Windows 8.0 to Windows 8.1 Upgrade Process

[Ron AKA]

As we are getting closer to the release date, I've started wondering about how the process will really work. A while ago, I read that Microsoft were saying the 8.1 update would be similar to a Service Pack update in previous windows versions. If that is the case is there any fear that if you are configured for auto updates that it will happen automatically without the user getting a choice as to when it gets updated? I also recall that MS stated that there would be a one year window to update and at the end of that, an update to 8.1 would be "forced"? Makes me wonder how they would force you to update. Or, are they just saying they will no longer provide patch updates to 8.0, only 8.1? In any case I will update, but I do not want to be first in line, and would like to wait at least a few weeks before jumping in.

Any thoughts on how the update process will really work?

 

[djsigma]

I can only speculate at this point, but I believe they're doing it through the Windows Store. One way they might do it is that you download a small app, run that, then it downloads the actual update and installs it. I've not heard about them forcing people to update after a year and I don't see how they could do that.

I've been using 8.1 daily for a while now and I think it's great. Even though MS have said that the RTM version does contain a few bugs that will be ironed out (via patches) when it hits general release, it's been working fine for me. I have had one issue with being unable to optimise the System Reserved partition on my SSD, but other than that it's been great. I like the new features/changes, and I like the updated apps too. The new Windows Store is massively improved over the old one. Personally, I see no reason to hold off from installing it as if it was unstable I would have gone back to 8. I kept a system image just in case.

 

[DavidY]

As I understand it, the support for 8.0 will be similar to as if 8.1 was a Service Pack.

So 2 years after 8.1 is available, 8.0 would no longer be supported. In the same way, Windows 7 without Service Packs is not supported today, because it's over 2 years since Windows 7 SP1 became available.

I don't think they'd force an upgrade. However I don't know if they will cease providing patches to 8.0 in 2 years; I think that would be a potentially problematic approach...

 

[Ron AKA]

Thanks for the responses. I have been reading something about needing a Microsoft Account to be able to access the Microsoft Store to download the update, even though it is free? What is that about? I don't have a Microsoft Account, and I don't want one. Will there be a way to download the 8.1 update without registering for a Microsoft Account, and how will it work? Or, perhaps that is not known yet?

 

[DavidY]

Thanks for the responses. I have been reading something about needing a Microsoft Account to be able to access the Microsoft Store to download the update, even though it is free? What is that about? I don't have a Microsoft Account, and I don't want one. Will there be a way to download the 8.1 update without registering for a Microsoft Account, and how will it work? Or, perhaps that is not known yet?

From this blog post (in the comments section) Microsoft say you can install 8.1 without a Store account.
From: Pricing and Packaging for Windows 8.1

you can use your local account on Windows 8 to update to Windows 8.1 from the Windows Store. You do not need a connected Microsoft account.

 

[Ron AKA]

One more question, as the date for potential upgrade to 8.1 gets nearer. My installation is a bit different than a basic install. I use a 128 GB SSD for the OS and programs. Data and mail are stored on a D: drive. The D: drive is actually two physical drives configured as one drive using Windows 8 Storage Spaces. The format method used was "Simple", which means files are stripped across the two drives to double the read and write speed. Essentially the same as Raid 0. If something goes wrong on either disk I lose all the data on both disks. I use WD My Book Live to back up the files on this computer as well as an older Win7 laptop. So, I can survive a data loss, but I would prefer not to test it.

Any thoughts on whether or not there would tend to be any "hitches" in doing an upgrade of this type of configuration?