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Microsoft Windows 8.1 Goes RTM

Cristian_25H

Cristian_25H

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Today, via a Blogging Windows post, Microsoft has confirmed that both Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 have reached the RTM (release to manufacturing) milestone. This Windows version brings back the Start button and also features Internet Explorer 11, SkyDrive integration, an updated Windows Store experience, DPI scaling improvements (enabling better readability on high-DPI displays), 3D printing support, more customization options, tweaked mouse and keyboard navigation, and a boot-to-desktop option.

Windows 8.1 will become available (to business customers, consumers, as well as MSDN and TechNet subscribers) on October 18th.



View at TechPowerUp Main Site
 
That's a shame. I was hoping there'd be enough time for Lenovo's move to make them pull their heads that last inch out of their asses and give us a real start button.
 
Sweet can't wait to upgrade to it! :)
 
LAN_deRf_HA said:
That's a shame. I was hoping there'd be enough time for Lenovo's move to make them pull their heads that last inch out of their asses and give us a real start button.
Click to expand...

There is, it's called the Start Screen, where you can put everything you need to access without having to traverse folder after folder in the Start Menu. Cleaner and more efficient. Or Charms Bar -> Search -> type what you're looking for and it instantly appears.
 
Looking forward to 8.1 been tempted to use the preview but I can wait.

The only things I'm really looking forward to is the improved search and the ability to get rid of that ugly metro background and have it use just my desktop wallpaper.

Wonder if I can get an RTM download.
 
When is it gonna drop for public consumption?
 
AphexDreamer said:
The only things I'm really looking forward to is the improved search
Click to expand...

Wait, what? Are they bringing back a decent file/folder search interface?
 
That Skydrive is just going to push more people away, people are very paranoid right now over the NSA PRISM program, and including a program that backs up your files to a cloud network that the NSA has ties to isn't going to sit well with some. The German government came out just last week and said they wouldn't use Windows 8/8.1 due to the use of TPM.

On the bright side ZDnet claims a source says that they have finally gotten the "quality metrics" for Windows 8.1 back in line with Windows 7, so there will be fewer crashes and system hangs.
 
TheOne said:
That Skydrive is just going to push more people away, people are very paranoid right now over the NSA PRISM program, and including a program that backs up your files to a cloud network that the NSA has ties to isn't going to sit well with some. The German government came out just last week and said they wouldn't use Windows 8/8.1 due to the use of TPM.

On the bright side ZDnet claims a source says that they have finally gotten the "quality metrics" for Windows 8.1 back in line with Windows 7, so there will be fewer crashes and system hangs.
Click to expand...

You always have the option of creating a local account that doesn't use SkyDrive at all unless you specifically set it up.

Besides, if the average person actually cared about the recent news relating to the NSA and PRISM, then Apple would have a problem convincing people to use iCloud.
 
Dos101 said:
You always have the option of creating a local account that doesn't use SkyDrive at all unless you specifically set it up.

Besides, if the average person actually cared about the recent news relating to the NSA and PRISM, then Apple would have a problem convincing people to use iCloud.
Click to expand...

Most don't see the option for local, and iCloud has been out for years, it's paranoia, PRISM has been working in the back ground of the internet for years, but that hasn't stopped people from running to VPN's and other anonymous services since the reveal.
 
Dos101 said:
There is, it's called the Start Screen, where you can put everything you need to access without having to traverse folder after folder in the Start Menu. Cleaner and more efficient. Or Charms Bar -> Search -> type what you're looking for and it instantly appears.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's not the same thing at all and certainly not more efficient. Third party start button replacements have a long life ahead of them. Their arrogance in insisting to physically take you away from the desktop work environment and scoffing at user feedback is the crap that keeps them relegated to mediocrity. If we're lucky the management shakeup will help next time around.
 
LAN_deRf_HA said:
Yeah that's not the same thing at all and certainly not more efficient. Third party start button replacements have a long life ahead of them. Their arrogance in insisting to physically take you away from the desktop work environment and scoffing at user feedback is the crap that keeps them relegated to mediocrity. If we're lucky the management shakeup will help next time around.
Click to expand...

Agreed.

7 for me until they listen.
 
Anybody been running the BETA?

Is what they claim, better search, really better? I have delayed an OS change for months, in anticipation of an improvement to WIN8.

Have I wasted my time? Can I, Should I, continue to wait for this?

Fortunately, I tend to be lazy on upgrades, or I would be really freaking out about this. As it is, it does seem like the release date has been pushed back a few times. Is there any reason to believe them, this time?
 
Windows 8 just has a lot of unnecessary junk in it.

I moved from Win7Pro to Win8 Pro a couple weeks ago and I am overall pleased with performance and the updated look on the desktop, but I don't use any of the 'extra' features. I just go straight to my desktop where it pretty much functions exactly as 7 did.
 
If only W8 had been delayed a short while and incl. all the stuff in 8.1 (and without all the feet dragging and denial by MS) then perhaps Ballmer could have kept his job. AHAHAHAHAHA
 
They should have different versions of Windows 8

Tablet, W8 pro, W8 Gamer and W8 Ultimate (where u pile all the crap you don't want).
 
suraswami said:
They should have different versions of Windows 8

Tablet, W8 pro, W8 Gamer and W8 Ultimate (where u pile all the crap you don't want).
Click to expand...

Why would you want more pointless grades, I quite like the current system over windows 7, 2 versions is enough
 
Dos101 said:
There is, it's called the Start Screen, where you can put everything you need to access without having to traverse folder after folder in the Start Menu. Cleaner and more efficient. Or Charms Bar -> Search -> type what you're looking for and it instantly appears.
Click to expand...

Start screen is terrible for mouse users that can't touch type. (me)

Everything I use most is right in my start menu, and able to be selected with my mouse in a much smaller, and faster to navigate, area. It is faster and more efficient for me. I spent 3 months on 8 trying to get used to it, and I am just plain faster at using 7, period.

This is the case for many people, thus the outcry for the return of the function. It has nothing to do with getting used to change, it has everything to do with efficiency within our limitations.

Now, on a touch screen, the Start Screen is amazing, and 8 really comes into it's own. I choose 8 every time on anything with touch capability. It's leagues ahead of 7 in that respect.
 
I think I am going to move my main rig to win 8 or actually 8.1 when it is released. I have my $15 promotion copy of Win8 I have never used yet. Also will move to a ssd or sshd when I do it for the os/programs.
 
I just pin all my important programs to the taskbar. There have been only a few occasions where I've tried to go to the non-existent start button since using Win8.
 
theonedub said:
I just pin all my important programs to the taskbar. There have been only a few occasions where I've tried to go to the non-existent start button since using Win8.
Click to expand...

That's just too many for me to pin, otherwise I would.
 
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