This update, previously referred to as Windows 8.1 Update 1 and Windows 8 Spring Update, is free for all Windows 8 owners. If you’re running Windows 8.1, you must install this update to receive security patches that were released after April 8, 2014. The update includes a number of user interface changes, especially for those using Windows with a keyboard and/or a mouse. For basic OS information, like system requirements, see our Windows 8 article. Check our Windows 8.1 summary for more on Microsoft’s first major update to this version of Windows.
Windows 8.1 Update Release Date
Windows 8.1 Update was first made publicly available on April 8, 2014, and is currently the most recent major update to Windows 8. Microsoft isn’t planning a Windows 8.1 Update 2 or Windows 8.2 update. New Windows features, when they’re developed, are provided with other updates on Patch Tuesday. Windows 11 is the most recent version of Windows available, and we recommend that you update to this version of Windows if you can. Microsoft is unlikely to improve upon Windows 8 in the future.
Download Windows 8.1 Update
To upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 8.1 Update for free, visit Windows Update and apply the update named Windows 8.1 Update (KB2919355) or Windows 8.1 Update for x64-based Systems (KB2919355). While more complicated, you also have the option of upgrading manually from Windows 8.1 to Windows 8.1 Update via the downloads linked here:
Windows 8.1 Update (KB2919355) for 64-bit Windows 8.1 Windows 8.1 Update (KB2919355) for 32-bit Windows 8.1
If you haven’t yet updated to Windows 8.1, you’ll need to do that first. See our How to Update to Windows 8.1 tutorial for more help. Once that’s complete, update to Windows 8.1 Update via Windows Update.
Windows 8.1 Update Changes
A number of new interface changes were introduced in Windows 8.1 Update. Below are some changes you might notice:
Adds power and search buttons to the Start screen (on some devices). Booting directly to the Desktop is now the default setting on new installations on non-touch devices. Microsoft Store apps can be pinned to the Desktop taskbar, just like traditional programs. Taskbar is available anywhere the mouse is. Title bar, including close and minimize buttons, is available on Microsoft Store apps. Right-click menu is available for Microsoft Store apps pinned on the Start screen. Microsoft Store app is pinned by default to the taskbar. A “new apps installed” notice on the Start screen after installing new apps.
More About Windows 8.1 Update
While all of our Windows 8 tutorials were written for Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 8.1 Update, the following may be particularly useful if you’re new to Windows 8 as of Windows 8.1 Update:
How to Clean Install Windows 8.1 How to Install Windows 8.1 From a USB Device How to Open Command Prompt in Windows 8.1 How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8.1
You can find all of our Windows 8 and 8.1 installation related tutorials in our Windows How-To area.
