windows Windows 8.1 Update 1 rumored to release March 11

sincity · January 24, 2014

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It's pretty safe to say users are fed up with Windows 8 and Microsoft is fully aware too. First it introduced Windows 8.1 as a quick point one follow up. Next? A point point one update that could come in early March.

One of Mary Jo Foley's "accurate and trusted sources" at ZDnet alleges the first version update for Windows 8.1 will come Patch Tuesday, March 11. The minor update is said to bring the usual improvements, lowering memory usage memory usage and disk space requirements for the OS.

The added optimization should improve Windows 8.1 performance on regular computers. More importantly though, it could make the full OS less taxing on tablets like the Microsoft Surface Pro 2 and convertibles such as Asus' Transformer Book T100.

Previously leaked Windows 8.1 Update 1 screenshots revealed Metro-style and Windows Store apps could finally be pinned to the desktop task bar again. It's a seemingly small change but another update that wrests back full desktop functionality from the Metro "Start" page.

Nine save us

Sadly Windows 8.1's existence has basically been Microsoft's apology to Windows 8. Users cried foul on the missing Start Button, as well as constantly switching interfaces between Metro and the ordinary desktop.

While the Redmond software maker has done its best to fix the hamstrung OS, veteran users might not be satisfied until version 9 comes out. Early reports show the next iteration promises the return of actual program windows and the Start Menu.

Windows 8.1 still has a little life in it but it's unlikely to have the same longevity as Windows XP or 7. What's more, Microsoft Build is approaching this spring where there's an expected Window 9 showing complete with Cortana.