Windows 8.1 Preview : How To Upgrade?

Windows 8.1 Preview Is Available: Know How To Upgrade?

By Brooke M. Perry

Recently Microsoft announced the release of an update to its latest Windows 8 OS to redress the reiterating grievances of the users from all over the world. The preview of the update - Windows 8.1 has been released with new features such as Start button, new apps, advanced browser and others. Microsoft promises a lot to offer with the new update but if you don't know how to upgrade your existing Windows 8 PC then you won't be able to enjoy those features.

In this article you will find tips that will help you upgrade your Windows 8 PC to Windows 8.1. However, it is very easy to upgrade for Windows 8 users but even those who are not using it can enjoy Windows 8.1. They can use a downloadable .ISO disk image file of Windows 8.1 for upgrading their existing Windows OS. The tips discussed in this article have been provided keeping in view the existing Windows 8 users.

There is a slight concern for Windows RT tablet users as they wouldn't be allowed to downgrade to Windows 8 once they upgrade to Windows 8.1. The Windows Pro and Windows Media Center users need to acknowledge that the Media Center will be retained if you upgrade the OS through the Windows Store. Users would also require to reinstall the Media Center if you upgrade the OS using an ISO file.

Below discussed are the steps to upgrade your Windows 8 PC to Windows 8.1:

Make sure that system requirements are duly met

The minimum system requirement listed by Microsoft for Windows 8.1

• CPU: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster
• Memory: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
• Free hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit), and
• GPU: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver.

Back up your PC

If you have some important files either personal or related to the existing operating system, then you are advised to take complete backup of your PC. For backing up your PC you can use Windows' Recovery Drive feature or any other third party tool such as Acronis Backup & Recovery.

Choose between Windows Store and ISO

Although there are two ways of upgrading Windows 8 OS but doing it through Windows Store is more convenient. Another option to upgrade the OS is to download an ISO file and then create a bootable DVD or USB drive by using the file. If you upgrade it by booting the ISO file, the Windows settings, personal files and apps will be lost forever. But don't worry as you don't have any threat of data and settings loss if you are upgrading the OS from the Windows Store.

Enable the update

Use the below mentioned URL for starting the process of OS upgrade. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/preview-download

By using the above link you can easily download the Windows 8.1 Preview that can be installed on your PC.

Once you open the link you will land on to an update page. Here you need to click or touch the 'Get the update' button. This will trigger the downloading of a very small .msu file that will bring the update on the Windows Store. Now you can choose to download and then run the program or just open the program.

Above discussed are the tips that help you upgrade your existing Windows 8 PC to Windows 8.1. Although these tips are self-explanatory and sufficient in themselves still you may face issues during installation. If you come across something which you are not able to resolve at your own end then you are recommended to call any reputed tech support service provider.

About the Author : Brooke M. Perry is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve online pc support, with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones. With a strong track record of devising effective ways of computer security and system security, she has so far helped thousands of users across the globe. Her writings on tech issues are the reflection of her in-depth interest and command she carries as a computer virus removal technician. Her blogs and articles have been rated high for their lucid style and easy to understand language.

Tweet