Upgrade Your Windows 8 to Windows 8.1
Edited by Adrian Penaflor, Eng, Melsan, VisiHow
6 Parts:
Microsoft has recently released Windows 8.1 upgrade on Window 8 Operating System. This is the first upgrade on the Windows 8 version to smooth-en out its sharp edges or to improve its overall usability and performance. This 'How To' article will provide you in-depth and step by step instructions on how to upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 as well as its changes and improvements.
Contents
Requirements and Prerequisites
- 1You need a computer/Laptop that is running on Windows 8 Operating System.
- 2I recommend wired connection but wireless connection also works.You need a steady and fast internet connection.
- 3You need to update your Windows 8 to its latest patches or fixes.
- 4You need to keep your battery high and steady as go through the upgrade process.
- 5Depending on your internet connection speed, more or less it will take you 5 hours to complete the whole upgrade process.You need a lot of patient.
How to update Windows 8 to its latest patches and fixes
It is a best practice that you update everything on your current OS version before you upgrade it into a high version to avoid complications or problems.
- 1Place your cursor on the upper-right corner of the screen to make the Charm menu (side menu) appear.
- 2Click on the "Settings" and then "Change PC settings".
- 3On the left, go to "Windows Update" and then click "Check for updates" on the right side.
- 4Wait until the search is done.
- 5Click on the update link found on the search result.
- 6It should automatically update whatsoever is needed on your system.
- 7To restart the computer, you can go to the Charm menu, "Settings", "Power", and then "Restart" or simply go to the Desktop Screen and press Alt+F4, and then select "Restart" on the drop down menu.After it is done, restart the computer.
- 8During boot up, wait for few minutes as it automatically applies the update on your computer.
- 9As soon as you got back on Windows screen then you are done!
How to upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1
After you are done with the prerequisites, you are now ready to upgrade your Windows 8 to Windows 8.1. So let's begin:
- 1Press the Windows button on your keyboard or click the Start button on the charm menu to access the Start menu.
2
Run the Windows Apps Store.
3
Click on the Windows 8.1 update.
4
Click on the "Download" button to start the download
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5
It will automatically prompt you as soon as the download has been completed.
6
Click "Restart" to reboot the computer.
7
During boot up or the pre-windows screen, it will automatically installation the necessary things on your computer and it takes 30 minutes or longer depending on your computer speed and system specs
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8
After some time it will prompt you for the License agreement
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9
Click on "Use express settings".
10
Login using your Microsoft account
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11
It will continue to set up and install more stuff.
12
After few minutes, you can now access Window 8.1 and you're done!
Changes and Improvements on Windows 8.1
So what's new in Windows 8.1? Interface, better apps, usability, and performance? We'll those are just some of the improvements but here is some more:
- 1Microsoft has added a tutorial on how to use the charm menu and the apps switcher on the upper-left corner of the screen. Its good for people who are just starting on Windows 8.1.Tutorial.
- 2Windows user are familiar with the Start button usually at the lower-left corner of the screen, now it is back on Windows 8.1. Now you have two Start buttons, the new one and the Start button on the charm menu. It may seem redundant but it is there to satisfy both worlds (Desktop mode and Tablet mode). In the new Start button, you can right-click it to access some of the familiar desktop programs like Command Prompt, File Manager, Network Connections, Control Panel, as well as quick access to Run, Search, and Shut Down.Windows Start button is back.
- 3You can right-click the Taskbar and then click "Properties" to access "Taskbar and Navigation Properties". Here is some of interesting stuff in it:Taskbar and Navigation Properties.
- If you go the "Navigation" tab, you can show your Desktop background on start instead of the Start menu.
- You can also set up the Start button as you access it. If you can go directly to the Apps menu instead of the Start menu.
- Search Everywhere. You can go to the Apps menu and type something, it will automatically take you to the Search. You'll notice that it can quickly suggest or find any apps on your computer plus it also searches for your files like documents, music, and videos. It is fast and very useful.
- If you go the "Navigation" tab, you can show your Desktop background on start instead of the Start menu.
- 4There is a new arrow up button on the Apps menu, and arrow down on the Start menu. You can use these buttons to switch from Start menu to Apps menu or vice versa.Arrow Up and Down.
- 5The Store interface has been remodeled.Apps Store.
- 6I have noticed that the Start menu navigation has gone smoother and if you right-click on the apps you'll have additional options.Start menu enhancement.
Windows 8 short cut keys
Here are the lists of Windows key shortcuts for your Windows 8 computer. Instead of using your mouse, you can simply use the shortcut keys instead.
Basic keys for Windows 8
- 1Go to your desktop screenPress Windows Key plus letter D:
- 2Launch charms menuPress Windows Key plus letter C:
- 3Launch Charms menu searchPress Windows Key plus letter F:
- 4Launch Charms menu SharePress Windows Key plus letter H:
- 5Launch Charms menu DevicesPress Windows Key plus letter K:
- 6Launch Charm menuPress Windows Key plus letter I:
- 7Look for your installed applicationsPress Windows Key plus letter Q:
- 8Search SettingsPress Windows Key plus letter W:
- 9Cycle through the latest User Interface Apps.Press Windows Key plus Tab:
- 10Cycle through the latest User Interface Apps. But reversePress Windows Key plus Shift and Tab:
- 11(Dot): Multitasking to snap applications to the right screenPress Windows Key plus.
- 12(Dot): Multitasking to snap applications to the left screenPress Windows Key plus shift and.
- 13Lets you view your desktop, temporarily.Press Windows Key plus , (Comma):
- 14Exit the new User Interface of the applicationsPress Alt and F4:
- 15Open the Windows explorerPress Windows Key plus letter E:
- 16put the computer screen on lockPress Windows Key plus letter L:
- 17Cycle all icons from your task bar and hit enter to launch it.Press Windows Key plus letter T:
- 18Open the Advanced settings window.Press Windows Key plus letter X:
- 19Simply move the applications to the second monitor on the right screen.Press Windows Key plus page down:
- 20Minimize all opened Windows.Press Windows Key plus letter M:
- 21Restore all the Windows you minimized.Press Windows Key plus Shift and letter M:
- 22Launch Run box.Press Windows Key plus Letter R:
- 23Maximize the current windowPress Windows Key plus Up arrow:
- 24Minimize the current windowPress Windows Key plus Down Arrow:
- 25Maximize window going right sidePress Windows Key plus Right Arrow:
- 26Maximize window going left sidePress Windows Key plus Left Arrow:
- 27Launches your Task Manager.Press Ctrl plus Shift and Esc:
- 28Automatically save your print screen to pictures folderPress Windows Key plus "Print Screen / SysRq":
- 29Moves the applications to the other screen, left side screen.Press Windows Key plus Page up:
- 30Simply displays your system propertiesPress Windows Key plus Pause or Break:
- 31Delete selected files permanently. Meaning, not sending to recycle binPress Shift and Delete:
- 32Launch your Windows help supportPress Windows Key plus F1:
- 33Cycle through your notificationsPress Windows Key plus letter V:
- 34Cycle through your notifications, but reversePress Windows Key plus Shift then letter V:
- 35Launch any applications from your task bar.Press Windows Key plus any number of 1 to 9 or 0:
- 36Opens new applications that are indicated with number.Press Windows Key plus Shift and any number of 1 to 9 or 0:
- 37Show the selected file explorer properties you selected.Press Alt then enter:
- 38In the file explorer, display upper level of the current folder.Press Alt plus arrow Up:
- 39Display the next folder from file explorerPress Alt plus Right arrow:
- 40Display the previous folder from file explorerPress Alt plus Left arrow:
- 41Select secondary display modesPress Windows Key plus letter P:
- 42Launches your computers ease of Access CenterPress Windows Key plus letter You:
- 43Change the language input and so as the keyboard layout.Press Windows Key plus Space bar:
- 44Simply reverts the language input and keyboard layoutPress Windows Key plus Shift and Space bar:
- 45Launches the narratorPress Windows Key plus Enter:
- 46Zoom in while using the magnifierPress Windows Key plus the + (Plus sign):
- 47Zoom out while using the magnifierPress Windows Key plus the - (Minus sign):
- 48Simply exits the magnifierPress Windows Key plus Escape:
While you are at the Windows Explorer
- 1Launches Windows explorerPress Windows key plus letter E:
- 2Up on one folderPress Alt plus Up arrow:
- 3Go Next or Previous folderPress Alt arrow Left or Right:
- 4switch to Address bar, Tool bar and any other in the browser that can be selected.Press Tab or Shift then Tab again:
- 5Directly select address bar, highlight the link in blue to copy.Press Alt then letter D or F4 button:
- 6Go to search in the explorerPress Ctrl then letter E or letter F:
- 7Launches new instance of your Windows explorerPress Ctrl then Letter N:
- 8Change the Windows Explorer to full screen.Press F11:
Shortcut keys while on file list views
- 1Show or hide previewPress Alt then Letter P:
- 2Show details for additional optionsPress Alt plus letter V then Letter D:
- 3Display large icons then show details for additional optionsPress Alt plus Letter V then Letter X:
- 4Press Ctrl plus the mouse wheel changes the icon size.
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.
