14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8.1 Update was officially launched on April 8 as a mandatory update for everyone running Windows 8.1 on their PCs, laptops, or tablets, but a number of users experienced issues that blocked them from installing the new OS version.
Even though Microsoft rolled out some workarounds to address these errors, the bugs persisted and users are still having problems with what was supposed to be an update that makes the Windows 8 operating system a bit more appropriate for traditional PCs.
Now some of the users affected by these problems said on Microsoft's Community forums that going back to Windows 7 seems to be their only option, at least until the software giant resolves the issues and allows them to install 8.1 Update flawlessly.
What's more, some have gone so far that they're now claiming that switching from Windows software to alternatives developed by other companies is a priority, citing the frustration experienced when trying to install 8.1 Update as the main reason.
Here's the message posted by one of the affected users on Microsoft's Community forums:
“That's why I'm personally going back to Windows 7 SP 1 temporarily and when support ends (or possibly prior with a dual boot) I will be switching to Linux. It's really shameful that MS doesn't apparently care about loyal customers. I had been an avid advocate for Windows for 11 years and this fiasco has changed my mind forever.
“If I live to be 110 I will never buy another Windows product...then again, at this rate I am probably going to outlive Microsoft as the plain truth shows bad business practices and not caring about customer service or loyalty does spell the demise of companies in this highly competitive market. I know MS is losing money on its tablets and frankly I have interacted with more than one person who has either gone back to Windows 7 or migrated to Linux after this fiasco.”
Microsoft initially warned that Windows 8.1 users needed to move to Windows 8.1 Update by May 13, as the new OS version has been labeled as mandatory installation for the core 8.1.
Yesterday, however, the company had a change of heart and said in an announcement that the installation deadline would be moved to June in order to give more time to those having problems with the installation of Windows 8.1 Update to deal with the issues and get their fully updated computers up and running.