Windows 8.1 August Update (aka Update 2) Coming on August 12
When Microsoft released Update 1 for Windows 8.1 operating system, people started talking about the next update i.e. Update 2. There were rumors that Microsoft will also release Update 2 for Windows 8.1 which will add many new features to the OS similar to Update 1. It was also said that Microsoft may also put the much awaited Start Menu into Update 2 for Windows 8.1.
Start Menu Will Make a Comeback in Windows 8.1 Updates or Later
But in an official blog post, Microsoft announced that there will be no Update 2 for Windows 8.1. They’ll release smaller updates for Windows 8.1 as a part of their Patch Tuesday program. These updates will include security as well as performance improvements. Some of these updates may also include additional features to improve OS functionality.
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One thing is clear from Microsoft announcement! The company is not in mood to release any big Windows 8.1 update in future. According to Microsoft, rather than waiting for months and delivering a large update for Windows, its better to release smaller updates frequently i.e. every month.
So the so called Update 2 for Windows 8.1 has been labeled as “August Update” for Windows 8.1. It’ll be released on August 12th, 2014 via Windows Update (WU), Microsoft Update (MU) and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
Following are some important features and improvements which will be included in August Update for Windows 8.1:
Precision touch pad improvements:
August update will add 3 new options in user settings to improve touch pad precision:
- Leave touch pad on when mouse is connected
- Allow right-click on the touch pad
- Double-tap and drag
Miracast Receiver:
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August update will provide a set of Wi-Fi direct APIs for Hardware Vendors and OEM companies to develop Windows 32-bit applications that can run on all supported 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) versions of Windows 8.1 and can enable the Windows 8.1 computer as a Miracast receiver.
Also check: How to Use Miracast Wireless Display Feature in Windows 8.1 or Later?
Minimizing login prompts for SharePoint Online:
August update will reduce the number of login prompts while accessing SharePoint Online sites. If the user enables the “Keep me signed in” check box while logging on for the first time, he’ll not see prompts for successive access to that SharePoint Online site.
So get ready to download and install Windows 8.1 August Update (aka Update 2) on August 12…
UPDATE: August update for Windows 8.1 is available for download:
Windows 8.1 August Update (aka Update 2) Now Available for Download
Awesome news. Thanks for always keeping us up to date. 🙂
there are rumors that we have to download the update for 3 GB, if it is true?
Wheres the start menu they announced??????
Well. I was hoping they add an option to something like “Remove 6 New Folders from Windows 8.1 Explorer or This PC” so we all don’t have to do this after every update installation!
Just my sounding…
Pointless Windows 8.1 Update 2 shows Microsoft has given up
Microsoft’s just gonna focus on windows 9
Don’t expect anything big from this update guys.
And they’re probably saving the start menu for windows 9
I meant the next version of windows, after Windows 8
The name might not be “Windows 9” but i was referring to the next version of windows
Hi VG, do you have a guide on how to downgrade Windows 8/8.1 to Windows 7? Thanks! 🙂
^^ I’ll advise you to perform a clean installation of Windows 7. Downgrading to previous OS can cause many problems related to performance and stability.