Is Windows 8.1 just an update ?

It's an update, and it will be available via the Windows store.

I'm not sure what they're going to do with the retail boxes but you would imagine they would want to make 8.1 the baseline sooner than later.
 
I'm not sure what they're going to do with the retail boxes but you would imagine they would want to make 8.1 the baseline sooner than later.
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They will phase in 8.1 versions as they did with service pack integrated versions in the past.
 
It's simply an update. Not a upgrade, not a service pack, not a new OS.

With the work they've done for a better out of box experience it would be good to see it shipping on the disc immediately. Although, I guess if you're buying the upgrade or a system builder license you'll have the nous to upgrade yourself without any trouble.
 
Yes, it's a point update, but MS are not daft.

Existing Windows 8 users can update at no cost via the Windows Store.

Windows 8.1 will also be available standalone, replacing Windows 8 in the space of the few months it takes to sell existing stock in the channe, be it boxed copies or hardware pre-loaded with Windows 8. At which point the customer can update themselves when they get home in return for a small discount.
 
Yeah we know it's going to be free, what I'm saying is they really ought to minimize that period where Windows 8 is still being sold even though Windows 8.1 is out. It's not quite as frictionless as a regular update, as you have to go via the store. It's also quite a large update, massive really. If I'm on a metered connection that's the last thing I want.

I can also imagine rows of PCs in the shops, some with Start buttons and some without. The last thing we need is more confusion.

I highly doubt they will actively recall the Windows stock and replace it with 8.1 media, even though that would be ideal. As we've seen with browser versions, unless it's completely automatic the user base moves like molasses sometimes.
 
It'll be like a service pack, regardless of what Microsoft call it.

Much heavier than an 'update'. With the potential to screw up your system. In my mind experience, it's better to just install a fresh OS than to update, unless your install is 100% vanilla, there's scope for it to mess up.

Personally, I'll be waiting for the Windows 8.1 iso links to show and I'll do a fresh install with one.
 
Is this the sp which reunites Windows 8 with the start button and gets rid (or at least gives the option) of those pointless tiles?
 
Rimsy said:
Is this the sp which reunites Windows 8 with the start button and gets rid (or at least gives the option) of those pointless tiles?
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this update (8.1) adds the start button which takes you to the start screen. so no. it doesn't get rid of metro..

tbh just add your games/programs to the start screen and make the titles the smallest size so they look like icons then basically it's only 2 clicks to open a game or program.
 
. 9484 has rtm in the version number. Should hit rtm next Friday going by reports I've read.

Version number will probably jump to 9600 for the final sign off.

Hopefully we'll see rtm hit the Internet a week today.
 
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