As we know Micosoft is going to release Windows 8.1 public preview at Microsoft’s Build conference on 26 June. It is expected that Windows 8.1 will come with new features and fix many annoying issues of Windows 8. But the best thing is that Windows 8.1 will be a free upgrade for both Windows 8 and Windows RT users. You can get Windows 8.1 from the Windows Store. If you also want to upgrade your Windows 8 or Windows RT to Windows 8.1, you must be aware of following things:
- Windows 8 and Windows RT users will receive a Windows Update notification when Windows 8.1 preview will be released
- Users can get updates from the Windows Store.
- When the final version of Windows 8.1 RTM will be available, the users will get update notification including the Windows 8.1 preview users.
- If you upgrade from Windows 8.1 preview to RTM, then you will have to re-install all apps except personal files and account
- If you want to directly upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 RT, then all apps, data and accounts will be preserved, you don’t need to reinstalled anything.
- The Windows RT users have to re-install all Windows Store apps, which is a little bit difficult for them.
- The Windows 8 Pro need to re-install Windows Store as well as desktop apps.
New Features included in Windows 8:
- Windows 8.1 features a variety of tile sizes like Windows Phone
- Windows Store comes with new improvements to show detail lists of top free apps, new releases and picks for you on the homepage.
- New version of IE, Internet Explorer 11 will be released in Windows 8.1.
- Access to all your settings on your device without going to the Control Panel.
- Search charm will provide global search results powered by Bing.
- Now you can run two apps side by side with same size.
- The Settings charm includes new personalize options that will allow to make your computer more personal.
- The new SkyDrive app allows you to access your local files as well as the files stored in cloud. (According to Microsoft the files are accessible even when your are offline.)
- You can connect to Wi-Fi Direct printers without adding additional drivers or software on your Windows 8.1 PC.
Windows 8 also features broadband tethering, miracast support, swipe up for apps, kiosk mode, pPicture frame, camera access on Llock Screen and more.