 8.1?

I'm with you homes, if its an "update" than it should be available as such right from windows update. I don't use no stinkin store either, smirks.

I'd like the ISO D/L so I can burn it to DVD and have it with my W8 install DVD just in case

 

[alphanumeric]

I do believe it was posted in one of the threads here that you wouldn't need a Live ID for this update. You will be able to do it with just a standard account.

 

[brummyfan]

Is Windows 8 store the only way to get win8.1? I do NOT log in via my "microsoft email" into Windows 8 and therefore I am not trusted in Windows Store, and can't "buy" any apps. Will that be a problem for me about win 8.1?

I'm with you homes, if its an "update" than it should be available as such right from windows update. I don't use no stinkin store either, smirks.

I'd like the ISO D/L so I can burn it to DVD and have it with my W8 install DVD just in case

 

[HippsieGypsie]

From what I read, one can have just a local account. This is how it was performed when 8.1 was released; They sent out an update via Windows update. This placed a link in the Store to start the process. You press the link, it downloads, and installs. So therefore, yes, you may have to open the Store app to get the ball rolling. To date I've never heard of anyone getting injured or killed by opening up the Store app, so I guarantee it's safe.

 

[Hewjr100]

To install with local account just disconnect ethernet cable, and turn of any type of wifi you have. That is what I did.

Henry

 

[sygnus21]

To install with local account just disconnect ethernet cable, and turn of any type of wifi you have. That is what I did.

Henry

That isn't necessary - http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/4842-local-account-switch-windows-8-a.html

And somehow or another you'll be notified 8.1 is live. Heck just being here puts you in the know. And if you have friend with 8, just spread the word.

Anyhow I'll bet a pretty penny Microsoft will find a way to get the word out to those living in the woods

 

[Hewjr100]

Actually you can do that, it's an option just like anything else. Like I said I did it and it worked. Btw what is so hard about unplugging an ethernet cable. If you do that then there is no need to go thru all the steps suggested in the first place.

I had a microsoft account and whne I did the preview update/upgrade all I did was unplug ethernet cable and ran update with a local account no problem.

Henry

Henry

 

[Phone Man]

Actually you can do that, it's an option just like anything else. Like I said I did it and it worked. Btw what is so hard about unplugging an ethernet cable. If you do that then there is no need to go thru all the steps suggested in the first place.

I had a microsoft account and whne I did the preview update/upgrade all I did was unplug ethernet cable and ran update with a local account no problem.

Henry

Henry

It's not hard to unplug a cable but for the 8.1 GA upgrade it is not necessary so why would you want to do it? This is not the preview so it will be different.

Jim