For our consumer customers, the Windows 8.1 Update is a required update to keep Windows 8.1 devices current. It will need to be installed to receive new updates from Windows Update starting on May 13th.
In a recent blog post Microsoft announced that the original deadline has now been extended for a further 30 days, until June 10th:
While we believe the majority of people have received the update, we recognize that not all have. Having our customers running their devices with the latest updates is super important to us. And we’re committed to helping ensure their safety. As a result, we’ve decided to extend the requirement for our consumer customers to update their devices to the Windows 8.1 Update in order to receive security updates another 30 days to June 10th.
As noted previously, consumer customers who do not update their Windows 8.1 devices to the Windows 8.1 Update by this new deadline will no longer receive updates. <source>
How to Tell if Update 1 Has Been Installed
Failure to install the update has very serious consequences so it’s important to make sure it is installed. Windows 8.1 users who have automatic updates enabled should have received the update via Windows Update already. Trouble is, there is no easy way to verify that the update has actually been installed. The operating system description found under System in Control Panel does not change and does not mention the update.
Windows 8.1 Update 1 was officially released as “Update for Microsoft Windows (KB2919355)”. You may see several instances of this update in your Windows Update history, that’s because Microsoft issued a couple of refinements after the initial delivery. However, you should see only one instance in Control Panel>Programs and Features>View installed updates
If you have any doubts, here are several clues:
- If your PC didn’t boot straight into desktop mode previously it should with update 1 installed
- You should be able see additional icons for “Power Options” and “Search” at top right of the Start Screen adjacent to your user name
- Right clicking on Tiles in the Start Screen should display a menu – as in the following screenshot
If none of these apply to you, then you are not running Windows 8.1 Update 1. Make sure automatic updates is turned on and the update should come through within a few days.
Hi Jim
I’m confused about this 8.1 update, which would be better referred to by Microsoft as Windows 8.2 in my opinion, but that’s by the by.
Am I correct in deducing that if you don’t update to 8.2 (sic) by the deadline of June 10th, you won’t get any more Windows 8 updates or not be eligible for those critical updates?
Now that XP is no longer supported and Microsoft would like those XP users to step aboard their flagship OS and having rammed the security issue down our throats, what is the reasoning behind this policy?
Could it be one small step towards pay as you go Windows?
I must admit to being pretty gobsmacked by this.
Cheers
Marc
Yes, that is 100% correct Marc. Obviously Microsoft is keen to get all Windows 8.1 users on the same version, hence what virtually amounts to blackmail. What the motivation/reasoning behind it might be is anyone’s guess, but it sure would work in well with a subscription based model.
Cheers mate… Jim
So here’s that silly question. What happens to those who need or want to re-start everything from scratch and do not have image backups? Don’t know if image files work correctly when the hard disk is up-sized, Mindblower!
Well, everyone should have image backups MB. 🙂 Seriously, in those cases the user can utilize Windows 8’s Refresh feature: http://www.davescomputertips.com/how-to-perform-a-windows-8-1-refresh/
Most will MB. Macrium, Acronis, Aomei Backupper all support recovery to larger drives.
Cheers mate… Jim
I left my Windows 8 machine at home on 31st March to go abroad I am due back in July some time – way past this 30 day extension. I’ve therefore, not been able to update my Windows 8 to 8.1! So I will be able to answer Mindblower’s question when get home and find out what happens when I get there!
I have not updated from windows 8 to 8.1 because some open source software that I need is not compatible to 8.1
I was planning to remain on windows 8 as I am sure the software I need will get updated in the future. This article is about upgrading windows 8.1 but what about those of us choosing to remain on windows 8.0 for now? Does this mean I wont be able to upgrade to 8.1 in six months time? I wish they would come clean with what they are doing and why they are doing it.
According to a TechNet blog post, in a decision that must go down as one of the most bizarre in Microsoft’s history, this does not apply to Windows 8 users: “For those users who are still using Windows 8 and Windows 2012 (and not Windows 8.1 and Windows 2012 R2) you are unaffected and will continue to receive updates as normal.”
You can check out the full TechNet blog post here: http://blogs.technet.com/b/gladiatormsft/archive/2014/04/12/information-regarding-the-latest-update-for-windows-8-1.aspx
Cheers… Jim
I have one windows 8 machine that is using Classic Shell to bypass the metro start page and it still gets updates. I have no reason to update to 8.1 just to get a start window on my taskbar. Microsoft should have gotten it right the first time. I do know how to reformat and install windows 7. Daniel.
For most people, this must be very confusing.
Some good points have been raised here, in particular if you run several machines and you’re busy travelling for example and are not due back at home base until after the deadline of 10th June.
Too many variables.
The naming convention of these Windows 8 versions is also badly thought out.
Officially, the update to Windows 8.1 is known as Windows 8.1 update. Why nor keep things simple and just call it Windows 8.2?
I see this coming back to bite Microsoft in the rear end.
So, I have just ordered a new Dell laptop computer, but it has not yet shipped. I anticipate receiving it by the end of May, latest. Is it likely to come with W-8.1 U1 already installed? Or will I need to get the update through normal download?
I’m going out on a limb here, but I would say that your laptop will be shipped with 8.0.
I’m confused about this to. It seems odd to support XP for all these years but not windows 8.1 without what people are referring to as “8.1 update 1.” I do recommend the update especially for desktop users but it’s still not right being forced especially this early in its lifetime.
Also to Bill it really depends some new laptops come with 8 some with 8.1 some with 8.1 update 1