After 12 years of faithful service for many computer users, Microsoft ended support for the Windows XP operating system earlier this month. On the very same day, Microsoft announced Windows 8.1 Update 1 as an essential update to Windows 8.1. They also advised support for Windows 8.1 was ending from 13 May 2014. In order to receive future updates, Windows 8.1 Update 1 is required to be installed in order be supported by Microsoft.
In order to receive Windows 8.1 Update 1, you are required to have all important updates to be already installed onto your computer. These can be downloaded from Windows Update. Prior to doing this, we strongly suggest that you ensure you have a backup along with a reliable internet connection as the update is quite large. Once these have been installed, Windows 8.1 Update 1, also known as the “Windows 8.1 Update for x64-based Systems (KB2919355)” (link opens in new window) will be installed.
Some of the enhancements on Windows 8.1 Update 1 include improved navigation for keyboard and mouse, integration between the desktop and Windows apps, and the ability to go directly to the desktop rather than the Start screen when the computer starts. The following video provided by Microsoft gives a brief introduction into these features:
A full list of enhancements can found on Microsoft’s TechNet Blog post (link opens in new window). Windows 8.1 Update 1 is set to be the baseline for regular updates to the operating system, with the next update (Windows 8.1 Update 2) due in August or September this year. This update is rumoured to reinstate the Start menu. Further updates will also be delivered in this way until the expected arrival of Windows 9 in 2015.
Similarly, Microsoft has already released its first Service Pack 1 for Microsoft Office 2013. Service packs include security updates as well as new features and are strongly suggested to be installed if you require them. Like Windows 8.1 Update 1, this is another large update that requires a reliable internet connection. If you are running Office 365 your updates will be applied automatically.
CyberGuru is making contact with our clients that we know run Windows 8.1 on their computers who may be impacted by this to help them upgrade to the latest operating system. If you do not know what version you are running, you can identify this by going to Microsoft’s website (link opens in new window).
Strangely, this only affects computers running Windows 8.1. Windows 8 is still supported until January 2016. If you are running Windows 8 and would like to upgrade to Windows 8.1 Update 1, please contact us.
If we can be of any assistance to you to make these updates to your organisation, effectively and efficiently, please contact us to book in our Support solution today.