Windows 8.1 rolls out today (October 17) as a free update for Windows 8 users, and will go on sale tomorrow (October 18) for all other users. We talked about Windows 8.1 back when it was officially announced, but now the day of release is finally here. If you’re on Windows 8, the new OS will be free to download in the Windows store, but for anyone else, here’s why you should upgrade.
Firstly, look at the name: Windows 8.1. The .1 shows that it’s still Windows 8, just with a few updates. If you liked Windows 8 – and you’re in a select group – then don’t worry about having to get used to a completely new interface. For those of you who weren’t too impressed with the last Windows OS, see 8.1 as a fresh start – it’s all the best bits of Windows 8, but with many of those problems that users had ironed out.
Let’s get down to the big question: is the Start button back? Sort of, though not as we know it. Windows 8.1 won’t bring back the Start menu that everyone missed in the last OS, but it has reached something of a compromise. There is a button in the bottom left-hand corner, and it is the Windows logo, however it takes you to the Start screen. It makes the integration between the desktop and the tablet-style screen much smoother, and no longer feels like two separate interfaces. If you prefer a more classic view, you can boot straight to the desktop screen, and only use the Start screen for accessing apps.
SkyDrive’s also a much bigger deal, too, making it easier to store your files onto the cloud. This is great, as it shows that Microsoft is finally getting on board with the way that technology is moving towards online file-storage, and means that your files will quickly sync with online for remote access.
Windows 8.1 will update for all you Windows 8 users today – so let us know your thoughts on it! Do you think it’s too different, or has Microsoft not changed enough?