Clicking the Start button on the Desktop will launch the Start screen, which you'll use to open programs and search for files. Windows 8.1 adds the Start button back to the Desktop.

Start Button: Windows 8 replaced the traditional Start menu with the Start screen and removed the Start button from the Desktop.

Below are some of the most helpful and notable features:

Windows 8.1 includes a number of improvements and features to address some of these issues. When Windows 8 was released in 2012, many users complained that it was difficult and confusing to use, especially compared to older versions of Windows.

Review this page from Microsoft if you're having trouble updating to Windows 8.1. To do this, open the Windows Store app from the Start screen, then locate and select Update Windows. If you already have a Windows 8 device, it may be updated automatically. You can review our Windows 10 tutorial to learn more. Once you've installed Windows 8.1, we recommend that you then upgrade your computer to Windows 10, which is also a free upgrade. If your computer is currently running Windows 8, you can upgrade to Windows 8.1 for free. Check out our Windows 10 Frequently Asked Questions to learn more! Now that Windows 10 is available, can I still get Windows 8.1? Windows 10 was released on July 29, 2015. We'd like to offer you a brief overview of Windows 8.1 and try to answer some questions you may have at this time. It includes a number of new features and design elements that will make Windows 8 easier to use.

Windows 8.1 is a free update for Windows 8 tablets and PCs. Lesson 1: Windows 8.1: Frequently Asked Questions Windows 8.1: Frequently asked questions

Windows 8.1 upgrade