News - Windows 8.1 downloads available from 12-noon today in the UK

[HEXUS]

Are you going to upgrade straight away?

Read more.

[cjs150]

I think I will wait for a few weeks to let someone else find out the problem

[ExceededGoku]

cjs150 that's called the release candidate (RC) or in this instance the preview version... It's been out for a long period already.

I'll be upgrading as soon as it's available!

[robert3892]

Anybody know if there will be an ISO windows 8.1 available for download for those who wish to make a clean install?

[Spreadie]

I'll install it - I like the idea of boot to desktop.

Now if they'll just fix the stupid split screen setup for Apps (like the PDF reader) and make the split adjustable, I'll be a happier camper.

[dannyboy75]

I upgraded a few weeks ago when it was released to Technet. Stuck with Windows 7 until 8.1 was available, then upgraded 7 > 8 and 8 > 8.1. I had a quick play with 8 before installing 8.1, but to be honest the differences seem pretty minor apart from the new options on the 'Navigation' tab. (e.g. boot to desktop).

I'm still not convinced about the whole Metro thing on a standard monitor, but I'll stick with 8.1 now, if only because it supports DirectX 11.2

[jnutt]

Well I'll be downloading it as soon as I get home tonight

[mud_z]

Can't Wait ! Can't Wait !!
Wanted to reset my Laptop(windows 8) since last month, just waiting for the new Windows 8.1.
Windows 8 Freezes too much, and I don't think they have worked on that part yet, Lets see.

Cheers!!!

[Platinum]

Can a full version be downloaded rather than on DVD?

[dannyboy75]

Anybody know if there will be an ISO windows 8.1 available for download for those who wish to make a clean install?

There is on Technet so I'd imagine the same will apply for other users. The file size of the ISO for 8.1 is actually slightly bigger than that for 8, and took just as long to install as 8 did, even when installing them as upgrades.

[simonpreston]

Been running 8.1 for a few weeks thanks to an MSDN Academic account. It addresses plenty of the criticisms that Windows 8 received, bar bringing the old Start Menu back (I'm still using Start8 for that) but the Start Screen does look a little more integrated and less disjointed as it did in 8. The ability to boot to desktop is a welcome (if hidden) addition, as is the right click on the Start Button to bring up extra options, such as Shutdown, which is better than the initially bewildering options to restart/shutdown beforehand.

What I am interested in seeing is if 8.1 offers any performance enhancements over 8.

[Saracen]

Are you going to upgrade straight away?

Erm, nope.

Firstly, I rarely upgrade anything straight away, unless there is an overwhelmingly reason why it needs to be done, and moreover, done immediately.

But second, there's nothing I can see in it that much interests me. The notional return of the "Start" button is a joke. It's a PR tactic, and not a jot more. Boot to desktop is good, but not earth-shattering. New MUI "apps" interest me not in the slightest.

I have my Win8 system tweaked, with 3rd party tools, to get rid (for all practical purposes) of all the MUI rubbish, because as far as I'm concerned, all it does is ruin an otherwise good OS, so until and unless I can be sure I can continue to get 8.1 de-MUI'd, I won't be upgrading. And I'm certainly not in any hurry.

[dannyboy75]

One thing that's bugging me with 8.1 (probably applies to 8 too), is there's no easy way access shutdown/restart options when connected via RDP, even as a local admin.

In Windows 7 you could press Ctrl + Alt + End to access these options, but in 8/8.1 the only options in there are log off or sign out. Same if you use the power users (Win+X) menu.

I've had to resort to creating shortcuts for shutdown.exe /r and /s. Seems a bit of a backwards step to me though.

Edit: Just noticed the little shutdown icon in bottom-right corner in the Ctrl+Alt+End screen. Doh - nope, which still only offers a 'Disconnect' option. Hmm.

[aramil]

One thing that's bugging me with 8.1 (probably applies to 8 too), is there's no easy way access shutdown/restart options when connected via RDP, even as a local admin.

In Windows 7 you could press Ctrl + Alt + End to access these options, but in 8/8.1 the only options in there are log off or sign out. Same if you use the power users (Win+X) menu.

I've had to resort to creating shortcuts for shutdown.exe /r and /s. Seems a bit of a backwards step to me though.

Edit: Just noticed the little shutdown icon in bottom-right corner in the Ctrl+Alt+End screen. Doh - nope, which still only offers a 'Disconnect' option. Hmm.

You can add items to the win+x menu http://www.howtogeek.com/113775/

[shaithis]

Already upgraded and loving it. Whether it's the OS or newer drivers, idk, but the system stutters from win 8 and 8.1preview are completely gone.

[simonpreston]

One thing that's bugging me with 8.1 (probably applies to 8 too), is there's no easy way access shutdown/restart options when connected via RDP, even as a local admin.

Hit ALT+F4 when on the desktop.