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

 

[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

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.

It's not about being hard, it's about proper procedures, which I linked to. I could shut down my network to upgrade my OS. That's also not hard, but it's impractical.

To each his own though.

Peace

 

[brummyfan]

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.

Hi Tony,
I prefer an iso to make it easier for me to do a repair or a clean install whenever I get infected or for any other reason, if I upgrade through the Store, I may have to install Win 8 and then have to update to Win 8.1, perhaps I am being a bit lazy

 

[Mr Sardonicus]

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.

Hi Tony,
I prefer an iso to make it easier for me to do a repair or a clean install whenever I get infected or for any other reason, if I upgrade through the Store, I may have to install Win 8 and then have to update to Win 8.1, perhaps I am being a bit lazy

An ISO is always nice, but Windows 8 has the capability to reinstall the OS and return it to factory settings, no ISO needed. Windows 8.1 will have the same capability. But, I do prefer an ISO, just in case the Windows reinstall files gets corrupted.

 

[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.

Hi Tony,
I prefer an iso to make it easier for me to do a repair or a clean install whenever I get infected or for any other reason, if I upgrade through the Store, I may have to install Win 8 and then have to update to Win 8.1, perhaps I am being a bit lazy

I know. I was just funning because to some it sounds to me like Modern/Metro is a disease. I don't like the upgrade idea through the Store either. I'd rather have disc, but if we don't get one, we may have to upgrade that way. Quite a sore subject with me actually. If no ISO, I'll buy the media.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
does the store allow you to download and then upgrade off line or is it an "in place" update.

I have the TechNet iso so I can't test the system. If it does a download and allows you to upgrade later - presumably you could burn your own iso from the download.

I dislike in principle anyway of "real time" updates -- if the installation fails then you are royally hosed up unless you have taken a backup before you start.

Sometimes this "dumbing down" stuff with 1-click installs etc goes a bit too far --it's fine when it works but if it fails you have ZERO chance of fixing it.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[alphanumeric]

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's doable if you are installing from a thumb drive or DVD. It hardly practical if your doing an online update through the Windows store though.

 

[jimbo45]

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's doable if you are installing from a thumb drive or DVD. It hardly practical if your doing an online update through the Windows store though.

Hi there.

what you can do in these cases is when you get the question for the sign in to the Ms account simply disconnect the Internet connection and press back button -- or if back button doesn't work or lead to a Continue with Local account option just re-boot the machine without internet connection -- the necessary OS files by this stage are already on your HDD so the system should just continue and will give you the local account option.

Once you've got passed that step you can re-connect to the internet.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[DavidY]

An ISO is always nice, but Windows 8 has the capability to reinstall the OS and return it to factory settings, no ISO needed. Windows 8.1 will have the same capability.

My understanding is that option (Reset) requires a Windows 8 recovery partition (which I don't have on my laptop because it was upgraded from an earlier version) or an installation ISO?

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Hi there
does the store allow you to download and then upgrade off line or is it an "in place" update.

It's an in place up grade. If they do it like Windows 8 to 8.1RP, one must go online to their site to retrieve an update via Windows Update which creates a link in the Store. Clicking on the link starts the upgrade process. Personally I tried this twice to no avail. A waste of time and effort. Eventually I downloaded the ISO and fresh installed.

I have the TechNet iso so I can't test the system. If it does a download and allows you to upgrade later - presumably you could burn your own iso from the download.

No, I think at first it starts to download an installer or triggers a present installer, creates a .old folder, keep system files that it will reuse, and then loads new files.

I dislike in principle anyway of "real time" updates -- if the installation fails then you are royally hosed up unless you have taken a backup before you start.

Sometimes this "dumbing down" stuff with 1-click installs etc goes a bit too far --it's fine when it works but if it fails you have ZERO chance of fixing it.

"1-click installs" may be fine for the non-technical general public in theory, but most of us here know that it will most likely backfire. I think Ms should educate the general public with ISO fresh installs rather than this new Store upgrade method. Although trying to remain optimistic, I'll give it odds it'll go over like a lead balloon. We'll soon find out.

 

[Hewjr100]

Just think all of our questions and answers will be satisfied in 24 hours, then it will be the next phase..(I told you so)

Henry

 

[Burgurne]

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.

That is correct, but my Acer Aspire is then NOT able to upgrade to Win8.1. It can't run ANY app at all in Metro because the screen resolution is too small!! (1024x600 it is), so on that I can't even start the "Store app".
On my main PC it is not a problem if it can be handled without a "live-ID".

Ideas to update to win8.1 on my Acer Aspire One is wanted

 

[alphanumeric]

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.

That is correct, but my Acer Aspire is then NOT able to upgrade to Win8.1. It can't run ANY app at all in Metro because the screen resolution is too small!! (1024x600 it is), so on that I can't even start the "Store app".
On my main PC it is not a problem if it can be handled without a "live-ID".

Ideas to update to win8.1 on my Acer Aspire One is wanted

Borrow a large enough monitor (one with a large enough resolution) and connect it externally. The integrated video often times will support larger screen resolutions than what the integrated monitor will. If you don't have a connection for an external monitor then just ignore this post.

 

[waltc]

That's what I was hoping for.

Henry

Yes, of course you can... You'll get the same iso that Microsoft released to MSDN & Technet members a month ago (the one I have.) Plus, with the Oct 18th iso you can do a clean install or an update from either Win7 or Win8.0 while maintaining *all* of your files & installed programs. Nice. Of course, you'll only get it gratis if you bought win8.0; have to pay the piper if coming off of Win7.

I was frankly shocked to discover how many people did not buy 8.0 during the ~4 months that Microsoft put it on sale for $39.99, along with a free Media Center. Some of them are complaining they now have to bite the bullet and pay full pop for 8.0/8.1--what, did they think it would ever sell for less than $39.99? Very strange to pass up a deal like that, imo.

 

[Hewjr100]

Funny thing is I bought windows 8.0 pro for $39.99 online, but I just bought (June 1st 2013) a new laptop with windows 8 pre-installed. Naturally I tried to use my 8 pro to upgrade, but to no avail. Anyway I will not upgrade to 8.1 without an iso.

Henry

 

[waltc]

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.

That is correct, but my Acer Aspire is then NOT able to upgrade to Win8.1. It can't run ANY app at all in Metro because the screen resolution is too small!! (1024x600 it is), so on that I can't even start the "Store app".
On my main PC it is not a problem if it can be handled without a "live-ID".

Ideas to update to win8.1 on my Acer Aspire One is wanted

Here's a link for you....

Can I Run Windows 8 in 1024 x 600 Screen Resolution? - Screen Resolution - Tutorials

The instructions for editing the registry there are fairly simple and straightforward.

You also might want to Bing/Google "Downscaling Windows 8 resolutions" and see what turns up--someone may have written a little diddy that automates the process for you.

 

[waltc]

Funny thing is I bought windows 8.0 pro for $39.99 online, but I just bought (June 1st 2013) a new laptop with windows 8 pre-installed. Naturally I tried to use my 8 pro to upgrade, but to no avail. Anyway I will not upgrade to 8.1 without an iso.

Henry

Did you get some kind of Windows 8 "starter edition" with your laptop? (I'm not familiar with--have no experience with--such a version if it exists.) If you're not sure, it may already have Win8Pro installed and so not being able to "upgrade" to what you already have installed would seem only normal... What message is posted by the OS when you try to upgrade to your 8.0Pro iso?

Yea, you'll be able to download the 8.1 iso for free on the 18th (Friday!) I believe...according to what Microsoft says.

Sometimes people will say "Win8" when they mean to say "Win8Pro", which is why I asked that question. If you have some kind of "basic" Win8 installed, then go to your OEM web site for that laptop and hunt for information on updating to Win8.0Pro should you discover you need to do so. The information certainly should be there, somewhere.

 

[DavidY]

Yea, you'll be able to download the 8.1 iso for free on the 18th (Friday!) I believe...according to what Microsoft says.

Have Microsoft really said you'll be able to download the ISO for free? Can you post a link (or is it on another thread)?

 

[Hewjr100]

Pre-installed oem windows 8 standard not pro. the windows 8 pro ugrade I bought last year will only upgrade from windows 7.

Henry

 

[alphanumeric]

Yea, you'll be able to download the 8.1 iso for free on the 18th (Friday!) I believe...according to what Microsoft says.

Have Microsoft really said you'll be able to download the ISO for free? Can you post a link (or is it on another thread)?

There was a link to something on the WinBeta site saying an ISO would be obtainable, but I have yet to see anything official from Microsoft saying it. They have in the past said no, you won't be able to download an ISO. If that has changed I also would like to see a link to that info.

 

[theog]

Pre-installed oem windows 8 standard not pro. the windows 8 pro ugrade I bought last year will only upgrade from windows 7.

Henry

To upgrade Windows 8 core, you need to use the Pro Pack.

To upgrade to Pro Pack
No install files needed.
Only the Upgrade key is need.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/6673-add-features-windows-8-a.html
or
use the Windows 8 Pro OEM/Retail full version.