Windows 8.1 release date and what you need to know to get ready
Microsoft has gradually teased details of the next version of Windows 8, called Windows 8.1, over the last few months, emphasising that it's a free software update that will release later this year.
The company finally presented Windows 8.1 for the first time at its
Build Windows Developers conference in San Francisco on 26 June, and
it released an early preview - or beta - version for software developers
to test.
The next version of Windows will notably bring back the Start Button missing from Windows 8, which released in October 2012, and it will include a bevy of new features, changes and performance enhancements geared toward overhauling the platform. The company said it developed Windows 8.1 in response to feedback.
With that said, here's what to expect and what do you need to do to get ready. We plan to bring you a review of the new OS update when we get a hands-on with it following Build.
If you can't wait, the preview is still available for Windows 8 and Windows RT, so developers and early adopters can begin testing now. As you would expect Windows 7 users will have to upgrade to Windows 8 before then trying out the Windows 8.1 update.
Note: If you are running into issues when updating (especially in UK), it seems there is an issue with language packs. Microsoft said a fix is coming soon. However, a workaround is available here.
You can now select multiple apps all at once, resize them, uninstall them, or rearrange them. Realising people were accidentally moving tiles on their Start screen, in Windows 8.1 you now press and hold (or right click) to move things around.
Furthermore in an attempt to de-clutter the Start screen, new apps are installed in the apps view rather than automatically adding them to the start screen. It's an approach that is used by Windows Phone, and one that has transferred across here.
Microsoft also provided a half-hour preview walk-through of the Windows 8.1 in early June, outlining many features in the new update. You can also read our take on Windows 8.1 - having demoed the new OS at Computex in Taiwan.
Tiles
Windows 8 supports two tile sizes at the moment, but in Windows 8.1 you will get the ability to change these.
The new Start screen in Windows 8.1 features a variety of tile sizes including a new large and new small tile similar to Windows Phone.
Windows Store in Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 gets an improved Windows Store according to Microsoft. The new Store is designed to show more info than before in Windows 8 with detailed lists of top free apps, new releases, and picks for you on the homepage.
App updates install automatically in the background as well as they come through the Store. And search is available in the upper right hand corner for finding the apps you want.
PC Settings charm
The updated PC Settings in Windows 8.1 gives you access to all your settings on your device without having to go to the Control Panel on the desktop.
You can do things like change your display resolution, set power options, see the make and model of my PC, change the product key, let me do Windows Update, and even join a domain - all from PC Settings.
Search
When swiping from right to left on the screen in Windows 8.1 you will still get the Search charm, but selecting it and entering a search term serves some different results. In Windows 8.1, the Search charm will provide global search results powered by Bing in a rich, simple-to-read, aggregated view of many content sources (the web, apps, files, SkyDrive, actions you can take) to provide the best “answer” for your query. If you aren't online you will still get the local results by scrolling to the left.
50/50 split screen apps
Windows 8.1 will allow you to run two apps side by side rather than one thin and one large as is the case with Windows 8.
"You can resize apps to any size you want, share the screen between two apps, or have up to three apps on each screen if you have a multiple displays connected, you can have different Windows Store apps running on all the displays at the same time and the Start Screen can stay open on one monitor," says Microsoft.
On higher-resolution devices you will be able to run three or four app windows side by side for those who really want to embrace multitasking on the same screen at the same time.
Internet Explorer 11
Yep, a new OS update means a new version of Internet Explorer. IE11 will offer even better touch performance, faster page load times and several other new features we think you will enjoy. For example, you can now adjust the appearance of modern IE11 to always show the address bar and you can have as many open tabs as you like.
SkyDrive improvements
The new SkyDrive app gives you access to your files that are on your device or in the cloud, and files are accessible even when offline says Microsoft. Expect features like auto picture uploads and being able to set the SkyDrive as the default location for your files. Like Apple's iCloud for the iPhone and iPad, there is also a suggestion that you'll be able to backup your entire device to SkyDrive.
You will also now be able manage your SkyDrive from the PC Settings as well and see how much available storage you have, and of course buy more if needed.
Better Syncing
Expect sync'ed tabs and greater sharing of details between the PCs you own. Microsoft has told Pocket-lint many times that in the future we will just be able to log in and get working straight away and Windows 8.1 could see the start of that becoming a reality.
With Windows 8.1, when you log on to your device with your Microsoft account (Outlook.com by default), your device "magically becomes personalised" says Microsoft with your settings and apps.
New Microsoft apps
Expect new apps from Microsoft. So far details on the web suggest a new Sound Recorder app, a Calculator app (exciting), and some new Alarm features. There is also talk of something called Movie Moments, and features which, like Apple Mountain Lion, will let you turn on a Do Not Disturb feature so you don't get bothered by notifications when you are trying to focus on that all important presentation.
Kiosk mode
The idea here is that users will be able to lock down a device to a single application so the computer Windows 8.1 is running on can not be used in store or in an office where you don't want them messing around surfing the internet.
Swipe up for Apps
According to leaked build versions of Windows 8.1 you will be able to swipe up to reveal your apps list. Easy.
Picture frame and camera access on Lock Screen
Like the iPad you'll be able to turn your Windows 8.1 tablet into a picture frame when you aren't using it, and likewise also set whether you want access to the camera when the screen is locked. It's a feature already used in Windows Phone 8 so it makes sense to see it here too, especially for tablets.
New drivers
Yep, boring, but essential.
Greater touch support
Microsoft has already openly confirmed that touch will get even more focus in Windows 8.1. In a Microsoft Research video demoing Fresh Paint for Windows Blue at TechFest 2013 Microsoft said it was looking to "extend touch in even more dramatic fashion".
Camera app
Alongside the new Paint app, the Camera app has also been updated. It will notably capture a photo before and after you hit the shutter button, ensuring you won't miss a good shot.
Miracast support
Microsoft has confirmed, at TechEd North America, that Windows 8.1 will get Miracast support built in.
"Present your work wirelessly without any dongles needed; simply project your content to a Miracast-enabled device by pairing the device through Bluetooth or NFC. Miracast will then use the available Wi-Fi connection to let you lean back and project wire-free," the company has announced.
NFC tap-to-pair printing
Users in will be able to tap their Windows 8.1 device against an enterprise NFC-enabled printer and you’re all set to print. You don’t need to buy new printers to take advantage of this; you can simply put an NFC tag on your existing printers to enable this functionality.
Wi-Fi Direct printing
Windows 8.1 will allow you to connect to Wi-Fi Direct printers without adding additional drivers or software on your Windows 8.1 device, forming a peer-to-peer network between your device and the printer. Nice.
Broadband tethering
This will let you turn your Windows 8.1 mobile broadband-enabled PC or tablet into a personal Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing other devices to connect and access the internet - handy if you've got a SIM car in it.
Mouse support
Microsoft has made it easier to use Windows without a touchscreen. When you hover a mouse in the corners, for instance, you can customise the function so it brings you to the all apps page or back to a previous app.
DOWNLOAD
The next version of Windows will notably bring back the Start Button missing from Windows 8, which released in October 2012, and it will include a bevy of new features, changes and performance enhancements geared toward overhauling the platform. The company said it developed Windows 8.1 in response to feedback.
With that said, here's what to expect and what do you need to do to get ready. We plan to bring you a review of the new OS update when we get a hands-on with it following Build.
What's Windows Blue then?
The Windows 8.1 update was previously called Windows Blue, it's not now.When is the Windows 8.1 release date?
Microsoft has offered a Windows 8.1 preview release since 26 June, but has now revealed that the full consumer version will be available from 17 October. It said that it will go live at 12am on 18 October in New Zealand, so that means 12pm in the UK, 7am on the east coast of America and 4am on the west.If you can't wait, the preview is still available for Windows 8 and Windows RT, so developers and early adopters can begin testing now. As you would expect Windows 7 users will have to upgrade to Windows 8 before then trying out the Windows 8.1 update.
Where can I get Windows 8.1?
The Windows 8.1 update will be a free update to Windows 8 for consumers through the Windows Store. You won't need to leave the house to get it, but you will need an internet connection.Where can I get Windows 8.1 Preview?
Go to the Windows 8.1 Preview website. You’ll have to install an that enables Windows 8 to offer Windows 8.1 Preview through the Windows Store. Reboot your PC. At login, you'll be asked to install Windows 8.1 Preview. Click on “Go to the Store", where you'll then go to Windows 8.1 on the Window Store page. Click “Download". Be sure to back up all files on your tablet or PC before installing the preview.Note: If you are running into issues when updating (especially in UK), it seems there is an issue with language packs. Microsoft said a fix is coming soon. However, a workaround is available here.
Will Windows 8.1 come pre-installed with my new PC?
Not to start with, but once it is finished and the final release version made available, then most likely. Microsoft says it plans to release regular updates in this way to the Windows 8 operating system, a trick it's already started using with its Windows Phone OS for smartphones. As it's free, any PC you buy now will be eligible for the update.Will the start button return?
Kind of. The Windows 8.1 update sort of brings back the Start button which now sits in the lower-left hand corner and is always visible but it doesn't work in the way the Start button does in Windows 7 and earlier. You no longer need to hover with your mouse to make it appear, but it's not the tree of apps that you once knew.Will the Windows 8 Start Screen vanish?
No. The Start screen in Windows 8.1 is still there, but it has been enhanced and now offers greater customisation. The Windows 8.1 Start screen now features a variety of tile sizes including a new large and new small tile, and Microsoft have made it easier to name groups and rearrange tiles too.You can now select multiple apps all at once, resize them, uninstall them, or rearrange them. Realising people were accidentally moving tiles on their Start screen, in Windows 8.1 you now press and hold (or right click) to move things around.
Furthermore in an attempt to de-clutter the Start screen, new apps are installed in the apps view rather than automatically adding them to the start screen. It's an approach that is used by Windows Phone, and one that has transferred across here.
Will it support different screen sizes?
Yes. Windows 8.1 will support a variety of screen sizes from standard laptops to the new Acer Iconia W3 announced at Computex 2013. It's a 8.1-inch tablet come laptop with an Atom processor.What new features will there be in Windows 8.1?
Microsoft released an advert for Windows 8.1 preview during its Build conference to give a sneak peek at the new software.Microsoft also provided a half-hour preview walk-through of the Windows 8.1 in early June, outlining many features in the new update. You can also read our take on Windows 8.1 - having demoed the new OS at Computex in Taiwan.
Tiles
Windows 8 supports two tile sizes at the moment, but in Windows 8.1 you will get the ability to change these.
The new Start screen in Windows 8.1 features a variety of tile sizes including a new large and new small tile similar to Windows Phone.
Windows Store in Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 gets an improved Windows Store according to Microsoft. The new Store is designed to show more info than before in Windows 8 with detailed lists of top free apps, new releases, and picks for you on the homepage.
App updates install automatically in the background as well as they come through the Store. And search is available in the upper right hand corner for finding the apps you want.
PC Settings charm
The updated PC Settings in Windows 8.1 gives you access to all your settings on your device without having to go to the Control Panel on the desktop.
You can do things like change your display resolution, set power options, see the make and model of my PC, change the product key, let me do Windows Update, and even join a domain - all from PC Settings.
Background and Lock Screen
Microsoft wants 8.1 to offer more personalisation through enhanced options for customisation. You can now change the Start Screen background color with a new color slider tool, for instance, or you can change it to a photo. The lock screen will also display a slideshow of your photos.Search
When swiping from right to left on the screen in Windows 8.1 you will still get the Search charm, but selecting it and entering a search term serves some different results. In Windows 8.1, the Search charm will provide global search results powered by Bing in a rich, simple-to-read, aggregated view of many content sources (the web, apps, files, SkyDrive, actions you can take) to provide the best “answer” for your query. If you aren't online you will still get the local results by scrolling to the left.
50/50 split screen apps
Windows 8.1 will allow you to run two apps side by side rather than one thin and one large as is the case with Windows 8.
"You can resize apps to any size you want, share the screen between two apps, or have up to three apps on each screen if you have a multiple displays connected, you can have different Windows Store apps running on all the displays at the same time and the Start Screen can stay open on one monitor," says Microsoft.
On higher-resolution devices you will be able to run three or four app windows side by side for those who really want to embrace multitasking on the same screen at the same time.
Internet Explorer 11
Yep, a new OS update means a new version of Internet Explorer. IE11 will offer even better touch performance, faster page load times and several other new features we think you will enjoy. For example, you can now adjust the appearance of modern IE11 to always show the address bar and you can have as many open tabs as you like.
SkyDrive improvements
The new SkyDrive app gives you access to your files that are on your device or in the cloud, and files are accessible even when offline says Microsoft. Expect features like auto picture uploads and being able to set the SkyDrive as the default location for your files. Like Apple's iCloud for the iPhone and iPad, there is also a suggestion that you'll be able to backup your entire device to SkyDrive.
You will also now be able manage your SkyDrive from the PC Settings as well and see how much available storage you have, and of course buy more if needed.
Better Syncing
Expect sync'ed tabs and greater sharing of details between the PCs you own. Microsoft has told Pocket-lint many times that in the future we will just be able to log in and get working straight away and Windows 8.1 could see the start of that becoming a reality.
With Windows 8.1, when you log on to your device with your Microsoft account (Outlook.com by default), your device "magically becomes personalised" says Microsoft with your settings and apps.
New Microsoft apps
Expect new apps from Microsoft. So far details on the web suggest a new Sound Recorder app, a Calculator app (exciting), and some new Alarm features. There is also talk of something called Movie Moments, and features which, like Apple Mountain Lion, will let you turn on a Do Not Disturb feature so you don't get bothered by notifications when you are trying to focus on that all important presentation.
Kiosk mode
The idea here is that users will be able to lock down a device to a single application so the computer Windows 8.1 is running on can not be used in store or in an office where you don't want them messing around surfing the internet.
Swipe up for Apps
According to leaked build versions of Windows 8.1 you will be able to swipe up to reveal your apps list. Easy.
Picture frame and camera access on Lock Screen
Like the iPad you'll be able to turn your Windows 8.1 tablet into a picture frame when you aren't using it, and likewise also set whether you want access to the camera when the screen is locked. It's a feature already used in Windows Phone 8 so it makes sense to see it here too, especially for tablets.
New drivers
Yep, boring, but essential.
Greater touch support
Microsoft has already openly confirmed that touch will get even more focus in Windows 8.1. In a Microsoft Research video demoing Fresh Paint for Windows Blue at TechFest 2013 Microsoft said it was looking to "extend touch in even more dramatic fashion".
Camera app
Alongside the new Paint app, the Camera app has also been updated. It will notably capture a photo before and after you hit the shutter button, ensuring you won't miss a good shot.
Miracast support
Microsoft has confirmed, at TechEd North America, that Windows 8.1 will get Miracast support built in.
"Present your work wirelessly without any dongles needed; simply project your content to a Miracast-enabled device by pairing the device through Bluetooth or NFC. Miracast will then use the available Wi-Fi connection to let you lean back and project wire-free," the company has announced.
NFC tap-to-pair printing
Users in will be able to tap their Windows 8.1 device against an enterprise NFC-enabled printer and you’re all set to print. You don’t need to buy new printers to take advantage of this; you can simply put an NFC tag on your existing printers to enable this functionality.
Wi-Fi Direct printing
Windows 8.1 will allow you to connect to Wi-Fi Direct printers without adding additional drivers or software on your Windows 8.1 device, forming a peer-to-peer network between your device and the printer. Nice.
Broadband tethering
This will let you turn your Windows 8.1 mobile broadband-enabled PC or tablet into a personal Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing other devices to connect and access the internet - handy if you've got a SIM car in it.
Mouse support
Microsoft has made it easier to use Windows without a touchscreen. When you hover a mouse in the corners, for instance, you can customise the function so it brings you to the all apps page or back to a previous app.
DOWNLOAD
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