Redmond wants all 8.1 users to move from Windows 8.1 to 8.1 Update by May 13

May 5, 2014 12:11 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has decided to make Windows 8.1 Update mandatory for 8.1 users, so everyone needs to install the new version by May 13 in order to make sure that they can receive new patches and security fixes.

Redmond says that such a decision was critical for Windows users because all future improvements will be based on 8.1 Update, so if you do not install it, your computer won't be able to get them.

While making Windows 8.1 Update mandatory on such a short notice is a bit surprising for many users, the problem is that some cannot install it due to a number of errors experienced during the setup process, so deploying it before the May 13 deadline is practically impossible.

Some of the users who got stuck with error codes 0246007, 8024000B, 80073712, and 80070002 posted on Microsoft's Community forums to ask the company to delay the Windows 8.1 retirement, at least until it managed to fix the broken update and allow everyone to install it.

“I refuse to believe that there is somehow 'something wrong' with my Windows 8.1 installation, and I believe that there IS something wrong with this 'critical' update. Further, to threaten us with the statement that if we don't install this non-installable update we will not receive further important updates, is, in my view, unacceptable,” one user explained.

“I totally agree with you about the threat of discontinued support if we fail to upgrade to Windows 8.1 Update. They also gave me the suggestion CPU reset which i think is the most insane suggestion and it will cost me more. So what now Microsoft? After all the update is the one at fault,” another one added.

Most of the users who received these errors tried several workarounds, which were either suggested by Microsoft or other people across the web, but in most cases, they still failed to install the new Windows 8.1 Update without more advanced tweaks.

As you’ve probably found out by now, Windows 8.1 Update brings quite a lot of improvements for traditional PC users, including options to pin Metro apps to the taskbar and context menus right on the Start screen. At the same time, Metro apps are also launched in separate windows with a title bar and minimize and close buttons, which makes it possible for mouse users to close and minimize them without the need for a touch-capable device.