In this tutorial, we will talk about the different editions you can buy, hardware requirements, and how to buy or upgrade Windows 8.1.

Windows 8.1. Editions and prices

Windows 8.1 was released as an update for Windows 8 in October 2013. There are three main editions (variants) of Windows 8.1:

• Windows 8.1- This is the standard version, works on desktops, laptops and some tablets.
• Windows 8.1 Pro that allows you to use important features of Windows 8.1, as well as some additional functions, intended for experienced users... For example, people who need more protection for their data can use BitLocker to encrypt their files.
• Windows RT 8.1 installed on most tablets, this release can be used on some laptops and netbooks. Windows RT comes pre-loaded installed version Microsoft Office known as Office RT, which is optimized for touch screens.

On new computers, or laptops you buy, Windows 8.1. can be pre-installed. If you would like to upgrade your current computer to version 8.1, you can purchase Windows 8.1 for RUB 5,990, or Windows 8.1 Pro for RUB 9,990. You can purchase any version from the store or directly from the Microsoft website.

What's the difference between Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1?

You cannot install standard programs for desktop computers on Windows RT 8.1. Although Windows RT gives you access to the desktop, you can only use it for Office RT and customize certain settings. If you want to install and use traditional programs on your computer, for example, Adobe photoshop or QuickBooks - you need a device (computer, tablet, laptop, netbook) running Windows 8.1 or 8.1 Pro.

Windows 8.1 Tablets

If you want to use Windows 8.1 on a tablet, you need to buy a tablet with Windows 8.1 preinstalled, for example, Microsoft Surface... Other manufacturers also sell tablets that use Windows 8.1. Keep in mind that many tablets have Windows RT 8.1 installed, which means you won't be able to install desktop software.

Windows 8.1 requirements

Before upgrading to Windows 8.1, you need to make sure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements. Microsoft's requirements are as follows:

• 1 GHz (gigahertz) processor or faster. Your processor will be either 32 bits or 64 bits, and 64-bit processors will have more stringent hardware requirements (see below).
• 1GB (gigabyte) of RAM (for 32-bit) or 2GB of RAM (for 64-bit).
• 16GB of free hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit).
• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher DirectX 9 driver.
• Screen resolution is not less than 1024 × 768 pixels.

Note that this minimum requirements ... If you are using your computer for games or other more powerful applications, you may need a faster processor with more RAM, or with a more powerful video card.

The good news is that Windows 8 has the same requirements as Windows 7, so if you upgrade to Windows 7, you shouldn't have any problems with Windows 8. If you want to upgrade to Vista or XP, you should check system information your computer, whether it meets the above requirements.

Viewing information about your computer:

To make sure your computer meets the requirements for Windows 8, you can view information about your computer by going to Control Panel.

Software Compatibility

For the software to work, it must be compatible with the operating system. Thus, you cannot use all existing programs if you switch to another operating system... Before upgrading to Windows 8, check if your computer has the required software to work, and then check the compatibility software and OS.

If you are upgrading to Windows 7 or Vista, most of your applications will work. However, if you are using an older version like Windows XP, there is a good chance that some of your applications will not be compatible with Windows 8. Simple search Google will often be enough to find out if an app is compatible with Windows 8.

How to upgrade from Windows 7 to 8.1

We pre-record the distribution of the 8.1 system to disk and go into our seven, as usual. Launching the laser CD double tap to the logical device icon in the explorer.

The installation procedure will start.

In the next form, we will be offered to download and install updates to speed up the update process. Let's agree with this and install them.

At the next iteration, you will see a form with the acceptance of the license agreement. Since the agreement is no different from the standard one, we press the button for accepting the license terms and put the corresponding checkbox in advance.

However, there may be several warnings, which the installer will certainly notify you about.

Now click "Install" and wait 10-15 minutes until all files from the installation disk are copied to the HDD.

During installation, the computer will restart several times, so do not be surprised or afraid that something is not going according to plan.

When everything is ready, the familiar personalization window will appear on the display, where we will be asked to choose the shade we like from a number of color presets.

This instruction will help renew operating system Windows8 before Windows 8.1... We will help you on our own, without calling computer wizard, updating your operating system is easy, fast and simple.

Upgrading to Windows 8.1

Before upgrading to Windows 8.1

1. Make sure your current operating system supports upgrade to Windows 8.1.
2. Please note that some functions Windows 8.1 may be disabled or unavailable due to the different hardware configuration of the equipment. Features that are disabled or unavailable may include:
- multi-touch input

3. It is also worth conducting a small revision of the installed programs and some software may need to be removed or updated before executing upgrades to Windows 8.1... Otherwise, during the update, the update may fail.
4. Be sure to back up all critical files and data to an external device.

Device requirements for Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 suitable for computers that support Windows 8
The minimum configuration that Windows 8.1 can boot on is:
Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or more
RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
Free hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit
Graphics adapter (video card): Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver.
Note:
To use sensory capabilities systems Windows 8.1 You need a tablet or monitor that supports multi-touch technology.
To access Windows Store to download and run applications, you need active connection to the Internet. In this case, the screen resolution should be at least 1024 x 768 pixels... To bind apps, you need a screen resolution already at least 1366 x 768 pixels.

Windows 8.1 upgrade procedures

Microsoft offers two methods upgrades to Windows 8.1:
- update from old version Windows
Moreover, all data and installed programs will remain.
-clean installation.
Moreover, there will be removed all programs and settings.

Upgrading to Windows 8.1

Step 1. Start your computer normally.
Step 2. Insert the disc with Windows 8.1 into the DVD drive.
Step 3. Reboot the computer from the update disk.
To do this, when loading the appearance of the BIOS logo of your motherboard(or white labels on a black background) immediately go to the Boot menu (the keyboard button used to go to the Boot menu may vary depending on the motherboard model - usually F8 or F10). Select the DVD drive as the boot device. After that, the computer will be booted from the disk Windows 8.1 updates.
Step 4. After booting from the disk, run the program Windows installations 8.1 :
- Select your language and other options, then click the button Further.
- On the page Installing Windows press the button Install.
- On the Product Key page, you need to enter your 25-character product key ... Click the button Further.
- Check the box on the page with the license I accept the license terms and press the button Accept.
- On the Select Installation Type page, click Custom: Windows installation only (for advanced users).
- Select a section for Windows 8.1 installations and follow the further instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
.

Clean install of Windows 8.1

Step 1. Install the installation DVD with Windows 8.1 into the drive.
Step 2. Run Windows 8.1 setup wizard(If the autorun function is disabled for you, go to the disk and run the SETUP.EXE file).
Step 3. On the page with the license, check the box I accept the license terms and press the button Accept.
Step 4. Follow the further instructions on the screen to complete upgrades to Windows 8.1.
Step 5. After the installation is complete, your operating system Windows will be updated to Windows versions 8.1 .

Hello everyone! If for some reason you have disabled automatic updating in Windows 8.1 and, accordingly, the operating system is not updated, and you have a situation when you need to install some specific update (for example, it is necessary for a game or for a program), but you do not know how to do this, then this material will be useful to you, since in it I will tell you in detail how you can manually install the update on Windows 8.1.

So let's get started. I will install the update on a 64-bit operating system Windows 8.1, it is in my edition " Professional».

As an example, I will be installing the very important cumulative update KB2919355 ( what is this update you can read). The presence of this update in the system is mandatory for all future updates.

Where and how to download the update for Windows 8.1?

In order to download an update, you first need to know exactly what kind of update you need, i.e. for example, in our case it is KB2919355 for 64-bit Windows 8.1.

It is recommended to download updates for the Windows operating system only from the official Microsoft download center, so in order to find the update you need, go to the official Microsoft website - https://www.microsoft.com/en-ru/.

Then, simply in the search bar on the site, enter the update number, preferably indicating the bitness of the operating system, in our case it would be possible to write “ KB2919355 X64". Further in the search results in the section " Downloadable files»You will find a link to the download page.

Of course, you could use the usual search engine on the Internet, but in this case there is a chance to get to another site, which will offer to download some wrong update, or there will simply be a bunch of advertisements.

Here Official page Download update KB2919355 for 64-bit Windows 8.1.

After switching to the page, you can immediately click " Download».

Then, since this is a set of updates, it is necessary to select all updates, and they will need to be installed in a certain order, but we will talk about this a little below, click " Next».

As a result, all the marked files will be downloaded and you can proceed to their installation.

Installing update KB2919355 for 64-bit Windows 8.1

This update includes 7 files, each of which must be run and installed in the following order:

1. clearcompressionflag.exe;
2. Windows8.1-KB2919355-x64.msu;
3. Windows8.1-KB2932046-x64.msu;
4. Windows8.1-KB2959977-x64.msu;
5. Windows8.1-KB2937592-x64.msu;
6. Windows8.1-KB2938439-x64.msu;
7. Windows8.1-KB2934018-x64.msu.

Step 1

First, we run the clearcompressionflag.exe program, it simply prepares the operating system to install updates.

Step 2

Now let's move on to installing the most important update, i.e. run the file Windows8.1-KB2919355-x64.msu... First, the screen will inform you that the Windows Update Standalone Installer is preparing the installation.

If you receive the following message, it means that you have not installed the obligatory update KB2919442, in order to continue it you must install ( it is installed in the same way as all other updates in this material).

Step 3

If all is well, then you will immediately see a window in which you must confirm the installation of the update KB2919355, click " Yes».

As a result, the installation of the update will begin.

Step 4

After some time, the update installation program will ask you to restart your computer, click " Reboot now».

During the reboot, the update will continue.

As soon as the computer is fully loaded, the installation of the KB2919355 update will be completed.

Installing updates KB2932046, KB2959977, KB2937592, KB2938439, KB2934018

All other updates that we downloaded are installed in the same way as the KB2919355 update, so I will not describe the entire installation process for all these updates, the only thing I will show is screenshots of the installation process.

Installing update KB2932046

This is a pack of new features for the Windows 8.1 operating system. After installing the update, you will need to reboot the system.

Installing update KB2959977

Update for Windows 8.1. This update also requires a system restart.

Installing update KB2937592

Another package of new Windows functions 8.1.

Installing update KB2938439

A package of new operating system functions. After installation, you will need to reboot the system.

Installing update KB2934018

Also a pack of new features in Windows 8.1. You will need to reboot the system again.

After installing all the updates, you can go to Windows Update ( Control Panel -> Windows Update -> View Update Log) and see what updates are installed on your system.

That's all for me, I hope the material was useful to you, so far!

Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, based on Windows 8 and Windows RT systems, deliver improved settings, search, Windows app store, and cloud connectivity, and offer the security and reliability you've come to expect from Windows.

A computer running Windows 8 and Windows RT can be upgraded to Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 for free. Unlike previous Windows updates, you can get this update from the Windows Store.

Before starting Windows update

The system requirements for Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 are almost the same as those for Windows 8 - If your computer is already running Windows 8 (or Windows RT), in most cases you can get a free upgrade to Windows 8.1 (or Windows RT 8.1) ...

Before you start, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

• Files, desktop apps, accounts, and settings will be preserved. Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 include several new built-in apps that will be used to update or replace some of the existing built-in apps. Existing apps in the Windows Store will not be saved, but when the update is complete, you can reinstall all apps or just some of them.
• Consider using a Microsoft account to sign in to your computer. If you are already using a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 8 and Windows RT, use the same account to sign in to Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1.

  Otherwise, we recommend that you start using a Microsoft account on the Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 operating system. It provides interaction for many useful functions new Windows operating system: downloading applications from the Store, automatic synchronization settings and documents between computers, backup photos in the cloud to access them from anywhere and display all contacts from various accounts Email and social networks using the "Contacts" and Mail application.

  If you already have Account Outlook.com, Xbox LIVE, Windows Phone, or Skype programs, this means you already have a Microsoft account. If you use multiple accounts, the system will help you determine which email address to use.

• During the update process, you can continue to work, Download and installation can take from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the speed of the Internet connection and the speed of the computer configuration, but you can continue to use the computer while installing updates in the background. If you want to leave your computer unattended, remember to pre-save the work results and close all open applications in case you need to automatically restart your computer when you are away from it. After a reboot, you will not be able to use your computer for some time (approximately 20 minutes to an hour) while the updates are applied. After completing this step, you will be guided through a few basic options and then Windows will perform any final updates that are required.

Preparing your computer for a Windows update

Before starting the installation, you need to do a few things:

1. Back up your files. Although your files and applications are preserved when you upgrade to Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, it's worth ensuring that a backup is performed first.
2. Connect portable computer or the device to a power source. It is important that during the update, the computer is always connected to a power source, as a loss of power before the completion of this process can lead to the fact that the update will not be installed correctly.
3. Connect to the internet. This is not necessary, but it is recommended that the connection be established before the update is complete. Otherwise, you will have to re-establish the connection to complete the installation.
4. Get the latest critical and important updates... Some updates may be required to install Windows 8.1. In most cases Latest updates are installed automatically by the service Windows Update... However, if it didn't work for you automatic updates you have to manually check for updates or if you want to check when the latest updates are installed you can do so via windows service Update.

Getting free updates

All is ready? You can now download the free update from the Windows online store.

Note: If the installation is interrupted for any reason, you can restart the update from where you left off. To do this, go back to the Store and download the update again.

Computer restart

After downloading and completing the first stage of the installation (which can take from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on your system and connection speed), a message will appear asking you to restart your computer.

Before the computer restarts, you will have 15 minutes to shut down, save the results, and close applications. You can also restart your computer yourself.

Important:

• If you want to step away from your computer before it's ready to restart, be sure to save your work and exit any applications you're using to make sure you don't lose anything when you restart your computer. You may need to restart your computer more than once, depending on how it is configured.

Selecting settings

License terms

After restarting the computer, the Microsoft software licensing terms are displayed. Review these statements and then click or click I accept to continue. If you do not agree with the provisions, the installation of Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 will be canceled and the computer will be restored to Windows 8 and Windows RT.

Express setup

Any of these parameters can be changed later, after the installation is complete. To change into this moment for some of these options, click the Customize button.

For more information, press the key or select more information about the options. To see how these settings affect the privacy of your information, click or click Privacy policy.

Login to the system

You will then be prompted to log in.

If you are already using a Microsoft account to log into Windows 8 and Windows RT, the "account name" will be filled in automatically. If so far used local recording, sign in with your account, and then you will be asked to create a Microsoft account that you can use to sign in to your computer after the update is complete.

If you already have a Microsoft account

Enter e-mail address Microsoft account (if applicable) and password.

You will be sent a security code to an alternate email address or phone number configured for this account. You must enter this code to confirm that the account belongs to you.

This will help protect your account and devices when you use confidential information... If no alternate data has been configured for the account, you will be prompted to enter it at this point.

Notes (edit):

• If you have more than one Microsoft account, you can get help determining which email address to use for your Microsoft account.
• If you used a Microsoft account to log on to the computer before installing Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, you may not need to enter a security code.

To create a new Microsoft account

1. Please select Create a new account.
2. You will be prompted to select the email address that you want to use as your Microsoft account. This can be any e-mail address you use, not necessarily an address received from Microsoft... Enter the email address you use most often. It will be used to configure the Mail & Contacts application.
3. Enter the password you want to use and fill in the rest of the information, including your first name, last name, and country or region.
4. You will be prompted for an additional email address or telephone number, which will allow you to contact you by e-mail, phone or SMS. This will help protect your account and devices when you use sensitive information with this account. When you enter this information, we will send you an email with a security code that you must enter in order to verify that the account belongs to you.

OneDrive Cloud Log

If this is your first time setting up your computer with using Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, there will be new OneDrive features.

If you already have another computer with Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 operating system and settings mail on that computer, OneDrive settings are also synced between the two computers and this screen may not appear.

• Photos taken on this computer are saved in the camera folder on your computer, and each photo is automatically backed up to OneDrive.
• When you create new document, by default, it is saved to OneDrive. However, you can always save individual documents locally or on another drive.
• Windows system will store backup PC settings in OneDrive. If something happens to your computer and you need to replace it, the settings recorded in the cloud can be easily transferred to new computer.

Any of these settings can be changed later in the computer settings. If you want to turn off all these settings, click the button Disable these OneDrive settings (not recommended).

Welcome to the new Windows system

A new standby screen appears.

Desktop apps are retained when you upgrade to Windows 8.1, but you need to reinstall apps from the Windows Online Store.

You can view all available applications from the Windows online store in the section Your apps in the Store... From this location, you can select the applications you want to install on your upgraded computer, or install them all at the same time.

To reinstall apps from the Online Store

1. On start screen press the on-screen Store button to open the Windows Store.
2. Swipe down from the top of the screen, or right-click and then press the key or select Applications.
3. Install all the apps you want to install and click or tap the Install button.

Notes (edit):

• You can also reinstall apps on the screen by tapping or clicking a tile.
• You don't have to wait for the app installation to complete. They will be installed in the background while you can do other things.

1. Hello admin, I have a laptop with Windows 8, I'm thinking of updating it to the final Windows 8.1... You yourself have probably been updated for a long time? Tell me how are impressions of new windows 8.1? First of all, I am interested in the installed programs. After the update, do they all work, or do some of them refuse to start? At one time, I updated my Windows 8 to a trial Windows 8.1 Preview and observed small glitches in the work that I did not like. In the final Windows 8.1, I think everything was fixed. If I upgrade to Windows 8.1 and I don't like something, is there any way I can get Windows 8 back? And I also know that I need to update through Windows store, but when I enter there, for some reason there is no suggestion to upgrade my Windows 8 to Windows 8.1.
2. Tell me, how can I update Windows 7 to the final Windows 8.1 for free. Installed Windows 7 do I have a license and even have a key from it?
3. Hi, what if I don't have a Windows 8 disk and don't have a key either. But I want to install myself the final Windows 8.1 and work in it in trial (test) mode. How to do it?
4. Question - I have a license disk with Windows 8, there is a key on the back of the box. Should I first install Windows 8 and enter the key, and then upgrade to Windows 8.1 or immediately install Windows 8.1 and enter the key from Windows 8 in it? But where can I then get the installation Windows disk 8.1?
5. I can't upgrade to Windows 8.1, what should I do?

How to upgrade Windows 8 to the final Windows 8.1

Hello friends, I answer all letters first briefly, and then in detail and with screenshots.
1) I also have installed on one of my computers Windows 8 and we will very easily update it to the final Windows 8.1... But I want to say this - before upgrading to Windows 8.1, be sure, if you don't like something about new system, you will not return Windows 8 by simple recovery.

2) If you want to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 8.1, then you won't be able to do this for free, you need to follow this link to the official Microsoft website

Next, right-click on Windows 8.1 and run the update wizard, during the update you will be made Windows purchase 8.1. If you have already purchased a Windows 8.1 disc with license key then when updating, just enter this key.

3) If you do not have a disk with Windows 8 and you don’t have a license key either, but you want to install the final Windows 8.1 for yourself and work in it in trial (test) mode, then read our article. This article explains how to download completely legally from the Microsoft website windows image 8.1 Corporate, you can burn this image to a DVD disc or, well, then install the operating system on your computer.

4) If you want to install Windows 8.1 on a new computer, but you only have installation disk Windows 8 with a license key on the box, then this key will not be suitable for installing Windows 8.1, even if you have a Windows 8.1 installation disc. You first need to install Windows 8, then update it through the Windows store to the final Windows 8.1. Now about everything in detail.

Windows Update 8 to final Windows 8.1

If you have desktop computer or Windows 8 is installed on a laptop and you want to update it to the final Windows 8.1, then left-click on the Start menu and go to the Windows 8 store.

If you have no suggestion to update Windows,

then you have disabled updates in the operating system. Go to the update center and enable updates or click Install updates.

After installing the updates, the long-awaited window will appear " Free upgrade before Windows 8.1,

click on it and in the next window click Download.

The update installation starts and runs in the background.

At this time, you can continue your work in the operating system.
At the end of the update, you will be warned that after 15 minutes the computer will automatically restart. Shut down and reboot.

At this stage of the update, you will have to accept license agreement and agree to use a valid account.
Finally, the final Windows 8.1 is loading!

If you want to know the difference between Windows 8 and the final Windows 8.1, read our little one here.
If you have more questions, you can read the Microsoft Help on Upgrading to Windows 8.1 Frequently Asked Questions

http://windows.microsoft.com/ru-ru/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8