Update from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1
Edited by Kiimwell, Derekkandler, Eng, Lynn and 1 other
Following Microsoft's massive operating system overhaul with Windows 8, Windows 8.1 builds upon it with new features, stability improvements and even ways to make your Windows experience seem more traditional. The update is completely free, and it takes less than 60 minutes to complete.
Contents
Steps
- 1In nearly all cases, if your computer is running Windows 8, it can handle Windows 8.1. Nevertheless, it is always important to make sure. For a 32-bit system, you must have a processor that is 1 gigahertz or faster, at least 1 gigabyte of RAM, 16 gigabytes of hard disk base and a graphics card that supports Microsoft DirectX 9 with a WDDM driver. To check these items, move your mouse to the lower-right corner of your screen to trigger your menu. Click on the "Search" app, located on the top of the menu, and then search for "System." Click on the "Settings" option, located beneath the search bar, and then click on the system option that appears.Check your system requirements.
- 2In addition to the minimum system requirements, you must also have enough free space to upgrade your system. For a 32-bit system, you must have 3,000 megabytes of free space. For a 64-bit system, you must have 3,850 megabytes of free space. To check this, navigate back to the "Search" app. Search for "file explorer" and then click on the option. This opens up a dialog window on your main screen. Right-click on your Local Disk (typically the C drive), and then click "Properties". This opens up a second dialog screen, which displays your available memory.Check your available free space.
- 3If you are upgrading a Laptop or Tablet, make sure it is plugged into a power source. Losing power during the upgrade can cause major issues for your computer, and you would be likely to lose files. Next, make sure you are connected to a reliable Internet source. Your system connects to Microsoft's servers a number of times during the upgrade process. Finally, if you have third-party antivirus software, disable it before continuing to use the directions that came with the software.Prepare your computer for the upgrade.
- 4Navigate your mouse to the bottom-left corner of your screen, and then click on the Windows "Start" button to pull up the Tile screen. Click on the "Store" app. Once the Store app opens, click on the "Update Windows" tile. It should be the first tile displayed in the Store app. After opening this tile, click the "Download" button to begin downloading the software upgrade. You may continue doing other tasks on your computer while the upgrade is downloading.Download the update.
- 5After the update has finished downloading, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Close all running programs, and then click "OK" on the dialog window to restart your computer. Throughout the installation process, your computer will restart between three and six times, depending on your exact model.Install the update.
- 6Once the software update is ready, you will be prompted to accept the terms and conditions for the new software. Read the agreement, and then select the "I Accept" button.Accept the terms and conditions.
- 7The next screen you see asks you to choose the settings you want for your computer. You have the option of using the Express settings, or going into the Customize section and defining the settings yourself. It is recommended to use the Express settings, unless you are an advanced user. Select "Express settings" to continue.Choose settings options.
- 8After accepting the terms and conditions, you may be prompted to verify your computer/device with a security check. This depends on the previous settings you had set up for Windows 8.0. If you are prompted with this security check, enter the email address you want the security code to be sent to, and then check your email (you will need to check your email on a different device). Once you have the code, enter it into the text field, and then click "Next".Verify your device.
- 9The SkyDrive Cloud Storage is a free service that backs up your photos, documents and PC settings. This service is enabled by default. If you wish to use the service, select "Next". If you wish to disable this service, select the link that reads "Turn off these SkyDrive settings (not recommended)".Accept or decline SkyDrive Cloud Storage.
- 10After you select your SkyDrive options, Windows finishes the setup process. After a few minutes, your computer is ready to use again.Wait for final updates to complete.
Tips for using Windows keyboard and there shortcuts
Sometimes, we get so lame and do not want to keep on clicking to go in the options that we wanted to open. Instead, this shortcut keys can help you speed it up.
Keyboard ease of access
- 1Enable or disable filter keysPress and hold right Shift key:
- 2Adjust contrastPress left Alt then left Shift and PrtSc (Printer screen):
- 3Enable or disable Mouse keysPress left Alt then left Shift plus the Num Lock:
- 4Enable or disable sticky keys.Pres Shift button 5 times:
- 5Enable or disable to toggle keys.Press then hold Num Lock at least 5 seconds:
- 6Launch Ease Access centerPress the Windows key plus the letter You:
General shortcut keys
- 1On screen helpPress F1:
- 2Copy the selected itemPress Ctrl plus the Letter C:
- 3Cut the selected itemPress Ctrl plus the letter X:
- 4Paste the copied or the cute itemPress Ctrl plus the letter V:
- 5Redo last actionPress Ctrl plus the letter Y:
- 6Undo last actionPress Ctrl plus the letter Z:
- 7Move selected items in the recycle binPress Ctrl plus the Delete:
- 8Rename an item that you selectPress F2:
- 9Move to the next wordPress Ctrl plus Right Arrow:
- 10Move to the beginning of the paragraphPress Ctrl plus Down Arrow:
- 11Move to the start to the previous wordPress Ctrl plus Left Arrow:
- 12Move to the previous paragraphPress Ctrl plus Up Arrow:
- 13Select a text (Block of text)Press Ctrl then Shift and an arrow key:
- 14Select multiple items on desktop or within documentPress Ctrl then Shift and any arrow keys:
- 15Select multiple items on the desktopPress Ctrl then an arrow key (Any) and space bar:
- 16Select items in a documentPress Ctrl and the Letter A:
- 17Search folder/filePress F3:
- 18Exit from an active programPress Alt and F4:
- 19Launch shortcut window (For active)Press Alt and Space bar:
- 20Close an active windowPress Ctrl and F4:
- 21Switch WindowsPress Alt then Tab button:
- 22Switch open itemsPress Ctrl then Alt and Tab:
- 23Resizing icons on screen or magnifyPress Ctrl then mouse scroll:
- 24Aero flip 3DPress Windows logo then Tab:
- 25Aero flip 3D and use arrows keys to selectPress Ctrl and Windows logo then tab:
- 26Cycle through opened itemsPress Alt then Esc:
- 27Cycle through WindowsPress F6:
- 28Display the address bar listPress F4:
- 29For shortcut menuPress Shift then F10:
- 30Menu command or display a corresponding menuPress Alt then underlined letter:
- 31To open menu bar (Active menu bar)Press F10:
- 32To refresh a webpagePress F5 or Ctrl plus letter R:
- 33Switch input languagePress Alt then Shift:
- 34Switch keyboard layoutPress Ctrl then Shift:
- 35Desktop previewPress Windows logo plus space bar:
- 36Maximizing the WindowPress Windows logo plus Arrow Up:
- 37Minimizing the WindowPress Windows logo plus Arrow Down:
- 38Stretch the window to leftPress Windows logo plus Arrow Left:
- 39Press Windows logo plus Arrow Right Stretch the window to right
- 40Minimize the window you are working withPress Windows logo plus Home:
- 41Stretch window from top to bottomPress Windows logo plus Shift and Up arrow:
- 42Move a windowPress Windows logo plus Shift then left or right arrow:
- 43Select presentation displayPress Windows logo plus Letter P:
- 44Cycle through GadgetsPress Windows logo plus Letter G:
- 45Open ease access centerPress Windows logo plus Letter You:
- 46Launch Windows Mobility CenterPress Windows logo plus Letter X:
- 47To open Start menuPress Windows logo:
- 48Launch System PropertiesPress Windows logo plus Pause:
- 49Display desktop screenPress Windows logo plus Letter D:
- 50Minimize all active WindowsPress Windows logo plus Letter M:
- 51Restore the Windows you minimizedPress Windows logo plus Shift then letter M:
- 52Launch ComputerPress Windows logo plus Letter E:
- 53Find files/folderPress Windows logo plus Letter F:
- 54Switch login or lock your computerPress Windows logo plus letter L:
- 55Open run boxPress Windows logo plus letter R:
- 56Cycle the programs in the task barPress Windows logo plus letter T:
- 57Select a program from the pinned in the task bar.Press Windows logo plus a number:
Tips
- It is always smart to perform a full backup of your computer before attempting to perform any software upgrades. At the very least, copy important files to a USB flash drive.
Warnings
- Make sure your computer is plugged into a power source! If your computer dies during the upgrade process, you may lose your files and settings permanently.
- Do not disconnect from the Internet once the upgrade begins. Any loss of connection during the process in which Microsoft is connecting to its servers can lead to permanent damage of your computer.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
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Article Info
Categories : Operating System
Recent edits by: Lynn, Eng, Derekkandler
