Those who don’t already have Windows 8 on their desktops and laptops can now preorder Microsoft’s new Windows 8.1 software from the company’s online store. The Windows 8.1 update is set to become available to the public in two weeks on October 18th. While preordering the updated operating system will not afford users any discounts, it will secure them a copy on launch day — though we doubt Microsoft will run out of launch-day inventory, especially where the digital download is concerned. Windows 8.1 will be considered a minor update by most end users, though it does include a few important new features they will appreciate. Chief among them are the return of the Start button — it’s a much different Start button, but it’s still a Start button — and the ability to log in and boot directly to Desktop mode. Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 update is free for Windows 8 users, who will have access to the update one day early on October 17th, and it starts at $120 for Windows 7 users. A link to preorder the software can be found below in our source section.
Windows 8.1 now available for preorder, complete with Start button
Published Oct 2nd, 2013 8:00AM EDT
If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.
Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 15 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.
His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.
