How to upgrade to Windows 8.1: options and possibilities

The day has finally arrived, Windows 8.1 hits the market and does so with numerous improvements over Windows 8, such as the ability to to apply themes and motifs in the Metro interface or the lost and missed Start Menu button.

This version is considered an update of Windows 8 and not a new version of the operating system. So Windows 8 users will be able to update directly from the Microsoft App Store, at zero cost.

However, chances are you haven't yet made the jump to Windows 8 or are trying version Preview of 8.1 put more cards in the deck and we are going to tell you what options there are for these users.

Update or new version?

Microsoft considers updating Windows 8.1 and in fact this will reach computers with Windows 8, as an update that users can download and after the relevant reboots your computer will have been perfectly updated with the news that we have already seen on previous occasions.

If this had been an upgrade to a new version of Windows, Microsoft would have checked out all Windows users, similar to how Apple works with OS X.

Microsoft's reasons for treating Windows 8.1 as an update and not as an upgrade have to do with money and the attempt to continue popularizing its new version of the operating system without losing customers.

Previous step, backup

In the face of this type of large-calibre updates, a system backup is always recommended. The reason is simple, once you upgrade to Windows 8.1 there is no going back easy in case you notice any hardware / software incompatibility and you would only be left with the output reinstall from scratch.

With your backup copy you can go back to where your computer was before you applied the update to Windows 8.1.

We are not saying that it is necessary or that Windows 8.1 is not stable or compatible, it is just a recommendation. The popular proverb already says it: prevention is better than cure.

Windows 8 users, how do I download it?

Today, October 17, Microsoft will offer a download link for Windows 8.1, this update is free and will be available via Windows Store.So you only have to enter Windows Store and accept the update You can click this link to access if the update does not appear.

Microsoft may offer a separate download of this update for multi-machine installations or for companies deploying their update systems, but at this time we have no official confirmation on this.

Old Windows users, how do I buy it?

The update Windows 8.1 is free, ok, but it requires a computer with Windows 8 installed, that's why if you come from an operating system other than Windows 8, you will have to pay the license for it, as a Windows upgrade starting from XP onwards.

Microsoft will offer a version of Windows 8 with the Windows 8.1 upgrade integrated, so you can upgrade to Windows 8.1 directly from the ISO / DVD you purchase.

The prices are 119.99 euros for Windows 8.1 and if you want to purchase the Windows 8.1 Pro version you will have to pay 279.99 euros .

Windows 8.1 Upgrade ISO lets you upgrade Windows 7 PCs while keeping your personal files even though you'll have to reinstall your apps. Users with Windows XP or Vista will need to perform a clean installation of the system.

Windows 8.1 Preview users, what about my apps?

If you have tried Windows 8.1 in its test versions, we would like to tell you that updating to Windows 8.1 final is possible, but with a small problem. Your apps will need to be reinstalled.

That is, only can migrate theuser data and settings, both desktop and Modern UI applications have to be reinstalled afterwards.This is the same for Windows 7 users who want to upgrade to Windows 8 / 8.1.

However, if you have Windows 8 you can update naturally while keeping your applications. So, that being said, enjoy Windows 8.1 and we look forward to your first impressions throughout the afternoon.

In Xataka Windows | Windows 8.1, everything you need to know