14 DAY TRIAL // Details on Windows 8.1 RTM are pretty vague right now, but Microsoft has decided to set things straight a little bit by providing more information on the updating process to the upcoming OS upgrade.
As we’ve reported to you several times before, switching from Windows 8.1 Preview to RTM would remove all apps and settings, as the built-in migration technologies would only take care of your personal data.
The software maker has indeed confirmed the reports in a new blog post, explaining that Windows 8.1 Preview is only aimed at individuals who’d like to test the operating system on non-critical computers.
This means that Windows 8.1 Preview could still come with a number of issues, so stability and performance might be dramatically affected on a number of systems.
“It’s also important to note that while computers running Windows 8.1 Preview can be updated to the final Windows 8.1 release, this update process will only migrate the data on the device. All applications (from the Windows Store or desktop applications) will need to be reinstalled as part of this process,” Microsoft explained.
As far as older operating systems are concerned, such as XP, Vista, or 7, Microsoft recommends consumers to use the built-in migration technologies to automate the transition to Windows 8.1. In RTM form, that is.
“For those using earlier operating systems, the OS refresh processes implemented by the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit and System Center Configuration Manager (or other similar tools) can be used to automate the move to Windows 8.1 while preserving data and settings, and can also install any needed applications as part of that process,” it said.
According to previous reports, Windows 8.1 is expected to hit RTM as soon as this August, while general availability should be announced in October, just before the beginning of the holiday season.