14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8.1 Update 1 has already reached RTM according to reports that have made it to the web lately via people close to the development process, but it’s still hard to determine the build number of the version that’s expected to be released to users in early April.
And still, BAV0 has apparently found the answer in some leaked documentation sent by Microsoft to OEMs that also got their hands on Windows 8.1 Update 1.
It appears that Windows 8.1 Update 1 build number 9600.17031 is the RTM package, which means that the previous leaks that have already been downloaded by thousands of users are exactly the builds that Microsoft is planning to release to everyone in April.
Microsoft has also leaked copies of Windows 8.1 Update 1 via its servers a couple of days ago, which again appear to be the RTM builds comprising all the changes that the company has made recently to the operating system.
Redmond however moved fast to remove the download links, which means that either the company leaked the builds “accidentally” and tried to test the upcoming launch, or it wanted to let everyone know that a big release is coming.
Windows 8.1 Update 1 is indeed a very important product for both users and Microsoft, as the update will come with several changes for the company’s new modern operating system.
Windows 8.1 Update 1 comes with options to pin Metro apps to the taskbar and thus launch them without accessing the Start screen, but also with a title tar and minimize and close buttons for these apps. This means that Metro can now be accessed with a mouse much easier than before and you can close the apps without dragging them to the bottom of the screen, but only by pressing the X button as it’s the case with traditional desktop applications.
The Start screen has also been revamped with power options and a search box, but also with links to the desktop Control Panel in the PC settings menu.
Word is that Microsoft is also working to tweak the boot-to-desktop option by turning it on by default on desktop computers where the Modern UI doesn’t make much sense. Tablets and devices with a touch-capable display could still see the Start screen at boot, according to people close to the matter.
Windows 8.1 Update is likely to be released to users on April 8 via Windows Update, while MSDN subscribers could get it a bit sooner, on April 1 or 2.