Windows 8.1 - should you update/upgrade?
Installing the update is almost like installing another operating system as you have to go through similar initial configuration steps, and some things need to be re-installed or re-applied after the update.
First, if, on your computer, you have Windows 7 or earlier, stick with what you have. When it's time to get a new computer you can get the latest version of Windows. A new version of an operating system is never a good idea on an older computer.
Second, if you have Windows 8 and are thinking of updating to Windows 8.1 (a free update), there are a few things to consider.
If you have a tablet or windows phone running Windows 8, there are a lot of improvements that allow greater customization and greater flexibility. So, yes, update.
This also includes if you have a computer and you like and mainly use the Windows 8 Start screen (aka Modern, aka Metro) touch interface with your fingers.
If you have a laptop or desktop computer and are using Windows 8 in desktop mode only:
I just updated (last night) my Windows 8 laptop. I never use the touch interface, I only use it in desktop mode. So far, I have not seen any improvements in the desktop area, only a number of annoyances. So, for people with Windows 8 laptops and desktop using only the desktop interface, I would hold off on updating to Windows 8.1
Installing the update is almost like installing another operating system as you have to go through similar initial configuration steps, and some things need to be re-installed or re-applied after the update.
The 8.1 update mainly contains improvements for
the touch interface with little to no improvements (and a couple of
added annoyances) for the desktop interface.
First, if, on your computer, you have Windows 7 or earlier, stick with what you have. When it's time to get a new computer you can get the latest version of Windows. A new version of an operating system is never a good idea on an older computer.
Second, if you have Windows 8 and are thinking of updating to Windows 8.1 (a free update), there are a few things to consider.
If you have a tablet or windows phone running Windows 8, there are a lot of improvements that allow greater customization and greater flexibility. So, yes, update.
This also includes if you have a computer and you like and mainly use the Windows 8 Start screen (aka Modern, aka Metro) touch interface with your fingers.
If you have a laptop or desktop computer and are using Windows 8 in desktop mode only:
I just updated (last night) my Windows 8 laptop. I never use the touch interface, I only use it in desktop mode. So far, I have not seen any improvements in the desktop area, only a number of annoyances. So, for people with Windows 8 laptops and desktop using only the desktop interface, I would hold off on updating to Windows 8.1
Although I haven't noticed any performance improvements, I haven't noticed anything getting worse or slowing down.
Summary
Update to Windows 8.1 if:
- You are currently using the touch interface of Windows 8 on your device
Don't update to Windows 8.1 if:
- You don't currently have Windows 8 on your device
- You have a laptop or desktop computer and you use the desktop interface instead of the touch interface (wait and see, no rush to update)
