Microsoft official answers Win8.1 update upgrade FAQ

Q&A summary: Microsoft official answers Win8.1 update upgrade FAQ

Microsoft officially launched Windows 8.1 update, also routinely released for its common Questions and answers, let's browse together:

How do I update Windows 8.1?

The following will show you how to update to Windows 8.1 based on the currently running version of Windows:

• If you are running Windows 8, you can update to Windows 8.1 for free in the Windows Store. For more information, see Upgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1.

• If you are running Windows 7, you can use the Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant to purchase and download Windows 8.1. In the Upgrade Assistant, you can choose to install it now, install Windows 8.1 later, or install it using media or USB flash drive with ISO files. For more information, see Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1.

• If you are running Windows Vista or Windows XP, you will need to perform a fresh installation using the DVD. Be sure to check the system requirements before purchasing a DVD. For more information, see Upgrading from Windows Vista or Windows XP to Windows 8.1.

How much does Windows 8.1 cost?

If you have already run Windows 8, it is free. Go to the Windows Store to update to Windows 8.1.

If you are running a previous version of Windows, you can see the current pricing in the Buy Windows page or Upgrade Assistant.

Can my computer run Windows 8.1?

If you are running Windows 8 or Windows 7, the best way to determine if your computer and connected devices are ready for Windows 8.1 is to download and run the Upgrade Assistant, which can be scanned by the Upgrade Assistant. And tell you if you need to do something before and after the update.

For previous versions of Windows, you need to check the system requirements. We recommend that you visit the computer manufacturer's website for information on updated drivers and hardware compatibility.

The following is a summary of system requirements:

• “processor”:1 GHz or faster

• “memory>:1 GB( 32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)

• “Available hard disk space>: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

• “Graphics Card & rdquo;: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver

Note:

• If there is not enough space on the hard disk, you can free up some space. For more information, see Tips for freeing up drive space on your computer.

• Touch input hardware is required to experience the touch functionality in Windows 8.1. For more information, see Multi-touch hardware requirements.

Can I keep files, settings, and apps?

If you boot your computer from the installation media (such as a DVD or USB flash drive) that was created when you downloaded the ISO, your application, Windows, settings, or personal files will not be preserved when you install Windows 8.1.

The table below shows what you can keep while updating, depending on which version of Windows you are currently running on your computer.

• If you are running Windows 8, you will need to reinstall your Windows Store app from the app store. In the app store, swipe down or right click from the top edge of the screen, tap or click “your app”, select the app to install, and then tap or click “Install”.

• If you are running Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, you will need to reinstall all apps using the original installation CD or purchase confirmation email (if you purchased the app online).

Does my update include Windows Media Center?

No. If you want to install Windows Media Center, you need to add functionality to Windows 8.1. If you are running Windows 8 Professional and have Windows Media Center, you do not need to reinstall it after updating to Windows 8.1.

Can I play DVDs after updating to Windows 8.1?

If you already have third-party DVD playback software in Windows 8, you should be able to continue using it in Windows 8.1. If you are running Windows 7, Windows XP or Windows Vista, you will need to reinstall it.

If you don't have a third-party app that plays DVDs, or if you currently rely on Windows Media Player to play DVDs, you will need to download and install third-party apps or install Windows Media Center to play DVDs.

Can I change my language when I update?

The easiest way to change the language is to update to the same language that is currently on your computer and add a new one. For more information, see Adding a language or keyboard.

If you perform a fresh installation of Windows 8.1 using a DVD or USB stick, you can change your language in the Windows installer. For more information, see How to perform a fresh installation of Windows.

Note:

If you are running Windows 8 and have a Language Pack or Language Interface Pack (LIP) installed, they will be removed when you install Windows 8.1.

Can I update from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows 8.1?

If your computer has a 64-bit processor (CPU) but is currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can install the 64-bit version of Windows 8.1, but you need to purchase a DVD for the product. And perform a fresh install. When you update from 32-bit to 64-bit, you won't be able to keep any files, settings, or apps.

Please note that the Windows 8.1 Professional Pack is for upgrading from Windows 8.1 to Windows 8.1 Professional, not for cross-architecture installations, nor for any media. If you want to change the architecture, please purchase Windows 8.1 Professional.

How to buy a DVD?

You can purchase a Windows 8.1 DVD from the Microsoft App Store or any other retailer (if available in your country). You can purchase this product online from the Microsoft App Store in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.

If you want to build your own computer and install Windows 8.1, or if you want to run other operating systems on a local virtual machine or on a separate partition (including Mac), you can purchase a Windows 8.1 system assembler product (OEM version). If you have a Windows 8.1 system assembler product in your country or region, you can purchase these products at the franchise store, but for details you will need to ask a sales representative. This release does not include customer support.

How to get help?

If you need help installing Windows 8.1, you can contact support.

Whether you buy a DVD version of the update from the store or pay for the update online, your update will also receive 90 days of free support from Microsoft. This 90-day period begins with the installation and activation of Windows 8.1. (may generate phone or other access fees.)

Can I revert to my old operating system?

If your computer comes with Windows 8, you can restore it to Windows 8 by initializing your computer. Your personal files will not be affected, but applications that are not included with your computer will need to be reinstalled. If you are running Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, you will need to reinstall the previous version of Windows using the recovery or installation media (usually a DVD) that came with your computer.

If you don't have recovery media, you can use the software provided by your computer manufacturer to create recovery media from your computer's recovery partition before updating. Please check the support section of the computer manufacturer's website for details. After installing Windows 8.1, you will not be able to restore your previous version of Windows by using the recovery partition on your computer.