How to Prepare for the Windows 8.1 Release

Get the free update

Go to the Windows 8.1 download page and select your Windows edition.
Select Confirm and follow the remaining prompts to begin the download.
The update will download and install in the background while you use your PC to do other things.

Can I still use Windows 8.1 after 2020?
How do I make Windows 8.1 look better?
Can Windows 8.1 be upgraded to Windows 10?
Which edition of Windows 8.1 is best?
Is Windows 10 or 8.1 better?
Can Windows 8.1 upgrade to 10 for free?
How do I make Windows 8 look normal?
How do I make my window prettier?
How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10?
How much longer will Windows 8.1 be supported?
Is Microsoft release Windows 11?

Can I still use Windows 8.1 after 2020?

With no more security updates, continuing to use Windows 8 or 8.1 can be risky. The biggest problem you'll find is the development and discovery of security flaws in the operating system. ... In fact, quite a lot of users are still sticking to Windows 7, and that operating system lost all support back in January 2020.

How do I make Windows 8.1 look better?

If you right-click on it, it will show options for Run, Search, Desktop, Shut Down, and many more.

Log In Straight to Desktop. ...
Customize Home Screen Tiles. ...
Customize Start Screen Background. ...
Create A Lock Screen Slideshow. ...
Use Internet Explorer 11 Reading View. ...
Make Use of 3D Printing Support. ...
Customize Privacy Options.

Can Windows 8.1 be upgraded to Windows 10?

Microsoft's free upgrade offer for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users ended a few years ago, but you can still technically upgrade to Windows 10 free of charge.

Which edition of Windows 8.1 is best?

Windows 8.1 Version Comparison | Which One is Best for You

Windows RT 8.1. It provides customers with same features as Windows 8, such as easy-to-use interface, Mail, SkyDrive, other built-in apps, touch function, etc. ...
Windows 8.1. For most consumers, Windows 8.1 is the best choice. ...
Windows 8.1 Pro. ...
Windows 8.1 Enterprise.

Is Windows 10 or 8.1 better?

Windows 10 – even in its first release – is a tad faster than Windows 8.1. But it isn't magic. Some areas improved only marginally, though battery life did jump up noticeably for movies. Also, we tested a clean install of Windows 8.1 versus a clean install of Windows 10.

Can Windows 8.1 upgrade to 10 for free?

As a result, you can still upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 and claim a free digital license for the latest Windows 10 version, without being forced to jump through any hoops.

How do I make Windows 8 look normal?

How to Make Windows 8 or 8.1 Look and Feel Like Windows 7

Select the Desktop tab.
Check "Disable all Windows 8 hot corners." This setting will prevent the Charms and Windows 8 Start shortcut from appearing when you hover the mouse in a corner.
Make sure "Automatically go to the Desktop when I sign in" is checked. ...
Make sure Disable Taskbar Translucency is unchecked.

How do I make my window prettier?

Set custom color mode

Open Settings.
Click on Personalization.
Click on Colors.
Use the "Choose your color" drop-down menu and select the Custom option. ...
Use the Choose your default Windows mode options to decide if Start, taskbar, Action Center, and other elements should use the light or dark color mode.

How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10?

It turns out there are several methods of upgrading from older versions of Windows (Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1) to Windows 10 Home without paying the $139 fee for the latest operating system.

How much longer will Windows 8.1 be supported?

1 When is End of Life or Support for Windows 8 and 8.1. Microsoft will begin Windows 8 and 8.1's end of life and support in January 2023. This means it will stop all support and updates to the operating system.

Is Microsoft release Windows 11?

Microsoft has gone into the model of releasing 2 feature upgrades a year and almost monthly updates for bug fixes, security fixes, enhancements for Windows 10. No new Windows OS is going to be released. Existing Windows 10 will keep getting updated. Hence, there will be no Windows 11.