The Windows 8.1 update is now available

The Windows 8.1 update is now available for download. Microsoft announced its newest version of the Windows operating system is now available online, while the boxed retail version will be available in stores starting tomorrow.

If you are a consumer with a Windows 8 device, you can now download the free update to Windows 8.1 online through the Windows Store. If you are a consumer on a device running Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, or the Windows 8.1 Preview, point your web browser toward windows.com for instruction on getting the update.

If you downloaded and installed the Windows 8.1 Preview from the Windows Store, you can download Windows 8.1 as a free update. You'll be able to keep your personal files, but you'll need to reinstall your apps. Make sure you have any original installation media that might be required for apps that were not installed from the Windows Store.

1. On the Start screen, tap or click Store to open the Windows Store. Doing this first will make it so that you can see the progress of the installation once it starts. 
2. After opening the Store, return to this page.
3. Click to download Windows 8.1 from the Windows Store using the following link

The Store will open to the Windows 8.1 update page. Click on the 'Download' button on the page to initiate the 3.63GB download.

If you have installed Windows 8.1 Preview using a different source or if you have issues installing the Windows 8.1 update click here.

What's new in Windows 8.1

The Start screen in Windows 8.1 is more customizable than ever with new tile sizes, new background designs and colors – allowing you to make the Start screen on your device unique and personal to you. You can also choose how you start your Windows experience – at the Start screen or the desktop. The Start button is back. And there is an improved Apps view that allows you to see all your apps the way you want.

Windows 8.1 - All you need to know Microsoft has unveiled the Windows 8.1 update, which will be offered as a free update to Windows 8 users. Here is all you need to know about the update including features and availability.

Multi-tasking has been improved further with Windows 8.1 – you can now have up to four apps side by side with flexible windows sizing for each app on the screen. Multi-monitor support has also been improved in Windows 8.1 allowing users to view their desktop or apps from the Windows Store on any or all their monitors.
Bing Search is now smarter and makes it easier to to look for and get things done.. You can swipe or type from the Start screen and Smart Search will find what you need – whether it’s a document on your PC, a photo album in the cloud, your favorite app, or a website.

Microsoft apps have been improved with the Windows 8.1 update. The News, Weather, Finance, Travel and Sports apps have all been updated. Skype is now available as part of the update to quickly message and stay connected to your family and friends. Xbox Music has received a major update, and you can watch TV and movies with Xbox Video. The Mail app has also received a major update making it easier for both personal and official emails. Two new Bing apps are introduced in Windows 8.1 called Food & Drink and Health & Fitness along with an updated Internet Explorer 11 which brings improved speed and synchronized browsing history, favorites, and settings across all of your Windows 8.1 devices. You can learn more about the app updates here.

The Windows 8.1 also comes with improved cloud integration with SkyDrive. Your files are always accessible across all your devices. With SkyDrive smart files, you can create, edit, save and share files anywhere, anytime and your files are always with you, both on and offline.

And the Windows Store has been redesigned in Windows 8.1. You now have a "New & Rising" section which makes it easier to  discover the hottest and newest apps to hit the Windows Store. The Windows Store also has a Live Tile. The Windows Store will also now provide you with personalized recommendations and apps are now updated automatically by default so you will always have the best and newest versions of your apps.

If you purchase a device sold after October 18th, they will come preinstalled with Windows 8.1


source - Windows Blog