Windows 8.1 Available Now

Today is the day: Windows 8.1 is now available as a free download for all Windows 8 users. The update includes several new and enhanced features, and notably — perhaps infamously — marks the return of the Start button to the Windows desktop environment.

To receive the new version, all existing Windows 8 users need to do is launch the Store app in the modern UI. Upgrading to Windows 8.1 should appear as one of the pending updates; clicking or tapping on it should begin the upgrade process.

If you're on an earlier version of Windows, the Windows 8.1 upgrade costs $119.99 for the regular version and $199.99 for Windows 8.1 Pro. DVD copies of Windows 8.1 will also be for sale in some stores. Read more...