Windows 8.1 Update 1: Everything we know so far

With the next update to Windows 8.1, Microsoft really wants mouse-and-keyboard users to feel comfortable with modern apps.

We now have a good sense of what to expect in Windows 8.1 Update 1, thanks to a series of leaks from Win8China and reliable Russian blogger WZor, along with reporting by Paul Thurrott and ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley, two writers with a strong track record for breaking early Windows news.

Source

A Guy

 

[mdmd]

Seems to me Microsoft has clearly made the Start Screen their highlight page. Maybe there is some truth to the "rumor" that the screen may become an advertising billboard

How?

 

[genet]

where can I download the ISO safely ?

edit:

How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 if you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key. -> link

 

[insane014]

I welcome any change as long as its an option or part of the customization. Flexibility was always Windows perk.

Now regarding start screen, modern apps and desktop its really all about adjusting your workflow.

For me Start Screen is a desktop replacement, because lets face it, when you boot the Windows to desktop what do you do? You either double click on the app or file or folder. Ability to pin folders on the Start Screen is something most users are not utilizing right. Not only can you pin them but you can actually group them as well which makes organization quite tidy especially if you customize your folder icons. If they somehow could give you an option to pin all your files and folders that you currently keep on desktop on Start Screen most of the users would see the benefit of it. But start screen is much better than just a app launcher, its also a info hub as well as you can pin your stocks, sports scores, etc. Its a neat combo that has a great opportunity to evolve.

 

[mdmd]

...Ability to pin folders on the Start Screen is something most users are not utilizing right. Not only can you pin them but you can actually group them as well which makes organization quite tidy especially if you customize your folder icons...

I love the start screen but disagree with your view that most are not utilizing it right. People can set up their start screen menu any way they choose, whatever works best for them. If they like start grouping, nice!
I have no tiles or pins that I care to group!

Personally, I dislike grouping on the start because that is done in apps. ([ in apps screen > Ctrl Minus < ])

If they somehow could give you an option to pin all your files and folders that you currently keep on desktop...

They do but it is not well known. I have done this.
One can create a folder. Then create shortcuts for everything you want. Every folder on your pc. Shortcuts for every file you want, urls, documents, pdfs, subfolders, executables, zips, music files, videos, photos... whatever. All these created shortcuts can then be pasted to appdata.




This PC > C: > Users > username > AppData > Roaming > Microsoft > Windows > Start Menu > PROGRAMS

Now every shortcut is available from the apps screen (and search results)
and can be pinned to the start screen as needed.

...But start screen is much better than just a app launcher...

Yes, more than an app launcher as apps are defined in a unique way as shortcuts.
All these can be pinned to the start screen.
(currently have more than 200 shortcuts in appdata available for the start screen)



I should add that this does not work well with classic style desktop menus or toolbars as it creates a huge vertical scrolling list.

 

[EMINENT]

It's live!

Update 1 is reported to be leaked.


Windows 8.1 Update 1 leaks on the web ahead of its March release | The Verge

 

[alphanumeric]

A version of update 1 leaks to the internet, hard to tell if that is the actual final official version. It was only a matter of time though. Now to see what brave soul tries it out.

 

[CountMike]

Have a recent system backup, I would try it but can't find it yet.

 

[alphanumeric]

I took one quick look at one well know site and didn't see it. I'm sure its out there and will start popping up in more places as the day goes on.

 

[davehc]

It is a build. Still being tweaked. According to MS rumours, if you install it, it may be difficult to "undo" the items being tweaked.

 

[Rickkins]

I took one quick look at one well know site and didn't see it. I'm sure its out there and will start popping up in more places as the day goes on.

Faikee released it, over at mdl.

 

[Edwin]

I think I found one but, I don't have time to cut a partition to try it!
(still downloading, let you know if it's legit)
(it's the MDL one, btw)

 

[Phone Man]

Per the Verge article:

The version that has leaked was compiled around three weeks ago on January 14th.

Jim

 

[Edwin]

Per the Verge article:

The version that has leaked was compiled around three weeks ago on January 14th.

Jim

I hope it's not a 4GB waste!

 

[alphanumeric]

Per the Verge article:

The version that has leaked was compiled around three weeks ago on January 14th.

Jim

I hope it's not a 4GB waste!

That likely depends on what you try to do with it. A clean install might be tricky depending on what keys it accepts for the install. If you update your current install you may get a watermark on your desktop. You may have to do a clean install to go to the official final release when it comes out too. Have fun and let us know how it goes if you decide to have a go and take a look.

 

[Rickkins]

I think I found one but, I don't have time to cut a partition to try it!
(still downloading, let you know if it's legit)
(it's the MDL one, btw)

Faikee, who released it on mdl, is generally considered to be totally reliable.

 

[Edwin]

I just HAD to find the time to try it!
Pretty cool so far.
Screenshots to follow......

 

[Dave44]

[video=youtube;Dvxh4t9jGyE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dvxh4t9jGyE&amp;list=UUuleN2Vbbo29tMbhcmmOE1w&amp;feature=c4-overview[/video]

 

[Edwin]

The WinBeta link from Dave44 covers it pretty good. I was going to compile a little vid on multitasking and a few other things but I've got to make it presentable first!

I'll put the iso in my Dropbox if anybody wants to scoop it up.

 

[Coke Robot]

Geez, everyone's over here trying to scour out the very few details known about Update 1 and I'm over here expecting very little because it's been the same process on Windows Phone.

Windows Phone 8's GDR1 release had nothing exciting about it. GRD2 added some support for cool tidbits for Nokia's 1020 PureView handset. GDR3 actually added some legit features that are worth having, an interesting one is an "X" button to close out of apps now.

A release that's coming off the last one only six months ago isn't going to much in terms of new features and goodies in it. Just some tweaks, patches, and hotfixes. Call it, a super service pack.