Microsoft Reacts To Feedback But Did They Get Windows 8.1 Right?

MojoKid writes "Microsoft's Windows "Blue" 8.1 update has been long-awaited. Those who've been using the base OS since launch have no doubt been anticipating some of the enhancements that are coming. At the moment, Windows 8.1 is available only as a preview, and if you are looking to give it a try, there are a couple of things to be aware of. The most important is the fact that once you upgrade, you can't easily downgrade — so you may wish to try the update in a virtual machine or on a test machine if possible. In addition, your current product keys will not work, so you'll effectively be turning your activated OS into an evaluation (it's assumed that once 8.1 goes final, we'll be able to update using our original keys). That said, Microsoft's free update offers a slew of enhancements like a new Start Screen, the return of the Start Button, even quicker shutdown and restart, boot to desktop, quicker integrated search and Skydrive enhancements. All told, Microsoft's new OS release is a more than worthy successor for end users but now Microsoft really needs to work on getting developers on board."

Comments

I tested Windows 8.1

[JustANormalGuy]

I gotta say I'm impressed with Windows 8.1 preview. It is by far the best OS there is. I'm happy that the start button is back and that they've improved Start Screen. The performance upgrades are fantastic. Everything runs so smoothly.

Windows 8.1 is by far the best Windows there is!

Re:I tested Windows 8.1

[JustANormalGuy]

$12 per post, $15 if lengthy

Re:I tested Windows 8.1

[Anonymous Coward]

Are they hiring ? I have an impressive history on this site and I think I can contribute significantly to the cause.

Re:I tested Windows 8.1

[Hassman]

Yeah! We only like paid negative MS posts here!

Re:I tested Windows 8.1

[theskipper]

That explains why APK owns a yacht. With extra storage below deck to store his host files.

Re:I tested Windows 8.1

[flyingfsck]

Hey, don't use my name in vain. Especially when combined in the same sentence with Microsoft, it really hurts.

Re:I tested Windows 8.1

[KingMotley]

Yeah, I started using windows when it was 1.0 too. I like Windows 8. It boots faster, is more responsive, the redone task manager is awesome (finally), better cache management (kind of important to me since I have 64GB of RAM). The start screen is ok, I rarely use the icons, I just type what I want and hit enter -- I actually go to the start screen maybe twice a week, so it doesn't bother me at all. All my important apps are either pinned to the taskbar, or have an icon on my desktop. Not a big fan of the Metro/Modern UI, but I only use the desktop as I always have. Removing the start "button" actually gained me some space on my task bar, so I actually like it gone.

Saying it's the biggest POS you have ever seen and having used all the versions of Windows, puts you in a very small club, so I would like to introduce you to Microsoft Bob.

Re:Start Button in 8.1 is useless.

[marcosdumay]

What? Are you saying that you want the Start Button to have some action when clicked? If it was so important, you should have documented it at the requirements.

You asked for a button, MS gave you a button. Content yourself with it.