Windows 8.1 Update Preview Version Release Date Set for This Month
The new Windows 8.1 update made its debut at the Computex 2013 technology show earlier this week.
The new software brings back some Window users favorites such as the classic Start button found on many builds of the system. It also features some improvements to the touchscreen keyboard, optimization for cheaper tablets smaller than 10 and 11 inches, and the ability to view multiple apps on the same screen.
"With Windows 8.1 we bring new management capabilities and great advancements in security and mobility," said Windows chief finance and marketing officer Tami Reller. "It has been made better through customer feedback."
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Microsoft will make a preview build of the software available later on this month. Windows 8 and Windows RT users will receive a notification on their devices when the preview version of the software is ready to roll out.
The final version of Windows 8.1 will be released for free sometime in the near future. Those who have downloaded the preview will receive a Windows Update and Windows Store notification. All their accounts will stay intact; however, some will have to be re-downloaded.
A Microsoft spokesperson recently elaborated on what apps would have to be re-installed once the final version of the update is downloaded. For Windows RT devices, all Windows Store and Metro-Style apps will have to be re-installed and for x86-based users, testers will need to reinstall both their Windows Store, Metro-Style and Desktop apps.
Windows 8 users that do not install the preview version will not have to re-install any of their apps. All of their settings, data and apps will carry over, according to a spokesperson for the company. Users will also be able to decide for themselves when they would like to perform the update on their devices.
