How to Upgrade from Windows 8 to 8.1

This updated guide examines How to Upgrade from Windows 8 to 8.1 and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 2:

Upgrading to Windows 8.1

1. Back up your files and applications prior to upgrading to Windows 8.1. Although your files and data will not be affected by upgrading to Windows 8.1, backing up your information can help prevent data loss if unexpected errors occur or if the upgrade process is interrupted for any reason. Save all important files and data to a disc, cloud storage service, or USB flash drive, or back up your data using Windows 8 File History.
2. Verify you have enough free disk space on your computer. If you're currently running Windows 8, you must have between 3,000 MB and 3,850 MB of available space to install Windows 8.1.
   • Click on 'Settings' and select 'Change PC Settings' from the Start screen.
   • Click on 'PC and devices,' then click on 'Disk space.'
   • Note the amount of free space below 'Free up space on this PC,' then delete or move apps and files as needed to free up disk space.
3. Connect your computer to a power source. This will help prevent your computer from shutting down unexpectedly due to power loss during the update.
4. Temporarily disable any antivirus software for the duration of the Windows 8.1 update. Some antivirus software may prevent the Windows 8.1 update from installing on your system.
5. Navigate to the Start screen and click on 'Store.' The link to the Windows 8.1 update will display on the Home screen of Windows Store.
6. Click on 'Windows 8.1 Update,' then select 'Download.' The update will begin downloading and installing itself on your computer. While the update is running, you can continue using your computer to do other things.
   • If 'Windows 8.1 Update' isn't displayed in Windows Store, it's possible your PC is experiencing one or more issues preventing you from updating to Windows 8.1. If this happens, navigate to Microsoft's website at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/why-can-t-find-update-store, click on the 'Windows 8.1 Update troubleshooter' link in the first paragraph, then select the option to run the troubleshooter program. The troubleshooter program will help resolve any problems preventing you from upgrading to Windows 8.1.
7. Click on 'Restart Now' after the Windows 8.1 update has downloaded and the first phase of installation is complete. This prompt will show up after between 15 minutes and a few hours into the upgrade, depending on your Internet speed. You will have 15 minutes to click on 'Restart Now' after the prompt displays on-screen so you can save and close any applications on which you're currently working. After your computer restarts, a list of recommended 'express' settings will display on-screen.
8. Review the express settings displayed on-screen, then select either 'Use express settings' or 'Customize,' depending on your personal preference. Some features of express settings include the installation of automatic Windows updates and the use of Bing as your default search engine.
   • If you do not want to enable all express settings, click on 'Customize,' then follow the on-screen prompts to set up and customize Windows 8.1.
9. Sign in to Windows using either your Microsoft login credentials or the username and password for your local account. The new Start screen will display on the desktop, and you will now be upgraded to Windows 8.1.^[1]

Method 2of 2:

Troubleshooting

1. Try updating drivers and third-party software installed on your Windows 8 computer if you receive error code 0x800F0923 when trying to install the upgrade. This error means that specific drivers or software are not compatible with the Windows 8.1 update. For example, if you installed Apple iTunes on your computer, launch the iTunes application and select 'Check for updates' to install the latest software updates and resolve issues associated with compatibility.^[2]
2. Refresh your Internet connection or disconnect from a VPN network if you receive error code 0x800F0922 when trying to upgrade to Windows 8.1. This error means your computer is experiencing difficulty with connecting to Microsoft's Windows Update server.
3. Try refreshing your PC if you receive an error saying the Windows 8.1 update is not applicable to your computer. This error usually means you need to refresh the files on your PC.
   • Click on 'Settings' and select 'Change PC Settings' from the Start screen.
   • Click on 'Update and recovery,' then select 'Recovery.'
   • Click on 'Get started' under 'Refresh your PC without affecting your files,' then follow the on-screen instructions to refresh your PC. When complete, repeat the steps outlined in Part One of this article to upgrade to Windows 8.1.