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Step-by-step: Update to Windows 8.1 through the Windows Store
This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic article.
As I described in Get the ISO you need to create your own Windows 8.1 DVD, if you have more than one Windows 8 system that you need to update to Windows 8.1, you'll want to download a Windows 8.1 ISO image that you can use to update multiple systems. However, if you are running Windows 8 on a single machine and want to update to Windows 8.1, you can do so using the free upgrade procedure via the Windows Store.
In this article I'll walk you through the entire Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 upgrade procedure using the Windows Store.
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Accessing the Windows 7 File Recovery tool from the Start screen is easy
Creating a System Image
As you may have heard, the Windows 8.1 upgrade is supposed to be a simple and safe procedure and that has been my experience so far. However, some people have encountered problems and so, just to be on the safe side, I recommend that you create a complete backup image of your hard disk using the Windows 7 File Recovery tool. That way, if anything out of the ordinary were to occur as perform the upgrade, you will be able to return to your current configuration using the System Image Recovery procedure.
To launch the Windows 7 File Recovery tool, use the [Windows] + W keystroke to access the Search Settings page. Then, type Windows 7 File in the text box and click Windows 7 File Recovery in the results panel, as shown in Figure A.Credit: Image by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
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You can create the system image on a set of DVD discs
In a moment, you'll see the Windows 7 File Recovery user interface and you should select the Create a system image command on the left side of the screen to launch the creation tool. On the first screen you will need to choose where you are going to create a system image. For example, you can create the system image on a set of DVD discs, as illustrated in Figure B.
Credit: Image by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
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When you click the Start backup button, you'll be prompted to insert a blank DVD disc
When you click Next, you'll be prompted to confirm your backup settings. When you are ready, just click the Start backup button and Windows will begin preparing for the operation. As it does you, you will be prompted to label and insert the first DVD disc. This process is illustrated in Figure C.
Credit: Image by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
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In Windows 8, the System Repair disc is the same as the Recovery Drive
Once you insert the blank disc, you'll be prompted to format it before the backup actually begins. Then, once the backup operation gets under way, you'll see progress indicators letting you know the status of the operation. When the System Image creation procedure is complete, you'll be prompted to create a System Repair disc, as shown in Figure D. However, as you may remember, a System Repair disc is the same as the Recovery Drive and if you have already created a Recovery Drive, you can just click No and you will be notified that the backup completed successfully.
Credit: Image by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
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The Windows 8.1 update is available from the Windows Store
With your system image backup tucked way, the next step is to download the Windows 8.1 installer. To do so, go to the Windows Store from the Start screen and access the Windows 8.1 download screen, shown in Figure E.
Credit: Image by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
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The download process can take a while depending on your internet connection speed
When you click the Download button, the download operation will begin. Once it gets underway, you'll see the process advance, as illustrated in Figure F. Keep in mind that the download is almost 4GB and so may take a while depending on your Internet connection speed.
Credit: Image by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
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Once the download is complete, you will be prompted to restart your system
Once the download is complete, you will see a message similar to the one shown in Figure G, which will prompt you to restart your system. To continue, just click the Restart button. Once the system restarts, the first stage of the Windows 8.1 setup procedure will commence.
Credit: Image by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
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Once the system restarts, the installation procedure will begin
Setup - stage 1
Once the download is complete and the system restarts, the installation procedure will begin, and you'll see a screen similar to the one that I encountered on my Dell laptop, as shown in Figure H.Credit: Image by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
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Just a few more things to do
As you can see the first screen indicates that setup is getting underway. You'll see this screen for a little while but the message will change as the installation progresses. Of course there will be a couple of restarts. For example, on my test system the next message was Getting devices ready, which was then followed by Getting ready, and Applying PC settings. Finally, the screen shown in Figure I appears.
Credit: Image by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
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This shows an OEM license from Dell
Setup - stage 2
As soon as your system reboots, you'll be prompted to accept the Windows 8.1 license terms and will see a screen similar to the one shown in Figure J. As you can see, this is an OEM license for Windows 8.1 between me and the computer manufacturer, which in this case is Dell.Credit: Image by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
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You'll want to click the Use express settings button
After you click OK on the License terms screen, you'll see a Settings screen like the one shown in Figure K. Your best bet is to just click the Use express settings button. When you do, it appears as though Setup just uses your existing settings. Of course, if you want to change your settings go ahead and click the Customize button.
Credit: Image by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
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SkyDrive is deeply integrated into Windows 8.1
On the following screens, you'll be prompted to enter your Microsoft Account password, specify your backup email account and then enter the security code that will be sent to you via your backup email account. Once you enter the code, you'll see the screen shown in Figure L that prompts you to use SkyDrive, which is deeply integrated into Windows 8.1.
Credit: Image by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
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Your apps will be reinstalled
You'll then see a series of screens that change color while they inform you that settings are being configured. You'll then see a screen, like the one shown in Figure M, which informs you that your previously installed apps are being reinstalled. Keep in mind that some third-party apps may only have a tile on the Start Screen. Just click the tile and the app will be completely reinstalled.
Credit: Image by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
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When the installation is complete, you'll see the new transparent Start Screen
Finally you will see the new transparent Start Screen that allows you to see your desktop wallpaper in the background, as shown in Figure N.
Credit: Image by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic
Step-by-step: Update to Windows 8.1 through the Windows Store
This
gallery is also available as a TechRepublic article.
As I described in Get the ISO you need to create your own Windows 8.1 DVD, if you have more than one Windows 8 system that you need to update to Windows 8.1, you'll want to download a Windows 8.1 ISO image that you can use to update multiple systems. However, if you are running Windows 8 on a single machine and want to update to Windows 8.1, you can do so using the free upgrade procedure via the Windows Store.
In this article I'll walk you through the entire Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 upgrade procedure using the Windows Store.
By Greg Shultz
Greg Shultz is a freelance Technical Writer. Previously, he has worked as Documentation Specialist in the software industry, a Technical Support Specialist in educational industry, and a Technical Journalist in the computer publishing industry.