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Windows 8.1 Update 1 starts rolling out on April 8

Improved Start screen of Microsoft Windows 8.1 Update 1
Windows 8.1 Update 1 Start screen
The new update improves the mouse and keyboard user experience and will be available for free via Windows Update next week, but is already accessible to MSDN subscribers.
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Next to Windows Phone 8.1, Microsoft revealed Windows 8.1 Update 1 yesterday at the debut of this year's Build Developer Conference that takes place in San Francisco at the notorious Moscone Center. According to a post by Brandon LeBlanc on the Windows Experience Blog, these updates allow Microsoft "to refine and improve Windows based on feedback from customers to deliver ongoing value to all their Windows devices."

Windows 8.1 Update 1 will start rolling out on April 8, confirming previous rumors. Same can be said about the refinements and fixes it brings, including these:

  • Lower system requirements - only 1 GB of memory and 16 GB of storage for the 32-bit version
  • Improved Start screen, but still no new Start menu, which is expected to debut in Windows 9 or the second update to 8.1
  • New contextual menus for apps accessible via right click
  • Improved access to the taskbar with pinnable apps
  • Enhanced workflow - much easier navigation across Metro apps the the Windows desktop
  • More familiar mouse and keyboard options
  • Internet Explorer 11 improvements, including Enterprise Mode Internet Explorer (EMIE) and extended Mobile Device Management (MDM)

This Windows 8.1 update is labeled KB2919355 and will become available for free to Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 customers via Windows Update. On the other hand, MSDN subscribers have been able to get this update starting yesterday.

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Codrut Nistor, 2014-04- 3 (Update: 2021-05-18)