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

 

[DavidY]

[h=2]How do I download it?[/h] On October 17th, Microsoft will be providing a download link for the Windows 8.1 Update. The update is free and will be available via the Windows Store. Beginning 12:00AM on October 18th in New Zealand, or 4:00AM October 17th in Redmond, Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 will begin rolling out worldwide as a free update. You will also be able to download an ISO image of the update, so you can do a clean installation if you so choose.

Everything you need to know about the Windows 8.1 rollout, including pricing and availability | WinBeta

Just thought I should pass this on. Any thoughts on this?. Article was posted on Oct. 12th

Henry

Look at the same text now though...

[h=2]How do I download it?[/h]

On October 17th, Microsoft will be providing a download link for the Windows 8.1 Update. The update is free and will be available via the Windows Store. Beginning 12:00AM on October 18th in New Zealand, or 4:00AM October 17th in Redmond, Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 will begin rolling out worldwide as a free update. Microsoft may offer the update as a separate download, perhaps an ISO file, so you can save it on your thumb drive or DVD.

And also the new text at the end of the article describing the update:

Post has been updated to reflect that Microsoft has yet to reveal if there will be a standalone ISO of the update. Microsoft may have provided the ISO of the 8.1 Preview, but we are not sure if Microsoft will do the same for the final build. Will it just be available as an update from the Windows Store? Probably not, but we will just have to wait and see. If an ISO does become available, we will provide the download link.

So it seems they aren't so sure any more. Given Microsoft have said back in August that there won't be an ISO (at least not a free one for consumers upgrading from 8 to 8.1), and Winbeta don't appear to have a source to the contrary, I'm not getting my hopes up for an ISO.

 

[Burgurne]

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.

Thank you very much . I wonder why MS did not make an entry in control panel for this little thing.

 

[HOODY]

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.

40 bucks, hell I jumped on it when the PRO version was 14.99 incl the free MC

Even with the startup and other missing stuff and Metro fiasco I wasn't going to pass that up, since Oct last year i have had no real issues running W8 as my W7 used to look, with several 3rd party programs to tame the beast I like it just fine, at least the way I have it set for my personal use with my own made desktop pix. I have my desktop set to what I wana see, and boot right to that. I even found this old gadgets program if your into those on W8. I used it for a bit but don't need it now.

Fadetaskbar = glass the taskbar
Startmenu X = a nice FULL featured start menu
the old windows game pack = all the old games

 

[Hewjr100]

Well to answer the iso question once and why don't we just wait and see what happens. Heck all this speculation is killing me

Henry

 

[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

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.

Sorry I ain't paying for the same real estate twice. I have windows 8 pro update, which I paid for. Why should I buy the oem version or pay $99.00 for adding the feature.

Henry

Henry

 

[tinmar49]

I bought two of the very cheap W8 pro's at the Windows store and one less cheap but great value at the UK store PC World. I added one WMC while it was free. I will try updating to 8.1 only if it is free.

 

[Hewjr100]

Just to calrify my stance on windows 8.1 update due tomorrow, if ms will not provide iso update, which mught allow custom install, then on Oct. 17th I will switch to Ubuntu linux, which coincidentally debuts a new version tomorrow also.

It really doesn't matter to me windows or linux. The only issue is money, which I have given to Microsoft since 1992.

Microsoft "CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW"

Henry

 

[mick823]

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.

I have a Gateway LT4009U which is pretty much a clone of the Acer Aspire netbook. Even with the registry tweak it still won't run apps. I had 1024 X 768 and 11** X 8** (can't remember the exact resolution) and clicking on an app resulted in a black screen and a frozen computer. Same problem with an external monitor connected at 1024 X 768 or higher resolution.

 

[Wds]

It's Oct 17 ..... Still waiting ..

So far .. NO link from MS store yet ...!!

 

[DavidY]

Still almost 12 hours to go I think... I seem to remember the release date is 18 Oct, midnight New Zealand time.

 

[BlueMasterFX]

It's Oct 17 ..... Still waiting ..

So far .. NO link from MS store yet ...!!

Are people really excited for Windows 8.1? I got Windows 8.1 since the beginning of October from my university for free. It's the same thing as Windows 8 with the exception of a start button. I don't see anything exciting about it but well whatever floats your boat.

Okay I admit the boot speed is very impressive on an HDD disk (5-8 seconds). But other than that nothing else seems exciting.

 

[jds63]

Am i missing something here? How would it or can it be possible to do a clean install from an update if it was an ISO.It would need to be a Full version to do this.

 

[dfgfgd]

Of course I am "excited", because with 8.1 I am finally able to deactivate these nasty annoying corners you always come with your mouse into and dont want to pop them up, so, wheres the 8.1 download link :/

 

[Phone Man]

Of course I am "excited", because with 8.1 I am finally able to deactivate these nasty annoying corners you always come with your mouse into and dont want to pop them up, so, wheres the 8.1 download link :/

Its not due for 8 more hours and will be available from the Store.

Jim

 

[sygnus21]

Of course I am "excited", because with 8.1 I am finally able to deactivate these nasty annoying corners you always come with your mouse into and dont want to pop them up, so, wheres the 8.1 download link :/

Its not due for 8 more hours and will be available from the Store.

Jim

I'm eagerly awaiting all the "it broke my machine posts"; those are always fun to read

On the serious side, I'm curious to see what if any changes there are between the RTM and "final" release.

 

[Phone Man]

Of course I am "excited", because with 8.1 I am finally able to deactivate these nasty annoying corners you always come with your mouse into and dont want to pop them up, so, wheres the 8.1 download link :/

Its not due for 8 more hours and will be available from the Store.

Jim

I'm eagerly awaiting all the "it broke my machine posts"; those are always fun to read

On the serious side, I'm curious to see what if any changes there are between the RTM and "final" release.

It seams the "final" release is the same as the RTM but MS will release a large update to 8.1 through Windows Update to do all the fixes it has ready (658 fixes) and is called GA Rollup A. read about it here.

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/ga-rollup-provides-updates-windows-81-rtm

Jim

 

[BlueMasterFX]

Its not due for 8 more hours and will be available from the Store.

Jim

I'm eagerly awaiting all the "it broke my machine posts"; those are always fun to read

On the serious side, I'm curious to see what if any changes there are between the RTM and "final" release.

It seams the "final" release is the same as the RTM but MS will release a large update to 8.1 through Windows Update to do all the fixes it has ready (658 fixes) and is called GA Rollup A. read about it here.

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/ga-rollup-provides-updates-windows-81-rtm

Jim

That is correct. Windows 8.1 RTM is the same as the "Retail" or final release. Many people already have Windows 8.1 so the only thing that they have to worry about is updating it through Windows Update. Glad I don't have to pay Microsoft a single dime for Windows since I get Microsoft software for free though my education. They already have enough money.

 

[sygnus21]

Its not due for 8 more hours and will be available from the Store.

Jim

I'm eagerly awaiting all the "it broke my machine posts"; those are always fun to read

On the serious side, I'm curious to see what if any changes there are between the RTM and "final" release.

It seams the "final" release is the same as the RTM but MS will release a large update to 8.1 through Windows Update to do all the fixes it has ready (658 fixes) and is called GA Rollup A. read about it here.

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/ga-rollup-provides-updates-windows-81-rtm

Jim

Yeah I agree otherwise I wouldn't have installed it a few weeks back. I'm just waiting to see what else is coming in the name of fixes, particularly IE11.

 

[dfgfgd]

So it's coming tomorrow not today? +24h? Ms site says 18th not 17th.

 

[kpo6969]

Microsoft to Roll Out Windows 8.1 at 4 AM PDT (11 AM GMT)