Begin the Windows 8.1 Upgrade
Begin the Windows 8.1 Upgrade
If you’re currently running a version of Windows 8, you’ll want to take advantage of the major operating system update known as Windows 8.1. This update, which is more of a service pack of features, provides a ton of tweaks and overhauls to the oft maligned Windows 8 user interface. The best part, as a Windows 8 user, you have the easiest update path available. While users of older versions of Windows will have to deal with a complicated installation, all you have to do is click a link in the Windows Store and follow the prompts.
NOTE: Not all versions of Windows 8 will be upgradable through the store. Windows 8 Enterprise or Professional, if installed by a volume license holder or MSDN/TechNet ISO must be upgraded using the applicable disc or ISO.
Begin the Windows 8.1 Upgrade
Windows 8.1 is a major upgrade to your operating system. According to Microsoft it should go smoothly in most cases and your data should not be in jeopardy. They’ve even programmed in a fail-safe to roll back to Windows 8 if the installation should go awry. That said, never trust the system. Always back up anything that you’d be sad, mad or inconvenienced to lose. Once you’re certain your data is protected you can get ready to start the upgrade.
Before you rush out and find the link, you need to be sure that your computer is ready for the update. Check the system requirements posted by Microsoft to ensure your computer ticks all the boxes. Since you’re already running Windows 8 you can be sure your memory, GPU and CPU are up to snuff, but you’ll need to ensure that you have sufficient hard drive space to download and install this massive update.
You’ll need 16GB for the 32-bit version of the OS and 20GB for the 64-bit version.
If you’re certain that you’ve got what you need to install Windows 8.1, it’s time to hit the Store. Head over to your Start screen and click the Windows Store tile. Ideally you’ll see a huge link for the Windows 8.1 update waiting for you. It’ll look like the image you see above. If you don’t see that, you’ll need to download the latest Windows updates for your computer. The update KB2871389 adds the link you need.
Once you’ve found the link in the Store, click it and you’re on your way.
Downloading and Installing Windows 8.1 from the Store
Clicking the massive Windows 8.1 link from the Store’s main page will take you to the main page for the update. Here you’ll find some useful information about new features and some screenshots to let you know what you’ll be signing up for. Provided you like what you see, go ahead and click “Download.”
As I mentioned previously, this update is pretty huge. Depending on the speed of your connection you could be waiting a while.
Don’t just sit there watching the progress bar slowly move to the right; switch away from the store and occupy yourself. Windows will finish the download and then run the installation quietly in the background. You won’t even need to provide input. It will let you know when it’s time to restart to complete the upgrade.
Personalize
Once your computer restarts, you’ll need to go through a short procedure to select your basic settings and set up your account.
Your first step will be to select a color palette and name your computer. You simply need to click a color you like from a strip of selections and type the name in the field provided.
Settings
Next, you’ll be given the option to select a few basic settings. Microsoft gives you the option to select the defaults they recommend by clicking “Use express settings.” This will set you up as follows:
If you are comfortable with those selections, choose “Use express settings,” otherwise you’ll want to click “Customize” and make individual choices yourself.
Sign in to Your Microsoft Account
In the next section you’ll have to provide your account information. If you’ve got a Microsoft Account you were using to sign in to Windows 8, enter your email address and password. You can also choose to create a new Microsoft account or use a local account.
If you choose to use an existing Microsoft account, you’ll be asked to verify your account with a security code. Select from a list to determine how you want to receive your code.
You can have it emailed or texted to any accounts or numbers set up in your Microsoft Account’s security information. When you get the code, enter it to move on.
Set Up Your PC
If you’ve got other Windows 8.1 computers set up and linked to your Microsoft account, you’ll have to option to copy over settings from one of them while setting up. If you want to copy your account settings and apps from another computer, select it from the list. Otherwise, click “Set this up as a new PC instead.”
Windows 8.1 thoroughly integrates SkyDrive into your Windows computer. This makes it very easy to access your data from any computer anywhere, but if you don’t’ use it you may not want it.
By default, your camera roll, PC settings and all new documents will be saved to SkyDrive, if this is OK with you, go ahead and click “Next.” Otherwise, you can click “Turn off these SkyDrive settings” to disable this feature on your computer.
That’s it for input for this installation. All that remains is to wait while Windows finishes things up for you. It will be downloading any critical updates that have been released, installing apps from other accounts if you opted to do so and making your settings changes. It should only take a few minutes.
When the job is done, your computer will restart and you can log in. Enjoy your newly updated computer.
If you’re currently running a version of Windows 8, you’ll want to take advantage of the major operating system update known as Windows 8.1. This update, which is more of a service pack of features, provides a ton of tweaks and overhauls to the oft maligned Windows 8 user interface. The best part, as a Windows 8 user, you have the easiest update path available. While users of older versions of Windows will have to deal with a complicated installation, all you have to do is click a link in the Windows Store and follow the prompts.
NOTE: Not all versions of Windows 8 will be upgradable through the store. Windows 8 Enterprise or Professional, if installed by a volume license holder or MSDN/TechNet ISO must be upgraded using the applicable disc or ISO.
Begin the Windows 8.1 Upgrade
Windows 8.1 is a major upgrade to your operating system. According to Microsoft it should go smoothly in most cases and your data should not be in jeopardy. They’ve even programmed in a fail-safe to roll back to Windows 8 if the installation should go awry. That said, never trust the system. Always back up anything that you’d be sad, mad or inconvenienced to lose. Once you’re certain your data is protected you can get ready to start the upgrade.
Before you rush out and find the link, you need to be sure that your computer is ready for the update. Check the system requirements posted by Microsoft to ensure your computer ticks all the boxes. Since you’re already running Windows 8 you can be sure your memory, GPU and CPU are up to snuff, but you’ll need to ensure that you have sufficient hard drive space to download and install this massive update.
You’ll need 16GB for the 32-bit version of the OS and 20GB for the 64-bit version.
If you’re certain that you’ve got what you need to install Windows 8.1, it’s time to hit the Store. Head over to your Start screen and click the Windows Store tile. Ideally you’ll see a huge link for the Windows 8.1 update waiting for you. It’ll look like the image you see above. If you don’t see that, you’ll need to download the latest Windows updates for your computer. The update KB2871389 adds the link you need.
Once you’ve found the link in the Store, click it and you’re on your way.
Downloading and Installing Windows 8.1 from the Store
Clicking the massive Windows 8.1 link from the Store’s main page will take you to the main page for the update. Here you’ll find some useful information about new features and some screenshots to let you know what you’ll be signing up for. Provided you like what you see, go ahead and click “Download.”
As I mentioned previously, this update is pretty huge. Depending on the speed of your connection you could be waiting a while.
Don’t just sit there watching the progress bar slowly move to the right; switch away from the store and occupy yourself. Windows will finish the download and then run the installation quietly in the background. You won’t even need to provide input. It will let you know when it’s time to restart to complete the upgrade.
Personalize
Once your computer restarts, you’ll need to go through a short procedure to select your basic settings and set up your account.
Your first step will be to select a color palette and name your computer. You simply need to click a color you like from a strip of selections and type the name in the field provided.
Settings
Next, you’ll be given the option to select a few basic settings. Microsoft gives you the option to select the defaults they recommend by clicking “Use express settings.” This will set you up as follows:
- You will automatically connect to devices on your current network.
- You will automatically install updates to your operating system and applications.
- You will send Do Not Track requests to pages you view in Internet Explorer
- You will send data to check for solutions to errors with Microsoft
- You will send software, service and location data to Microsoft
- You will enable Bing results in your Search charm
- You will allow Microsoft to use personal information and location data to personalize search results
- You will turn on page prediction to load faster in Internet Explorer
- You will allow apps to use your name and account information
If you are comfortable with those selections, choose “Use express settings,” otherwise you’ll want to click “Customize” and make individual choices yourself.
Sign in to Your Microsoft Account
In the next section you’ll have to provide your account information. If you’ve got a Microsoft Account you were using to sign in to Windows 8, enter your email address and password. You can also choose to create a new Microsoft account or use a local account.
If you choose to use an existing Microsoft account, you’ll be asked to verify your account with a security code. Select from a list to determine how you want to receive your code.
You can have it emailed or texted to any accounts or numbers set up in your Microsoft Account’s security information. When you get the code, enter it to move on.
Set Up Your PC
If you’ve got other Windows 8.1 computers set up and linked to your Microsoft account, you’ll have to option to copy over settings from one of them while setting up. If you want to copy your account settings and apps from another computer, select it from the list. Otherwise, click “Set this up as a new PC instead.”
Windows 8.1 thoroughly integrates SkyDrive into your Windows computer. This makes it very easy to access your data from any computer anywhere, but if you don’t’ use it you may not want it.
By default, your camera roll, PC settings and all new documents will be saved to SkyDrive, if this is OK with you, go ahead and click “Next.” Otherwise, you can click “Turn off these SkyDrive settings” to disable this feature on your computer.
That’s it for input for this installation. All that remains is to wait while Windows finishes things up for you. It will be downloading any critical updates that have been released, installing apps from other accounts if you opted to do so and making your settings changes. It should only take a few minutes.
When the job is done, your computer will restart and you can log in. Enjoy your newly updated computer.
