As some people are reportedly still struggling to apply the Windows 8.1 update to their computer systems Microsoft has begun a new pilot program. Paul Thurrott writes that the roll out of this update, for both Windows 8/RT users, is being tested in select markets right now with a view to a broader rollout if successful.
The Windows 8.1 Update was made available through the Windows Store rather than the more appropriate channel of the Windows Update program. Some thought that was, perhaps, Microsoft trying to get people to check the Windows Store from time to time rather than just completely ignore it. However some people who wanted to update couldn’t do it and have since been stuck on Windows 8.0.
A Microsoft spokesman told Thurrott "This (Windows RT) pilot program is an example of ways we're experimenting to help ensure more of our customers benefit from a continuously improving Windows experience". He went on to say that the process will be similar to how Windows 8.1 updates itself today and thus should help consumer Windows 8 and Windows RT machines update to.1 for free, automatically.
If you are one of the unfortunate individuals who have embraced Windows 8 but then got stuck on the outside looking in at the enhancements in Windows 8.1 (and Windows 8,.1 Update 1) – not available to you then you are advised to check Windows Update now. If you are in one of the pilot program areas it could be available today. Others may have to wait until it's rolled out to their region.
However there is one more way to help a Windows RT system update today. Users of this OS can manually download the update here. But users of Windows 8.0 or RT must have already applied update 2871389 first. At the time of writing we don't know the direct download link for the x86 machine compatible update.
