14 DAY TRIAL // Even though Microsoft initially planned to make Windows 8.1 RTM available for download for MSDN and TechNet subscribers in October, the company has changed its mind and released the OS update today.
The tech giant claims that it heard from developers that delaying the release is a major setback for everybody, so it decided to make it available a lot sooner.
“We heard from you that our decision to not initially release Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2 RTM bits was a big challenge for our developer partners as they’re readying new Windows 8.1 apps and for IT professionals who are preparing for Windows 8.1 deployments,” the company said in a post.
“We’ve listened, we value your partnership, and we are adjusting based on your feedback. As we refine our delivery schedules for a more rapid release cadence, we are working on the best way to support early releases to the various audiences within our ecosystem.”
In addition to Windows 8.1 RTM, Microsoft has also released Windows Server 2012 R2 to users of MSDN and TechNet, while Visual Studio 2013 RC is expected to go live anytime soon.
End users will get Windows 8.1 on October 18, but the update will also be offered to Windows 8 users one day earlier as a free download from the Store.