Pros & Cons
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- Fastest startup of any Windows version.
- Better mouse and keyboard usability.
- Better integration of modern and "classic" Windows apps.
- Loads of included apps and utilities.
- Improved Mail app.
- Help for getting started.
- Better integration of tiled Start screen and desktop.
- Boot to desktop by default on laptops and desktops.
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- Dual nature may still confuse some.
- Windows app store lacks some big titles.
- Included apps (mail, music) not as slick as those of OS X Mavericks.
The Windows 8.1 Update released at Microsoft Build on April 2 can be viewed as both a step backward and a step forward for Microsoft's vision of a hybrid OS that's equally comfortable on tablets, slates, laptops, and desktops. In the first version of its daring two-in-one OS bet, the company put nearly all the focus on the touch interface. With this update, mouse and keyboard users finally get the attention they've been clamoring for.
It's hard to believe that it's been less than a year and half since Windows 8's initial release in October 2012, and we've already gotten a third revision. But, as the lack of a new version number or even point number indicates, Windows 8.1 Update is hardly a completely revamped piece of software.
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Some may be surprised that, unlike Apple's updated Mavericks OS X, Windows 8.1 Update brings no actual new features—there's no new ebook reader or map app (it already includes the latter, and you can get the former in the Windows app Store) such as Mavericks added. What Windows 8.1 Update does bring is a collection of new interface elements and behaviors for mouse users. Best of all, none of these features requires learning anything new—they're all derived from familiar old ways of interacting with PCs. And that's not all: The update includes about 200 performance tweaks that benefit all users—of both touch and non-touch PCs.
