Is 8.1 worth it over 8?

snips86x

snips86x

snips86x

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I'm able to get a copy of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 for £12.50. My new PC case is due to arrive at the end of this week and I'll be installing a new motherboard also.

Since I'll have to re-install Windows, I was considering upgrading and I've heard and read of a performance increase when gaming on 8 over 7.

I've also read loads of threads here about issues with 8.1 and people reverting back to 8 or even going back to 7.

Being indecisive, is 8.1 worth it over 8?
Are there any major underlying issues between the 2?

Hindsight is great, but I'd rather not be in that position is 'wishing' I'd not made the jump if its going to be problematic.
 
The ability to login to desktop is a win for me, there's a few little touches but yes now I'm on 8.1 I wouldn't want to go back.

  • Start button (well sort of)
  • Boot to desktop (personally I consider it login to desktop..)
  • snap for screen apps, very minor as I tend to avoid these but you can have more than 1 app on a screen now.
  • More customisation on the UI

... actually I'm out of ideas now.
There's no point installing Windows 8 though, jump onto 8.1 especially at that price.

8.1 install is a doddle, don't know of any major issues but as always check your hardware is supported on Windows 8.
 
If you get 8 you can upgrade to 8.1 for free, but you cant install straight to 8.1 you will have to install 8 then run windows updates then update to 8.1 from the store. You will miss this with 8.1 as you can just install 8.1 directly but I expect you wouldnt be able to go back to 8 if you had any issues.
8.1 works perfect for me though so I would just go for that and save the hassle.
 
Your mileage may vary with performance increases. You really need to do your research on that one.

With regards to 8.0 vs 8.1 it's a no brainer. The latest version is the one to be on.
 
It would seem that the version I can download is an upgrade.

Does this mean I will have to re-install Win 7 before 8.1?
 
Windows 8.1 is a free upgrade from 8.

Yeah, you'll need to install a qualifying product first if it's an upgrade license. The old XP upgrade method of installing it and providing an old Windows 98/2000 CD as proof of upgrade isn't available. It will install Windows 8/8/8.1 then refuse to activate with a cryptic error.
 
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They are similar, with very little differences (the main ones are listed above. Why do you want an older version?

I'm quite sure there is going to be another major patch for 8.1 around the begining of march, which gives more prominence to the shu tdown/restart buttons, amongst other things. Google it.
 
MagicBoy said:
Windows 8.1 is a free upgrade from 8.

Yeah, you'll need to install a qualifying product first if it's an upgrade license. The old XP upgrade method of installing it and providing an old Windows 98/2000 CD as proof of upgrade isn't available. It will install Windows 8/8/8.1 then refuse to activate with a cryptic error.
Click to expand...

That's what I thought.

It doesn't matter which one I buy, they are upgrade products which will not allow me to do a clean install. Shame!

Waste of time, but it would seem to be my only option!

If I downloaded a ISO for Win 8, would the key I have allow me to register it or is it limited to the type? (upgrade)
 
snips86x said:
That's what I thought.

It doesn't matter which one I buy, they are upgrade products which will not allow me to do a clean install. Shame!

Waste of time, but it would seem to be my only option!

If I downloaded a ISO for Win 8, would the key I have allow me to register it or is it limited to the type? (upgrade)
Click to expand...

Limited to the type IIRC.
 
Not sure.

As I recall all Windows 7 retail and upgrade DVDs are the same irrespective of edition (Home/Pro/Ultimate) and will work with an eligible product key. There's a DVD each for x86 and x64 versions. Not sure about OEM versions as I've not used them.
 
MagicBoy said:
Not sure.

As I recall all Windows 7 retail and upgrade DVDs are the same irrespective of edition (Home/Pro/Ultimate) and will work with an eligible product key. There's a DVD each for x86 and x64 versions. Not sure about OEM versions as I've not used them.
Click to expand...

Once I've got the key, there is only one way to know!
 
Halfmad said:
[*]snap for screen apps, very minor as I tend to avoid these but you can have more than 1 app on a screen now.
.
Click to expand...

You always good, its amazing how many people don't know what was in win8.

But yes win8.1 is an improvement. Search is much improved. Snap is much improved.
 
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