8.11 Upgrading to Windows 8.1 Via Windows Store

For the first time Microsoft has used the Windows Store as the update vehicle for the latest upgrade of Windows 8.

While this option may be slightly different to what you are used to, the procedure is just as simple as downloading via Windows Updates.

To begin the Windows 8.1 update download open the Microsoft Store window.
In the Microsoft Store window you should already have an Update to Windows 8.1 for free link displayed.
Click on the Update to Windows 8.1 for free link to begin the update process.

Fig 8.11.1 Store Window with update link
When the Windows 8.1 update page loads, click the Download button.

Fig: 8.11.2 To start the download, click the Download button
An Installation screen will now appear and the Windows 8.1 update will begin to download.

Fig: 8.11.3 Downloading the Windows 8.1 update
As the download progresses the installation progress bar will change to Installing.

Fig: 8.11.4 Progress legend changes to Installing
The next installation screen will show the progress of getting your update ready.

Fig: 8.11.5 Getting update ready
Your system will now be checked for compatibility.

Fig: 8.11.6 Checking for compatibility
The changes to your install will now be applied.

Fig: 8.11.7 Applying changes
Windows now needs to gather information about your PC.

Fig: 8.11.8 Gathering Info
After Windows has gathered all the information it needs your PC will restart.

Fig: 8.11.9 Preparing to restart your PC
To continue with the installation your PC needs to restart.

Fig: 8.11.10 Please restart your PC
To restart your PC, press the Restart Now button.

Fig: 8.11.11 Press the Restart Now button to restart the PC
Your PC will now restart.

Fig: 8.11.12 Restarting screen
Windows next displays its logo screen.

Fig: 8.11.13 Windows Logo Screen
The Setting Up progress is now displayed.

Fig: 8.11.14 Setting Up Progress
Next Windows begins to get your devices ready to run in Windows 8.1.

Fig: 8.11.15 Getting devices ready
Windows is now getting ready to apply all of the settings.

Fig: 8.11.16 Getting ready
Next Windows needs to apply the settings for your PC.

Fig: 8.11.17 Applying PC settings
After Windows has applied all settings you may get another screen which tells you that Windows is still setting up a few things.

Fig: 8.11.18 Setting up a few more things
After Windows has made the necessary setting alterations, you are now ready for the final process of installation. This includes setting up your account with Microsoft, etc.

Fig: 8.11.19 Getting ready
The Express settings window now appears. Unless you really need to customise your settings the best option is to simply click the Use Express Settings button.

Fig: 8.11.20 To accept the default settings, click the Use Express Settings button
You now need to setup your account.

Fig 8.11.21 Beginning to set up your Microsoft account
You now need to sign into your Microsoft Account.

Fig: 8.11.22 Sign into your Microsoft Account
The next screen is a security screen. This asks you the email address which you would like to use for Microsoft to send you a security code. Fill in the required details and then click the Next button. If you simply want to continue with the setup without filling in these details, click the I can't do this at this time link to continue.

Fig: 8.11.23 Fill in the required details for Microsoft to send you a security code
After clicking the next button on the previous screen you will be presented with the OneDrive is your Cloud drive screen. You can either leave this on by default or (not recommended by Microsoft) turn it off. If you wish to use OneCare simply press the Next button.

Fig: 8.11.24 Click the Next button to enable the OneDrive Cloud Storage
To turn the OneDrive Cloud drive off, click on the Turn Off the OneCare (not recommended) link.
The next screen simply greets you with 'Hi'.

Fig 8.11.25 Windows say's Hi!
Almost finished!
Just sit back and wait now for Windows to complete its installation routine. The next screen to appear will simply say 'We're setting things up for you.

Fig: 8.11.26 We're setting things up for you
Your apps should now begin to install.

Fig: 8.11.27 You can get apps from the Store
Your apps may take a while to install. Please be patient.

Fig: 8.11.28 Taking care of a few things
As Windows finalises the installation of your apps it is important that you Do Not turn your PC Off.

Fig: 8.11.29 Getting your apps ready
You are now almost finished installing the Windows 8.1 update.

Fig: 8.11.30 Almost ready
At last! You have now finished.

Fig: 8.11.31 Let's start
Your desktop now appears and you are ready to begin using Windows 8.1.

Fig: 8.11.32 At last you now see a familiar desktop