Download and installation times vary from about 30 minutes to several hours, depending on your internet connection speed and the speed and configuration of your PC, but you can still use your PC while the update is installing in the background. You can keep working while the update is installing.

If you already have an account you use with, Xbox LIVE, Windows Phone, or Skype, then you already have a Microsoft account. If you don’t, we recommend that you start using a Microsoft account in Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1. If you already use a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 8 or Windows RT, you’ll use that same account to sign in to Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1. In most cases, you won't need to do anything-most desktop apps, devices (like printers), and network connections will work normally after the update.Ĭonsider using a Microsoft account to sign in to your PC. As part of the update, we check your current desktop apps and connected devices. We'll let you know what you'll need to do to get them ready for the update or to get them working again after the update. We'll check your desktop apps and devices for you. Your existing Windows Store apps don't come with you, but once the update is complete, you can reinstall all of these apps at once-or just the ones you want. Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 come with some new built-in apps and will update or replace some of your existing built-in apps.

Your files, desktop apps, user accounts, and settings come with you. The system requirements for Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 are nearly the same as the requirements for Windows 8-if your PC is already running Windows 8 (or Windows RT), in most cases, you can get the free update to Windows 8.1 (or Windows RT 8.1).īefore you begin, here are some things to keep in mind.

However, since Windows 8 has been out of support since January 2016, we encourage you to update to Windows 8.1 for free. While you can no longer install or update applications from the Windows 8 Store, you can continue using those already installed. Upgrading your Windows 8 or Windows RT PC to Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 will also bring you enhancements in personalization, search, apps, the Windows Store, and cloud connectivity, all with the security and reliability features you expect from Windows.īeginning in July 2019, the Windows 8 Store is officially closed. We recommend making the free upgrade to Windows 8.1 to continue receiving security updates and support. Windows 8 has reach end of support, which means Windows 8 devices no longer receive important security updates.

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