Microsoft has rolled out the Windows 8.1 operating system. If you are already running the Microsoft Windows 8 pro OS you can upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro for free (and Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 depending on what is installed on your PC). All you need to do is launch the Windows Store app and you will find the Windows 8.1 update option there.
It is an automated update, the files will be downloaded in the background and you can continue using the system. The download size is around 3.63GB and after the download is completed you will be asked to accept the terms and conditions. If you do not accept, the older version will be restored.
If you are using older version of Microsoft Windows (below Windows 7) you will need to buy the new OS. Windows 7 users can upgrade to 8.1 but they will need to install other applications like MS office and desktop apps. Windows 8.1 is available for 119.99 and 8.1 pro version for $199.99.
What’s new on the Windows 8.1 OS?
There are series of improvements. The OS loads faster and now on the 8.1 version you get an option to boot directly into the desktop mode which was not possible on Windows 8.0.
There is more customization options on the 8.1 version, you can set new designs, colors, tile size and backgrounds. And well the good news is that the Start button is back. Multitasking has improved and the 8.1 also comes with improved internet explorer 11 browser. Well there are many more improvements and changes.
So if you are already using the Windows 8 OS you can get it upgraded to 8.1 or 8.1 pro for free only via the Windows store.
Update: I was facing issues updating the OS, tried several times and each time ended up with 0x80070006 – 0x2002000C error, and the update process failed. But finally I was able to update the OS. The issue was disk space. Make sure the C: drive has plenty of free space.
When the free space was around 5GB I was getting the 0x80070006 – 0x2002000C error. Today, I removed unwanted applications and cleared up old unwanted files. I could free up 20GB space and then tried the update again, and it worked. My desktop is now running Windows 8.1 Pro. If you are facing similar issue, you need to free up more space.