What's the difference between Windows 8 and 8.1?

I like Windows 8 but 8.1 is certainly an improvement. A start button included on the taskbar but doesn't open the menu. It'll take users to the start screen when clicked.

There are more settings available to the start screen/modern UI side of the interface.

Depending on your screen size, it's possible to split the screen between 3 or more apps instead of just two. Users have more control in how much screen space an app takes. For example, if you have 2 apps on screen then each can be adjusted to split the screen evenly, unlike Windows 8 where one had to take up the majority of the screen.

New navigation options are available from the taskbar. There's a check mark option to boot directly to the desktop upon sign in. An option to show the all apps (all programs) view instead of the start screen. And an option to disable the top right hot corner so the charms don't pop up when trying to click the X (close) button on a maximized desktop window. Oh, and you can choose to have your desktop background reflected on the start screen from here as well.

They made some annoying changes though. The Libraries are hidden by default. In 8.1 they really want users to sign in with a Microsoft Account and store all their user files online via SkyDrive.

They're easy enough to restore.

Open File Explorer.

Click the View tab at the top of the window.

Click Options in the ribbon.

In the Navigation pane, select Show Libraries.

The Search charm has changed a bit. It now searches the "Everywhere" category by default which also includes Bing, Microsoft's search engine. Though that can be turned off. Instead of full screen, the search pane pops open from the right of the screen. Really handy if one is trying to follow on screen instruction displayed in a web browser or something. Unfortunately, one can no longer search apps. Users will have to open the app first then use the app's built in search function instead.

Apps update automatically now.

Tiles get two new sizes, Large and Small.

Oh, and there's a new Help + Tips tile for new users. It's something that should have been included in Windows 8 but for some crazy reason, wasn't.

Finally, it's free to users who are already running Windows 8. Just run Windows Update, then go the Store app and the update will appear.

– Dominic

Just in case anyone else is considering the 8.1 update, beware, numerous people are having issues with WiFi drivers after the update. I have a Lenovo G505 that came with Windows 8. It was working fine but I wanted some of the improvements that come with 8.1. After the upgrade my WiFi wouldn't work. I tried all sorts of work arounds and got it to work sporadically but it would randomly cut out while I was many times while I was doing something important. There is no easy way to drop back from 8.1 to 8 either, you have to restore the PC to factory defaults and then re-install any programs that you had previously loaded, what a PITA.

Windows 8.1 Differences

In simple terms, if you are into gaming stick with Windows. Linux is a Kernel and not an operating system, it is the files that link to the Kernel that make up the operating system. OSx is a modified Unix based operating system, enhanced with other files. OSx and Linux run along similar lines, yet different in several ways. MAC OSx makes it's only difference in the programs and software that they create and write for the operating system they have altered and written for the hard ware they use. Stable, reliable, dependable and fairly safe and secure, you can not beat OSx or Linux. MAC OSx and Linux you will spend a lot less time fixing things all the time. If you desire to run every kind of software available and every kind of hardware possible, then Windows is first and Linux becomes second by choice. Which suits you the best really depends on exactly what it is that you want to do and what kind of software you want to use. Only you can judge that. Linux is Linux is Linux, simply means do not be over whelmed by all the different distributions available. They all have a very common base system and common and similar files that can be installed and every one can use exactly the same files, even if the naming conventions are different. You have the Main Line versions and hundreds of Remasters off of theses. Difference is what the creator decides to include, install and what Desktop Environment they decide to use. They all can do exactly the same thing. Some are easier to use for a person new to Linux and some can be a little difficult at first. People tend to give up too easily before they really know how every thing works. And yes, I use all three. Windows, OSx and, Linux.

LOL I'm so glad I didn't upgrade to windows 8.1

They took out the dim feature in 8.1 for laptops. For windows 8 the screen dims when it's not active, like how your cell phone works. This feature helps with battery life where less power is used on the sceen.

Can't do that with windows 8.1 lol...

Windows 8.1 is an update, not an upgrade. Thus, it is free for people who currently have Win 8.

The updates within the 8.1 version would be worth it, if I had Win 8.

Here's instructions on how to get it if you want it.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/updat...

windows 8 runs fine the changers they made with 8.1 are not only pointless it started crashing my computer so i went back to 8 if you install Classic Shell it puts back a proper start button and solves all the problems with windows 8 i really dont know why Ms didint just give us a update as simple as Classic Shell i guess they like us to suffer??

I think in 8.1 they added back the START button. Don't know about any other changes.

Check this best Tabular Difference

http://dash10mesh.blogspot.in/2014/05/difference-b...

I don't knw what is the difference b/w them but both sucks...itz similarity:)

Win 7 is better then them.