Free Download Windows 8.1 (32 bit and 64 bit) direct download

Windows 8.1 (direct download)

The first major update to Windows 8 and RT, Windows 8.1 (codenamed "Blue") was officially announced by Microsoft on May 14, 2013.^[157]^[158] Following a presentation devoted to the update at the Build Conference, a public beta version of the update was released on June 26, 2013.^[159]^[160] Windows 8.1 was released to OEM hardware partners on August 27, 2013 and will be publicly released on October 17, 2013 at 7:00 a.m. eastern time as a free download through Windows Store for all Windows 8 users, and at retail through new SKUs of Windows 8 with 8.1 included.^[126]^[161]^[162] Unlike past releases and service packs for Windows, volume license customers and subscribers to MSDN Plus and TechNet Plus were initially unable to obtain the RTM version upon its release; a spokesperson stated that the change was to allow Microsoft to work with OEMs "to ensure a quality experience at general availability."^[163]^[164] However, after criticism, Microsoft reversed its decision and released the RTM build on MSDN and TechNet on September 9, 2013.