Thinking of upgrading your computer system to Microsoft Windows 8.1?
Find out the pros and cons of Microsoft’s latest operating system and whether upgrading now is right for your business
In 2012, Microsoft released Windows 8. In some ways, the idea behind the new platform was to bridge the gap between Windows on PCs/laptops and newer touchscreen devices like tablets and mobile phones.
Unfortunately, Windows 8 was not the success that Microsoft had hoped for, and many users complained about the large departure from familiar designs. This resulted in confusion and frustration over what can essentially be called an unfinished platform.
Passing a year, Microsoft has released the version of Windows 8.1. With most existing Microsoft users deciding to turn down the initial upgrade to Windows 8, is this the right time for them to consider 8.1? Also, what about existing Windows 8 users? Should they update too?
Virtually all PCs and laptops now ship with the Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 operating system. Therefore, when investing in new hardware in the future, there is no escape and you will be forced to accept the latest platform instead of your preferred option.
Also, Microsoft has announced that it will drop support for Windows 7 as of January 2015, and thus it is inevitable that you will need to embrace this latest offering, even if it is sooner rather than later. However, for now we recommend that current users of Windows 7 or earlier talk to us first, but we generally recommend that you continue using your current system.
Should a Windows 8 user upgrade to Windows 8.1?
When Windows 8 was released in 2012, many of the touchscreen devices it was designed for were simply not available for purchase. Those that were available were considered too expensive compared to the price of the competition.
A year on, there are now more options for touchscreen laptops, tablets, and all-in-ones at a considerably better price. The relative failure of Windows 8 meant that developers were hesitant to build apps for these devices, although there is now a feeling that Microsoft is doing it right and apps are being released at a faster pace. That said, the competition with Android and Apple is so firmly established that there’s a feeling that it’s too little too late. But, the only advantage for Microsoft is the integration with a Windows platform, which the competition cannot offer. Therefore, for users looking for a device that offers more, combining business and entertainment capabilities, this could be Microsoft’s only competitive advantage.
For Windows 8 users, the decision to upgrade to Windows 8.1 should be relatively easy given the many benefits listed below. This update is FREE, which will be good news, and is available from the Windows Store.
What are the advantages of Microsoft Windows 8.1?
1. Customizable
Windows 8.1 introduces the Snap feature on the Start Screen, which allows you to resize different app screens independently, allowing the user to run multiple apps on the same screen. Live tiles can also be resized with 3 different sizes, small, regular and large. The desktop background can also be combined with the home screen for a unified look.
In Windows 8, users were restricted to having two apps open simultaneously on the screen. This has been doubled to four and each can be independently sized depending on the application you are currently working on.
2. Automatic app updates
All apps installed from the Windows Store will automatically update in the background while you use your PC instead of asking you to update each app individually. This is a nice time saver and admin feature you never have to worry about.
3. It consumes less disk space
Windows 8.1 offers some new features and functions, however, Microsoft says it uses 8-15% less hard drive space.
4. Smart search
Search Charm in Windows 8 was pretty cool, but the new search feature in Windows 8.1, called Smart Search, is in a different league. It’s incredibly versatile to search all aspects of the device, including apps, to produce more comprehensive results. When searching on a topic, such as a specific famous person, Windows 8.1 will produce what Microsoft has called a “search hero” that displays relevant information such as date of birth, death, photos, discography, and so on.
This new search feature alone is worth upgrading.
5. Greater compatibility with external displays
Windows 8.1 allows for more options, especially when running a tablet on external displays, it also supports DPI scaling, allowing you to set different text and icon scaling settings per monitor, especially useful with high-resolution displays.
6. Live lock screen
Windows 8.1 offers the option to allow calendar appointments, email notifications, etc., all from the lock screen, before you sign in. You can also set the lock screen to show a slideshow of your own images
7. Desk
Windows 8.1 allows the user to start directly from the desktop, instead of the Start screen. One of the biggest complaints about Windows 8 was the removal of the Start button. It’s a welcome return to a familiar friend, though the Start Menu in Windows 8.1 isn’t like previous versions, it’s a scaled-down version of the old Start Menu.
In Windows 8.1, the Start screen gets a major redesign to make it easier to customize, with a wider range of tile sizes to accommodate more items on the Start screen. And, of course, there’s a checkbox that lets you bypass the start screen and go straight to the desktop.
In short, there are new features in almost every corner of this platform that are superior to Windows 8. Windows has also added an online tutorial that was sadly missing before and might have prevented some of the frustration. While we wouldn’t say that Windows 8.1 is now the finished item, it is clearly better than its predecessor.
With any new system, there are invariably downsides that the manufacturer doesn’t want to tell you…
1. There is no option to uninstall
There is no way to uninstall Windows 8.1 or go back to a system restore point before the upgrade. This means that once you push the button, there is simply no going back. You have to work with what you have whether you like it or not. In general, this shouldn’t be a problem for Windows 8 users, and it’s not as relevant if you’re considering upgrading from Windows 7 or earlier, because if you have Windows 7, you’ll have a recovery partition or media, so you can go back. silent. easily.
Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 FAQ states:
“After you install Windows 8.1, you won’t be able to use the recovery partition on your PC to go back to your previous version of Windows.”
2. Software reinstallation
Quite often, Windows 8.1 requires users to reinstall software that was working fine before the update. As with any upgrade, it is a good idea to ensure that you have performed a full system backup and that you have installation media, user ID, license keys, and passwords for all other software.
As a precaution, it’s worth checking if your other software is updated to be compatible with Windows 8.1. Some programs may not be compatible and therefore stop working. It is very important that you verify this before running an update of this magnitude.
3. Driver issues
Many users have also reported that they need to reinstall drivers for many devices, so external devices, peripherals; external monitors, etc. may stop working entirely after this update. For any update, there will always be one or two potential driver issues, so this is nothing new.
4. Start Menu
Windows 8.1 restores the Start menu, however this is not the Start menu users have become accustomed to for the past 13 years. The menu has limited functionality, its primary function being to take the user back to the home screen.
5. Mouse problem
Some computer mice stop working correctly or start working sporadically in Windows 8.1, especially for gamers, though Microsoft is currently working on a fix. Windows 8 or 8.1 isn’t the best for working with a keyboard and mouse; It is ideal for touch screen devices.
6. No direct download
Unlike other previous service packs in Windows 7 and XP, you cannot manually download and install the service pack, the installation must be done from the Microsoft Apps Store.
Resume
Whenever you are considering upgrading your system, you should ideally talk to your IT support company and let them first check your systems and point out any potential problems you may be having. Some will be known, but there is always the possibility of a ghost in the closet due to the wide range of software that is available and used for commercial purposes with current old compatibility.
Also, before any upgrade, it is recommended to perform a full system backup to protect it from possible failure.
Our last words…
- If you’re already a Windows 8 user, the upgrade is free and largely transparent, and it adds some useful new tweaks and features. You should update as soon as possible, but follow our advice so we can do everything we can to protect you.
- If you’re a Windows 7 user, consider keeping it until you absolutely need to invest in a new PC; those touch-optimized elements of Windows 8 and 8.1 won’t do you much good, and Windows 7 still plays nice with most apps.
