Microsoft's Windows 8.1 update is now live on Microsoft's Store for Windows 8 users
Before You Install Windows 8.1 Preview
Before you install Windows 8.1 Preview, or any operation system upgrade, be definite to back up your computer first! Depending on the options you pick, the upgrade may remove your existing files. Install Windows 8.1 Preview at your own risk!
Please note that some of your current applications may not work with Windows 8.1. You may also experience issues with connecting to some services such as corporate networks. You may also run into some compatibility issues with the newest version of Internet Explorer 11.
One more thing to consider before installing Windows 8.1 Preview At some point you will need to upgrade the preview install with the full and final version of Windows 8.1, whenever it is released. During this upgrade, you may lose some or all of your apps and files.
- Download Windows 8.1 Preview Windows 8 Download:How to Download Windows 8.1 Preview
To download Windows 8.1 Preview, you have two options:
- Option 1: Windows Store Installer
To use the Windows Store Installer, visit the Windows 8.1 Preview site and follow the steps. This option is the easiest of the two. Its also the only option if you are using a Windows RT tablet.
- Option 2: Windows 8 ISO Install
If you desire to install Windows 8.1 Preview offline via a bootable disc or USB drive, you will need the Windows 8.1 installation ISO. This option will permit you to perform a tidy upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1. To acquire the ISO, visit the Windows 8.1 Preview Download Site.
Whats the Windows 8.1 Preview Product Key?
To install Windows 8.1 you will need a product key (i.e. serial number). The product key below has been provided by Microsoft and is free to use.
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- The update can be downloaded free of charge through the Windows Store. You'll get a prompt to download the update via a notification in the Store and can install it by following the instructions upon the screen. Although, you'll be able to hold apps, legacy Windows programs and, files and settings after the update, it's yet advisable to take a back-up of your data and keep product codes handy in case you need to reinstall programs.
- If you're running the Windows 8.1 Preview and had updated to the Preview through the Store, you'd be able to upgrade to the final version in a same manner. However, you'll need to reinstall apps though your files will remain unaffected.
- In case you performed a tidy install of the Windows 8.1 Preview OS, you'll need to go back to Windows 8 and then upgrade, unless you're ready to shell out some cash for buying a new Windows 8.1 license.
- Users running Windows 7 upon their PCs will be able to upgrade to Windows 8.1 but they would only be able to keep their files and will need to reinstall desktop apps including Microsoft Office.
- Upgrading form Windows XP and Windows Vista is not supported and you will need to do a clean install of the Windows 8.1 OS upon systems running these legacy operating systems.
Did you download Windows 8.1 Preview? If so, what do you think?
If you have questions about the Windows 8.1 Preview, or if you desire to share your experiences with the upgrade, use the comments section below.