Why update to Windows 8.1?

I'm currently running Windows 8.0. I keep getting pop-ups to upgrade to Windows 8.1. I just use my laptop for email(Outlook) and web surfing. Is there any advantage for me to upgrade since I'm satisfied with what I have?

There are new features, like the option to boot to desktop, but there are also a few problems... 8.1 isn't a simple service pack, it's really a new OS and that means some drivers that worked perfectly on 8 can have problems with it, I've also seen some problems with internet speed on this version.

Here are some links about the new features :
Windows 8.1 - What's New, IT Pro Features, Devices, UI | TechNet
All the New Stuff in Windows 8.1

As I see it, most of them are very specialized, if you have biometrics devices or a wifi printer for example it's a nice update, if you're a home user with a regular setup, not so much.

Microsoft announced that support (updates) for 8 will stop in october 2015 (windows 8 support ending expiry), so that's the main reason for updating to 8.1. That said if you have a retail version key, you can always download the ISO from microsoft for free and install whenever you want (http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html). There also seems to be less problems when installing from an ISO than the store. Anyway, I wouldn't worry much about installing it right now if everything works fine for you.

I found that 8.1 is more tenable for a desktop user than 8.0. But opinions may differ.

If you're happy with Windows 8 then just keep your Windows the way it is until the Windows 8.1 update is force upon you, since after that you will not receive system updates updates, patches and bug fixes for Windows 8.

You've got until October 2015 before Microsoft end support for Windows 8, by then it might be good idea to do a fresh install of Windows 8.1.

I don't think it would a great loss to stick to W8 for now, W8.1 seems really buggy! I went back to W8 and things are definitely running smoother for now.
It's rumored that W8.2 will be here in Jan., maybe wait and 'blow up that bridge' when we get to it.

If it's a clean install and you have all the required Windows 8.1 drivers for your system then I'd recommend Windows 8.1 over Windows 8, if not just stick with Windows 8 without upgrading to Windows 8.1 through the store.

This is where all the Windows 8.1 bugs or should I say driver and software incompatibility happens with Windows 8.1 since most people who upgrade to Windows 8.1 through the store either had Windows 8 came pre-installed with their system or have been running Windows 8 for a long time on their machine, both meaning drivers and software are not optimized for Windows 8.1 for their system which can lead to the incompatibility bug problems with Windows 8.1.

For OP and all other non Windows power users (which is the majority of users on this forum), I'd recommend waiting until Windows 8.1 2014 spring update comes before updating to Windows 8.1 (bugs will probably be ironed out by then for smoother problem free upgrade process to Windows 8.1) or until October 2015 when Windows 8 is no longer supported and Windows 8.1 is required for further support.

Thank you all for your replys. I think I'll wait until October 2015 to upgrade.

ronto said:

Thank you all for your replys. I think I'll wait until October 2015 to upgrade.

Click to expand...

We might be discussing win9 by October 2015