Microsoft - Windows 8.1 Pro OEM ESD MULTi-3 June 2018

Microsoft Windows 8.1 (codenamed Blue) is an upgrade for Windows 8, a computer operating system released by Microsoft. Windows 8.1 is availa...

Microsoft Windows 8.1 (codenamed Blue) is an upgrade for Windows 8, a computer operating system released by Microsoft. Windows 8.1 is available free of charge for retail copies of Windows 8 and Windows RT users via the Windows Store. Unlike service packs on previous versions of Windows, users who obtained Windows 8 outside of retail copies or pre-loaded installations (i.e., volume licensing) must obtain Windows 8.1 through new installation media from their respective subscription or enterprise channel. Released as part of a shift by Microsoft towards regular yearly major updates for its software platforms and services, Windows 8.1 aims to address complaints of Windows 8 users and reviewers on launch.

Visible enhancements include an improved Start screen, additional snap views, additional bundled apps, tighter OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) integration, Internet Explorer 11, a Bing-powered unified search system, restoration of a visible Start button on the taskbar, and the ability to restore the previous behavior of opening the user’s desktop on login instead of the Start screen. Windows 8.1 also added support for such emerging technologies as high-resolution displays, 3D printing, Wi-Fi Direct, and Miracast streaming.

Windows 8.1 received mixed reception, although more positive than Windows 8, with critics praising the expanded functionality available to apps in comparison to 8, its OneDrive integration, along with its user interface tweaks and the addition of expanded tutorials for operating the Windows 8 interface. Despite these improvements, Windows 8.1 was still criticized for not addressing all digressions of Windows 8 (such as a poor level of integration between Metro-style apps and the desktop interface), and the potential privacy implications of the expanded use of online services.

Key Features of Microsoft Windows 8.1:

Restore visible Start button to the taskbar for opening the Start screen\
Several enhancements on Windows 8.1 start screen
Ability to use a photo slideshow as its backdrop in lock screen
Improve integration between Windows Store apps and the desktop
Integration with OneDrive at the system level to sync user settings and files
Add Bing-based unified search system
Replace the messaging app from Windows 8 by Skype
Includes Internet Explorer 11 with ability to open an unlimited number of tabs
Improved fingerprint recognition APIs to use enrolled fingerprints as an authentication method
Windows Defender includes an intrusion detection system
Support for 3D printing, pairing with printers using NFC tags, Wi-Fi Direct, Miracast media streaming, tethering and NVMe