14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8.1 Update was officially launched on April 8 for everyone running Windows 8.1, but due to a number of errors, lots of users were unable to deploy it in until now.
The company however decided to make 8.1 Update mandatory for those whose computers are powered by Windows 8.1, so in case they do not install it by May 13, their systems would no longer receive updates and security patches.
With this in mind, Redmond has lately tried to fix the errors and make it possible for users who cannot install the update to do it easily via the automatic Windows Update system.
As a result, computers running Windows 8.1 recently received another KB2919355 patch that addresses error 80073712 and is supposed to make installation a smoother process.
Microsoft has already confirmed this error and provided some guidance in order to install Windows 8.1 Update, explaining that in some cases the problems are caused by some corrupted components.
“To resolve this issue, use a tool to clean up the corruption. To do this, visit the Microsoft Download Center, search for KB2919355, and then download the clearcompressionflag.exe file that is associated with the latest version of KB2919355. After you run this tool, try to install update 2919355 again,” the company said.
As mentioned, Windows 8.1 Update is becoming a mandatory package for those who are running Windows 8.1 right now and with Patch Tuesday taking place next week, make sure that you install it in time. Microsoft claims that all future improvements will actually be based on Windows 8.1 Update, so that's why it decided to make it mandatory for everyone running Windows 8.1 right now. Windows 8 users, on the other hand, can continue running the same OS version.
“All future security and nonsecurity updates for Windows RT 8.1, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 require this update to be installed. We recommend that you install this update on your Windows RT 8.1, Windows 8.1, or Windows Server 2012 R2-based computer in order to receive continued future updates,” Microsoft said.
Windows 8.1 Update brings a number of improvements aimed at the traditional desktop, including options to pin Metro apps to the taskbar, Start screen enhancements, easier to reach power controls in the Modern UI, as well as a title bar and minimize and close buttons for Windows Store apps. A second update bringing a Start menu and options to run Metro apps in separate windows is coming this summer.