A new report confirms via unnamed sources that Windows 8.1 Update 1 is done

Mar 5, 2014 06:45 GMT  ·  By

As we’ve reported to you yesterday, Windows 8.1 Update 1 is believed to have reached RTM, which means that Microsoft has completed development of the operating system and is now making the final adjustments to the public launch expected to take place in approximately one month.

According to a report posted by Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet via unnamed sources, Windows 8.1 Update 1 has indeed reached RTM, but general availability will also be announced in April.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, Foley explains that Windows 8.1 Update 1 is very likely to be released to MSDN subscribers in the first days of April, as Microsoft is willing to give developers the chance to try out the new release in time for the BUILD developer conference kicking off on April 2.

End users on the other hand is expected to launch on April 8, the same day when Microsoft is rolling out updates as part of the Patch Tuesday cycle schedule for the same day.

Windows 8.1 Update 1 will bring quite a lot of improvements for desktop users, including options to pin Metro apps to the taskbar and launch them faster and easier. Basically, this is just the first step towards a major improvement that’s expected to be concluded in Windows 9 to allow users to launch Metro apps in their own windows right on the desktop.

At the same time, Microsoft is also including power options to reboot and shut down the device straight from the Start screen, thus making the operating system a bit more appropriate for desktop computers.

What’s more, Windows 8.1 Update 1 is expected to lower hardware requirements in order to help Microsoft bring cheaper devices to the market and thus increase adoption of its modern operating system. Windows 8.1 Update 1 will require only 1 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage space, while Redmond is also planning to offer discounts to companies selling more affordable devices.

Microsoft has already confirmed that a major update for Windows 8.1 is coming this spring, but hasn’t provided too many details, saying that it’s designed to improve the overall experience on desktop computers. Windows 8.1 Update 1 will be delivered as an optional download through Windows Update, which means that all users can get it automatically.

The installation process will be performed without user interaction, just like it’s the case of any other Windows patch.