Windows 8.1 Releases to Manufacturing (RTM), General Availability on October 17th, 2013
UPDATE: Windows 8.1 has been released to manufacturing i.e. Windows 8.1 final version (RTM) has been compiled. It’ll be released to public on October 17th through Windows Store. Read below for more details.
Many of us are testing recently released Windows 8.1 Preview version which was released free to public:
Download Windows 8.1 Free Preview
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This Preview version helps you in testing new features and improvements present in Microsoft’s upcoming OS Windows 8.1. Actually Windows 8.1 is an update for Windows 8 and Windows RT OS. It’ll fix many annoyances and issues present in Windows 8 and will try to make Windows 8 a perfect OS for Desktops as well as Tablets.
But the free Windows 8.1 Preview version is just a testing build which might contain bugs and issues. That’s why its not recommended to use it as a primary OS at the moment. There are many people who are waiting for final RTM release of Windows 8.1 so that they can install it in their computer systems.
We told you earlier that Microsoft may announce Windows 8.1 final RTM version release in the end of August 2013 and guess what, we were right.
Today Microsoft has announced at official Windows blog that Windows 8.1 development has been finished i.e. Windows 8.1 has been released to manufacturing. Windows 8.1 RTM copies have been given to OEM partners so that they can install it on new devices.
General Availability (GA) date has also been announced. Windows 8.1 will be available as a free update for Windows 8 users on 04:00am October 17th through Windows Store.
Windows 8.1 will be available at retail and on new devices starting on October 18th.
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MSDN and TechNet subscribers will also get their Windows 8.1 RTM downloads ready on October 18.
will my product key for windows 8 still work for a install of 8.1. i am running 8.1 b now, and as i understand it i will have to perform a complete reinstall of windows 8.1 rtm. i am fairly certain my key will work fine, but will i have to perform a complete reinstall (loss of all programs) or can we just update to rtm?
^^ Following article will help you:
https://www.askvg.com/faq-things-to-know-before-downloading-or-installing-windows-8-1-preview/
thank you pointing me in the right direction
Hi!
I really like how you spend your valuable time by providing us with that important information. And most of the time, you are the first to inform us. Thank you very much Sir!
Hey there, Windows 8.1 is really going to be good as it will come with all bugs fixed and performance benefits but I still not see growth of Windows 8 RTM OS in India. Surface is doing good only in US I think. I hope Windows 8.1 comes out quickly.
Very nice information. I am using 8.1. so far no problem.
I upgraded my Laptop to Windows 8 professional from Windows 7, I was wondering when we might get the 8.1 upgrade, and is it free?
^^ Most probably in October. Of course free for Windows 8 users.
Windows 8.1 aka Blue… no wait, Windows 8 in general.
do i like it? the answer is no. do I need it? no. do i want it? no.
i dont care how fast it is, or how improved it is, but Win7 is the most superior OS, works just fine, and is enough for me.
@Patrick
If you don’t like it, then just stick to Windows 7
In Norway we get Windows 8.1 October 17 01:00 pm.
Fantastic news for windows users, steve ballmer is retiring in 12 months , hooray.
Let’s try on October. Thanks for informing us time-2-time. I’d say you’re the best,
Hey VG , check out … In Windows 8.1 RTM available for MSDN Users , Windows Store Version Still Remains 1.0.0.0 …. Microsoft should consider this before they release final update on October 18….
^^ Its not necessary that they upgrade the file version. It might be done intentionally.
should i upgrade my windows 8 Pro with media center to windows 8.1 ???
^^ Of course. Windows 8.1 is a must have update for Windows 8 users.