Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 is a version of the Windows NT operating system made by Microsoft. It came out in 2013, a little after Windows 8. People could get it for free if they already had Windows 8 or Windows RT by downloading it from the Windows Store. There was also a server version called Windows Server 2012 R2.

Windows 8.1 was made to fix some problems with Windows 8. It made the Start screen better and added more ways to arrange windows. It also made it easier to use OneDrive, added a visible Start button back, and let users choose to see their desktop when they start the computer.

The update also supported new technologies like very sharp screens, 3D printing, easy wireless connections using Wi-Fi Direct, and Miracast for sharing a computer screen with a TV. People liked Windows 8.1 better than Windows 8 because of these changes. Windows 8.1 was replaced by Windows 10 in 2015, and support for it ended in 2023.

History

In early 2013, there were rumors about updates to Microsoft's products, including Windows 8. These updates were called "Blue." Microsoft planned to make updates more often to meet customer needs.

In May 2013, Microsoft announced that "Blue" would be called Windows 8.1. A public test version was released in June 2013. The final version became available for computers on August 27, 2013, and for the public on October 17, 2013. This update included many changes to make the system better and easier to use.

Update

In April 2014, Microsoft released the Windows 8.1 Update. This update included all past fixes and added new features. It allowed some apps to run in windows on the desktop and changed the Start menu to mix features from Windows 7 and Windows 8. This update was required to get future fixes for Windows 8.1.

Distribution

Microsoft called Windows 8.1 an "update" for Windows 8 instead of an "upgrade". To keep getting help and new updates after January 12, 2016, people needed to update to Windows 8.1.

People with regular versions of Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows RT could update for free using the Windows Store. Big companies, TechNet or MSDN members, and Windows 8 Enterprise users needed special files and steps to update. This needed a special product key for Windows 8.1.

Updating through the Windows Store meant each computer had to download a big file, about 2–3.6 GB. This file could only be used once per computer and needed a special product key. Starting July 1, 2014, Microsoft made it easier to update with an automatic download.

Windows 8 was also sold in stores as Windows 8.1 for people who didn’t already have Windows 8. The store copies of Windows 8.1 could be used on any computer. Microsoft made this change because people asked for it, to give users more choice. The price stayed the same.

Windows 8.1 with Bing was a cheaper version of Windows 8.1 that started in May 2014. It was made to help make lower-cost Windows devices. Bing was set as the default search engine in Internet Explorer, but users could still change it themselves. Otherwise, it worked the same as the regular Windows 8.1.

New and changed features

Windows 8.1 made many changes, especially to how the screen looks, based on suggestions from people who used Windows 8.

The Start screen got several improvements, like a bigger "All Apps" list, different sizes for tiles, and colorful tiles for programs. You can now change the look with new colors and backgrounds. Apps are not added to the Start screen automatically when you install them. You can snap up to four apps on one screen, depending on your screen size. Apps can also work better when turned sideways. The lock screen can show a picture that changes, and there is a quick way to open the Camera app. The on-screen keyboard shows more word suggestions to help you type.

To make the desktop easier to use, a visible Start button was added back to the taskbar. There is also a menu with options like shutting down or signing out. Users can change some settings, like going to the desktop when you turn on the computer. An interactive guide was added to help people learn how to use Windows 8.

Windows 8.1 changed some of the default apps. The PC Settings now include more options, and the Windows Store was updated. The Mail app has new features, and the Camera app can now create panoramic pictures. New apps like Calculator, Food and Drink, Health and Fitness, and Sound Recorder were added.

Windows 8.1 works better with Microsoft's services like OneDrive, which helps keep files and settings in sync. A new search system uses Bing to find information online and on your computer. The messaging app was replaced with Skype, and Internet Explorer 11 was added with new features.

Windows 8.1 also added better security features, like device encryption for protecting data, improved fingerprint recognition, and a new kiosk mode. It supports newer hardware features such as 3D printing, Wi‑Fi Direct for connecting devices, and better scaling for high-resolution screens.

Removed features

Main article: List of features removed in Windows 8

Some tools and features were removed from Windows 8.1. For example, the old way to copy and save files, called Backup and Restore, was taken out. Also, the tool that showed how well your computer works, called Windows Experience Index, is no longer shown, though it still works in another way.

A few apps that could connect to online services were changed. The Photos app can no longer show pictures from Facebook, Flickr, or OneDrive. Instead, each service must have its own app. The Messaging app, which used to work with Windows Live Messenger and Facebook Chat, was replaced with a Skype app. The Calendar app now only works with Microsoft services like Outlook.com and Microsoft Exchange, and can no longer show Google Calendar.

Reception

Windows 8.1 was liked better than Windows 8 by many people. Some reviewers thought it still needed more apps and felt awkward to use with a mouse and keyboard. But they liked changes like better ways to arrange windows and more options to change the Start screen.

Others said some parts still didn’t work well together, like sending an email from the desktop without another program. But they praised improvements in other apps and the system’s search. Some people were also concerned about privacy, noting that Windows 8.1 made it harder to use a local account not tied to a Microsoft account and that some search information was sent to Microsoft.

Market share

Windows 8.1 had a small share of users. In February 2025, only 0.31% of computers used it. Its highest share was 13.12% in June 2015, compared to Windows 8’s highest share of 8.02% in September 2013.