Well, you see, no one has been exactly crystal clear on that yet.
I hear on one side of the net that Windows 8.1 is going to be a free download others say no, if it is to be a free download than I assume one must already own a license for 8 to get 8.1 for free.
I got my copy of 8 while you could get it for $40, I feel for those of you that have to pay $119 for the upgrade just to get 8.1 for free , if indeed Microsoft is going to go that route.
IMO, I am thinking 8.1 is going to be much like a service pack for owners of 8 because Microsoft feels they passed off a stinking pile of horse dung as an OS on us, for those of you upgrading from 7 to 8.1 I would say right now it is anyones guess how it is going to go, I would say with all certainty that if you are going from 7 right to 8.1, it IS going to cost you, meaning it is not going to be a free download.
I have been reading that Microsoft is looking to generate higher sales from 8.1 than 8, so I say is 8 going to be ditched and 8.1 become the "new" OS?
There is just so much speculation out there right now and people are more interested in ogleing the new features than to getting the facts straight right now, I do not think anyone but Microsoft REALLY knows what is what yet.
Personally I am not even going to mess with 8.1 until it hits the shelves which is going to be around Christmas this year.