Report claims that Microsoft was actually trying to test the update system

Mar 12, 2014 09:58 GMT  ·  By

Last week, Microsoft accidentally disclosed several Windows 8.1 Update 1 download links, which basically allowed everyone with Internet access to download and install the new OS version prepared by the software giant for the April launch.

While Microsoft has quickly taken down the links, a Chinese website is now claiming that the build that was delivered to users on that day was actually just a testing version supposed to allow the Redmond-based company to test the update system that’s going to go live once Windows 8.1 Update 1 is released.

PCBeta suggests that build 17031 is not RTM, which means that those who rushed to install it might need to reinstall their operating systems once again once the full build becomes available, as it’s not yet clear whether the new and final version could be delivered via Windows Update to these computers.

Although nobody can tell for sure whether this new report is accurate or not, the build delivered to users via Microsoft’s links was anyway very close to the stable build, as most of the features rumored to be included in Windows 8.1 Update 1 were already there.

According to the leaks that reached the web recently, Windows 8.1 Update 1 will come with quite a lot of improvements, including options to pin Metro apps to the taskbar, but also with context menu like options on the Start screen that would make it easier for PC users to access the Modern environment with a mouse.

At the same time, the Start screen would also come with power options right on the main screen, thus allowing users to reboot or shut down their computers faster, but also with a search box to quickly look for information online and offline.

What’s more, all Modern apps that will be launched on a desktop computer will run in separate windows and will have a titlebar and a close button, which means that PC users will indeed get more control over the Metro environment.

Word is that Microsoft is also working to enhance the boot to desktop option, with some people close to the matter claiming that Redmond is planning to allow PC makers to turn this setting on by default on PCs and laptops. Of course, boot to desktop could be turned off on tablet devices where seeing the Start screen at boot pretty much makes sense and allows users to launch apps with just a tap.