Windows 8.1 Update 1 now available for download

During last week's BUILD developers conference, Microsoft unveiled its latest changes to the Windows operating system with Windows 8.1 Update 1. Designed with the desktop user in mind, the release offers a bunch of optimization features for those using the traditional keyboard-and-mouse set-up. Now the Windows 8.1 Update 1 is available to download for free on your Windows 8.1 devices through Windows Update.

Getting the update should be pretty straightforward for Windows 8 users, but since there are two ways of getting it done, we will have the steps in place for your convenience.

Before you get started., make sure you download the free Windows 8.1 update from the Windows Store.

		Windows 8.1 Update 1 - Here's all you need to know
		Microsoft officially announced their first major update for Windows 8.1 at BUILD 2014. The new update introduces new features which closer bring the Modern UI experience and Desktop experience together by enabling desktop elements in the Modern UI for mouse and keyboard users.

Keyboard and Mouse Users

1. Right click on your Windows Start button and select Control Panel
   
   
   
   
   
2. Click on System and Security, then Windows Update
   
   
   
   
   
3. Finally click on Install Updates and wait for Windows to download and install app the updates.
   
   
   
4. Once the updates are installed, you should be running Windows 8.1 Update 1

Touch Device Users

Since Windows 8.1 Update 1 was built with keyboard users in mind, touch device users wont get as many visual enhancements. However the update still brings several improvements and can be downloaded using the following steps.

1. Open the Charms bar by swiping from the rightmost side of your touchscreen. (Start+C button combinations on your keyboard) and click on Settings.
   
   
2. Now click on Change PC settings which can be found at the bottom of the panel
   
   
3. Select Update and recovery > Windows Update and Check Now.
   
   
4. Once the updates are found, select Install Updates and wait for Windows to install the necessary updates.

Keep in mind that the update roll-out will be gradual, so it may be a couple of days before the update is available for your device. If you dont feel like waiting, you could consider manually downloading and installing the update using the following links.

[NOTE] But keep in mind to download the right ones for your system, which is based on x86 (32-bit) / x64 (64-bit) or ARM.

Download Windows 8.1 Update 1 for x86 (32-bit):

• KB2919355
• KB2919442
• KB2932046
• KB2937592
• KB2938439
• KB2949621-v2 (install only if you’re running Windows Server 2012 R2)

Download Windows 8.1 Update 1 for x64 (64-bit)

• KB2919355
• KB2919442
• KB2932046
• KB2937592
• KB2938439
• KB2949621-v2 (install only if you’re running Windows Server 2012 R2)

Download Windows 8.1 Update 1 for ARM based PCs:

• KB2919355
• KB2919442
• KB2932046
• KB2937592
• KB2938439

Have you installed the Windows 8.1 Update 1 on your device? Leave us a comment and let us know your favorite feature with the update.