Windows 8.1 Update 1 for Windows

Overview: What this update delivers

Windows 8.1 Update 1 is a free enhancement pack that bundles fixes and usability improvements for Windows 8 and 8.1. It behaves like a service pack: consolidating patches and adding features designed to make the system easier to use — for example, Start Screen improvements and several restored desktop behaviors familiar to Windows 7 users.

How to obtain and apply the update

• Windows 8.1 users: download the Update 1 package through Windows Update at no charge.
• Windows 8 users: the update is available via the Windows Store.
• After downloading you can choose to run the installer immediately or save the files to install later.

Important: install updates labeled “Important.” Although the lists below show the required update files, you must ensure KB2919442 is installed before KB2919355 — that dependency is mandatory.

Required update packages (64-bit)

• KB2937592
• KB2932046
• KB2919442
• KB2938439
• KB2919355

Required update packages (32-bit)

• KB2919442
• KB2938439
• KB2919355
• KB2932046
• KB2937592

Required update packages (ARM)

• KB2932046
• KB2919355
• KB2919442
• KB2937592
• KB2938439

Start screen and desktop changes

• The Start Screen gains visible Power and Search buttons, so shutting down, restarting or searching no longer requires hunting through hidden menus.
• Selected desktops and laptops will boot to the classic desktop by default; this was possible on Windows 8.1 but not always enabled automatically.
• You can now pin Modern (Metro) apps and websites directly to the taskbar so they launch from the desktop like traditional programs.
• Switching between apps is easier: moving your cursor to the bottom edge of the screen makes app controls and navigation more accessible.

Tile management and Store access

• Right-clicking tiles on the Start Screen now opens a context menu with options such as Unpin, Resize, Uninstall, or Pin to taskbar.
• The Windows Store icon is pinned to the taskbar by default for quicker access.
• When new Modern apps or desktop programs are installed, the Start Screen shows an arrow notification with a count of new items.

Browser and UI polish

Internet Explorer 11 receives several user interface refinements and performance tweaks in this update, improving browsing stability and overall responsiveness.

Final thoughts

For longtime Windows 8 or 8.1 users, Update 1 is a worthwhile install: it restores familiar behaviors, improves navigation, and smooths some of the friction introduced in earlier releases. The installation requires attention to the important updates and their dependencies, but after applying them you should notice a more intuitive and desktop-friendly experience.