14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has once again brought back online Windows 8.1 Update 1 download links, so users who want to give the new version a try before the official launch in April could get it right away.
As Neowin reports, the new pack of improvements comes with six different updates that must be installed in the correct order in order to successfully deploy Windows 8.1 Update 1.
Today’s leaked download links bring versions for all supported platforms, including x64 and x86, but also ARM for Windows RT 8.1 devices such as Microsoft’s very own Surface RT and Surface RT.
As you know, Windows 8.1 Update 1 comes with a long list of improvements, including options to pin Metro apps to the taskbar, power options and a search box right on the Start screen and several new options across the Modern UI that allow users to quickly switch to the desktop-based Control Panel.
At the same time, Metro apps are now launched in their own windows and come with a title bar to close or minimize them with a mouse.
All updates are being shipped by Microsoft in the form of MSU installers that do not require more than a double-click to start the installation process, so minimum user interaction is needed. What’s more, some of the MSUs listed for download below might already be available on your computer, as Microsoft delivered them via Windows Update in the past Patch Tuesday rollouts.
At this point, it’s too early to say whether this is the RTM version of Windows 8.1 Update 1 or Microsoft is just performing another test to determine whether it’s ready to launch the product, but it’s most likely an improved version with a newer build string than the one leaked earlier this month.
Windows 8.1 is projected to be unveiled in early April for MSDN subscribers and on April 8 for all consumers. The product will be shipped to users via Windows Update and will be available free of charge for anyone already running Windows 8.1 on a x86, x64, or ARM device.
You need to install the available updates in the following order (several reboots might be required):
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Download links for Windows 8.1 Update 1 x86:
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Download links for Windows 8.1 Update 1 x64:
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Download links for Windows 8.1 Update 1 ARM:
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Update: Microsoft has removed all download links, which probably means that it was just another test performed ahead of the public launch in early April.