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Windows 8.1

Name: Windows 8.1
Rating: 3.3 (7 reviews)
Author: Microsoft

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Used Windows 8.1 for Windows?

The Download Now link will take you to the Microsoft store page for Windows 8.1 Upgrade.

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffFebruary 26, 2026

Windows 8.1 is an operating system upgrade offering cloud connectivity, a robust app store, and personalized settings synced via your Microsoft account.

Pros
- Cloud-connected experience with Microsoft account
- Personalized settings sync across devices
- Windows Store with categorized apps
- Try before you buy app option
- Access files anywhere with SkyDrive
Cons
- Not for installation on Windows XP or Vista
- Purchase-only software

Windows 8.1

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: October 17, 2013

Latest update: February 26, 2026

Version: 8.1

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 10
Windows 7

Additional Requirements: 1GB RAM (32-bit) / 2GB RAM (64-bit), 16GB disk space (32-bit) / 20GB (64-bit), DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0.

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 86,481

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.3/5

7 User Votes

search take away
griffragy13626June 11, 2015
Pros
good with the exception that they took the search away from the start button
Cons
no way to search for files, videos or other items.
Summary
can someone tell me how to search for files, videos, etc??
the worst program windows has ever made
jennaravenroseApril 8, 2015
Pros
able to return to previous version but only through system restore.
Cons
erased all personal files including i-tunes library(6000+ songs)and photos. All programs stopped working.numerous blue screens system freezes. no way to opt out without turning off all updates.still restoring lost programs
Summary
I am seriously considering suing if this downloads again as it took the better part of the day restoring lost files and downloading my pictures from facebook. Please do not get this program. wait until they fix the bugs.
Really not that bad.....
sbd8828January 17, 2015
Pros
I heard how bad it was. I'm running it on my Dell 660 and since adding the start menu I can't see much difference. I don't like the apps screen but I never really use it. All the games and software I was running on Windows 7 is running great on 8.1. I was hardcore windows 7 but have to admit this 8.1 is pretty good!
Cons
The apps screen is the only thing I don't care for. My PC isn't a touch screen so I guess that could change if you have that on yours, you may like it.
Summary
This operating system really runs good. I'd recommend it to everyone. Add the start screen and your set. The software runs great and works with other software good.
Download took about an hour.
lueelueeNovember 26, 2013
Pros
Zero,did not work!
Cons
Did not properly download and execute. Gave a stupid message and than took about 30 minutes to go back to 8.0. Erased most of my installed programs which I was forced to re-install.
Summary
A big waste of time. MS cannot get very much right these days.

Developer’s Description

By Microsoft

Upgrade to the latest Windows 8.1 Operating System.

Get 15% OFF with promocode: DOWNLOAD15

Watch movies or play games with Xbox, Skype with friends, access files anywhere with SkyDrive, or find your next favorite app with the latest upgrade to Windows 8.1.

Cloud-connected with your Microsoft account

Sign in to your Windows 8 device with your Microsoft account and you're immediately connected to the people, files, and settings you care about. Your PC comes to life with all the things that make Windows yours, including your Start page, themes, language preferences, browsing history, and browser favorites.

It's all about the apps

In the Windows Store, you can search for or browse great apps, all grouped in easy-to-find categories. We highlight great apps for you and provide quick access to frequently downloaded apps. You won't have to worry about buying something you don't want because you can try before you buy, if the app supports it.

Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running Windows XP or Windows Vista.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 is purchase-only software and can be bought and downloaded online or shipped via mail.

Windows 8.1

Editors’ Review

Pros

Cons

Windows 8.1

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User Reviews

search take away

the worst program windows has ever made

Really not that bad.....

Download took about an hour.

Developer’s Description

Get 15% OFF with promocode: DOWNLOAD15