Microsoft has just announced that Windows 8.1 will be officially launched on October 18, so users will be allowed to get it as a free update from the Store.
The company’s Brandon LeBlanc confirms recent reports suggesting that Windows 8.1 is set to go live in mid-October, saying that RTM is on track to be reached this month, just like initially planned.
“I know a lot of folks are eager to find out when they will be able to get Windows 8.1. I am excited to share that starting at 12:00am on October 18th in New Zealand (that’s 4:00am October 17th in Redmond), Windows 8.1 will begin rolling out worldwide as a free update for consumers on Windows 8 through the Windows Store,” he says.
“Windows 8.1 will also be available at retail and on new devices starting on October 18th by market. So mark your calendars!”
Windows 8.1 is set to address most consumer complaints regarding Windows 8, as Microsoft emphasizes that this new OS update is actually the living proof that it’s listening to its users.
As a result, the company will bring back the traditional Start button, but instead of launching a Start Menu, it will actually serve as a quick way to jump straight to the Start screen.
In addition, Microsoft has implemented options to boot directly to the desktop and skip the Start screen, as many PC users rarely access the Metro UI.
Microsoft expects Windows 8.1 to generate a new wave of devices, with voices familiar with the matter also claiming that the second-generation Surface tablet is ready for launch together with the final version of the OS.
Boxed copies of Windows 8.1 are also expected to hit the stores soon after the unveiling on October 18. It’s not yet clear whether the tech giant is planning to release the OS update with much fanfare, just like Windows 8, or it only wants to roll it out online without any launch party.
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