Windows 8.1: Everything You Need to Know

Everything you need to know about Microsoft Windows 8.1

By
Tim Fisher
Photo of Tim Fisher, Lifewire GM and Writer
Tim Fisher
Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability
  • Emporia State University
Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the SVP and General Manager of Lifewire.
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Updated on January 11, 2023

Windows 8.1 was the first major update to the Windows 8 operating system. It includes a number of new features, user interface changes, and bug fixes, and is free for all Windows 8 users.

Originally code-named Windows Blue, the Windows 8.1 update is in many ways equivalent to the service packs that were available in previous versions of Windows like Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Microsoft logo on a brown wall
Drew Angerer / Getty Images

Windows 8.1 Release Date and Updates

Windows 8.1 was released on October 17th, 2013.

Windows 8.1 Update, released on April 8, 2014, was the last major update to Windows 8. Microsoft never released a Windows 8.2 or Windows 8.1 Update 2 update.

On January 10, 2023, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 8.1. This means no new features or security updates are planned.

Windows 11 is currently the most recent version of Windows available.

Windows 8.1 Download

Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro are free updates to those respective editions of Windows 8, but the update package isn't available as a standalone download.

You can upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, but Microsoft no longer offers Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 for consumer purchase.

Windows 8.1 Changes

A number of new features and changes were introduced in Windows 8.1.

One of the most notable changes is the ability to configure Windows to boot straight to the desktop, skipping the Start screen completely.

Below are some additional changes you might notice:

  • Introduces a Start button (not a Start Menu).
  • Allows booting directly to the Desktop.
  • Improves integrated search.
  • Includes Internet Explorer 11.
  • Updates PC Settings to include everything found in Control Panel.
  • Allows greater customization of Start screen app tiles.
  • Adds several additional personalization options.
  • Improves built-in apps.
  • Includes support for 3D printing.

More About Windows 8.1

The following tutorials may be particularly useful if you're new to Windows 8 as of the 8.1 updates, or if you're having some trouble during your upgrade to Windows 8.1:

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