With Windows 8 , Microsoft made a complete policy change regarding its update methods . Until then, the Redmond company had always opted for what was known as “ Service Pack ”, large update packages with which they refined their operating systems, improving their performance, expanding their compatibility and solving everything type of problems that could have and will tarnish the user experience.
However, they dismounted all this and threw it out the window when they launched Windows 8.1 . This review is a free update valid for both Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 . Something that is accessible from the operating system’s own store so that anyone can download and install it without any complications. This facilitates access to a total system improvement that even changes its interface.
Despite the facilities provided by the company, many users do not know how to upgrade to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8 for free . For this reason, we have prepared this complete guide. With it, you can perform this update process quickly and easily, you just have to follow the steps that we indicate to proceed and renew your operating system in minutes.
Index:
Steps to follow to upgrade Windows 8 to the new version 8.1
It is a process that takes place in a short time and, in addition, can be done in several different ways , although the most common is to use the digital store that is available. Here we make clear all the alternatives and procedures available to perform this operating system update.
There are two possibilities when making the jump to update 8.1 of this operating system . If you want to know the steps to follow to install the latest update of Windows 8 to the new version 8.1 both automatically and manually, you just have to keep reading and choose any of the two options with the methods that we explain in the following paragraphs.
How to activate the automatic updates of Windows 8?
If you want to activate Windows 8 updates so that the process is automatic and, therefore, the operating system is renewed and jump to version 8.1, better in details, performance and functions, you must follow the steps that we will explain below point by point:
Download ISO Windows 8.1 latest version
- Go to the Windows Start menu (bottom left) and right-click on it. In the drop-down menu that appears, you must click on “ Control Panel ” to access the device configuration.
- Now, within this panel, you must search through all the sections “System and security” , a category where you can change the values for automated downloads. A new window will open in front of you.
- Inside it, look for “ Windows Update ” and click on it to then click on the section “Change configuration ”. In this way, you can modify its values to choose the one we are looking for.
- In the settings window that appears now, you should look at the top . The automatic update options appear in it, being able to choose any of the following :
- “Install updates automatically”
- “Download updates, but let me choose if I want install them ”
- “ Check for updates, but allow me to choose if I want to download and install them ”
- “ Do not check for updates ”.
- Choose one of the first three (depending on the level of control you want) and you can have updates automatically installed on your device. If you choose option 2 or 3, the operating system will ask you every time there is a novelty to see if you want to install it.
- Without leaving the window, it is also advisable to activate the option “Offer updates recommended in the same way that I receive important updates ” so that Windows also warns you of other revisions that may be of interest to you.
After this, the system will start looking for updates and, among the important ones, will be that of W8.1 . Accept in case I ask for your installation and let it take care of doing the rest of the process in the background. Ready! We will have already taken the step to install this new version of your operating system and we will also be ready for next upgrades.
How to do it manually?
To upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 manually , the process is somewhat more complicated and requires some prior preparation. First of all, it is recommended to make a backup the most important files you have, make sure you have 3 GB free of space , have an internet connection, install previous updates that are important and, if you are with a laptop, connect it to the power adapter.
If you fulfill all these requirements, proceed by following all the steps that we will explain below:
- Enter the Windows 8 Start menu (click on the bottom left) and, once in it, go to the “ Store ”.
- When you’re inside it, just look for the update for Windows 8.1 or, if you wish, for Windows 8.1 RT . Select the one you want from both (if you do it from a tablet, better use the RT option) and click on “ Download ”.
- If you have completed all the steps explained before entering the store, the manager will start downloading this patch and proceed with its installation automatically. Otherwise, you will have to meet the requirements that appear on the screen (free up space, install missing important updates or even connect the charger, among many others).
Download update KB2871389 for Windows 8 (32-bit)
Download update KB2871389 for Windows 8 (64-bit)
If there is a failure during the process, you can re-download the installer and retry from the Windows 8 store. When everything is finished, a message will appear that you should restart your computer so that all changes are applied. Do it and wait, since this restart will take much longer because the team must apply all the changes in this patch.
When you log back in, you’ll be on Windows 8.1 . What remains to be done now is to finish making some small configuration settings that are indicated to you on the screen, or that you can even quickly go through using the quick configuration option, and finally, log in to return to use your computer as usual.