Windows 8.1 Update 1

Improve your Windows 8.1 with this pack

Windows 8.1 users can now give their computer system an upgrade with Windows 8.1 Update 1. Like a service pack, this software utility integrates patches and new features that will improve your use of the operating system. With this upgrade, users will be able to take advantage of the more friendly startup screen. But, the real meat of the update is that it restores some of the core functionalities of Windows 7.  

How to get updated

Windows 8.1 users will be happy to know that they can get the update pack for free via Windows Update. This also goes with Windows 8, although you need to get it directly through the Windows Store. To start the process, just click the download button. Then you can run the installation immediately or save the copy to install it at a later time. 

It is important to note, however, that you need to install the patches labeled important, in the order given. For the 64-bit version, you need to install in the following order, KB2919442, KB2932046, KB2919355, KB2938439, KB2937592. If you have a 32-bit machine, on the other hand, you can try KB2919442, KB2932046, KB2919355, KB2938439, KB2937592. Last, but not the least, the ARM links are KB2919442, KB2932046, KB2919355, KB2938439, KB2937592.

Users must note that KB2919442 is a prerequisite for Windows 8.1 Update and should be installed before attempting to install KB2919355. 

Friendlier startup screen

Windows 8.1 Update 1 aims to make your computer’s startup screen a little friendlier. The update adds the much-requested Power and Search buttons to the Start screen. It now allows you to find the options to shut down, restart, or hibernate your computer without you looking for the options on various windows. With this update, you can find these buttons directly and easily via Start Screen.

More so, you can now directly boot into desktop. While you can do it on your Windows 8.1, it was not enabled by default. Also, the operating system was still booting directly to Start Screen. By installing the Windows 8.1 Update 1, the direct boot into desktop will be enabled by default for selected devices, like desktops and laptops.

To make your computer use even easier, Windows 8.1 Update 1 will now allow you to pin Metro apps to the taskbar. Now you don’t have to find them in the Start Screen whenever you need to use them. You can pin these apps, as well as websites, to the taskbar so that you could launch them directly from your desktop. You can even switch from app to app easily by simply moving the cursor to the bottom edge of your screen. 

Furthermore, once you have installed and run the Windows 8.1 Update 1 on your computer system, you can get the right-click context menu on Start Screen tiles. With this, you can perform various operations, such as unpin a tile, pin to taskbar, or change tile size. You can even uninstall the app.

Finally, users won’t have a hard time accessing the Windows Store as it is pinned by default to the taskbar. More, whenever you install a new metro app or a desktop program, the little arrow on the start screen will give you a notification along with their count. Users can also enjoy improvements and UI refinements to Internet Explorer 11.

For a better user experience

Overall Windows 8.1 Update 1 is a great patch to have if you are a long-time Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 user. The new interface changes are a welcome improvement as it makes the user experience easier. More, it seemed that Microsoft is trying to fix all issues and annoyance that Windows 8/8.1 have. The installation process may be a bit strict and intimidating, but once you get past that, you can enjoy better usability.