Hello Windows 8.1

Last week Microsoft made Windows 8.1 available for download in the UK. Windows 8.1 has progressively shown that the early mistakes on Windows 8 have been ironed out.

So why is now the right time to make the upgrade to Windows 8.1? Well it includes a number of new features and interface changes. The return of the desktop Start button will be welcomed by many, as will the revamped search facility and completely redesigned Windows Store.

Microsoft has also upgraded a number of the core apps that come with the operating system. The ‘Mail’ app adopts its interface whilst there is an entirely new interface for the Music app. In fact the development of Microsoft’s own Apps and those of 3^rd Party developers is showing a significant improvement. The fact that Facebook launched its first Windows Store app alongside Windows 8.1 is testimony to the advancement in this area.

The good news for existing users of Windows 8 is that they will be offered Windows 8.1 as a free upgrade via the Windows Store. It will install in place over the existing operating systems and leave all Windows Store and desktop apps intact. However, those who tried out the Windows 8.1 preview will have to reinstall all their Windows Store and desktop apps after upgrading to the final version of the Operating System.