14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft will officially release Windows 8.1 in mid-October, but the operating system is already experiencing a terrific success among Windows 8 users who downloaded the leaked builds.
As Softpedia reported to you several times in the last couple of weeks, leaked copies of Windows 8.1 RTM are all over the place, so it’s actually quite easy to download and install the operating system on your computer.
What’s more, activation also seems to work like a charm using a legitimate Windows 8 key, so you can instantly turn the OS into a fully-working system ready to receive updates and patches.
Judging by the number of threads posted on Windows forums on the Internet, it’s pretty clear that Windows 8.1 is a well-received product, even though a number of bugs are still there. Keep in mind, however, that Microsoft is yet to officially introduce the operating system as the company has adopted a bit different (but smart) strategy.
While Windows 8.1 RTM is already in the hands of OEMs right now, the company continues work on the operating system, promising to release several packs of updates before October 18 when it’s set to be publicly unveiled.
This means that Microsoft most likely keeps an eye on all these forums where users who deployed leaked copies of 8.1 RTM discuss about new features, so some of the problems reported these days could be fixed before the software goes live.
Overall, Windows 8.1 seems to be a helpful addition to the Windows update lineup, as users are finally provided with some of the options they have been asking for ever since October 26 when Windows 8 was released. The Start button is back, even though not in the original form, the Start screen has many more customization options, while users can now skip Metro and boot to desktop using a simple built-in setting.