Windows 8.1 arrived to your windows PCs on October 18

I know a lot of folks are eager to find out when they will be able to get Windows 8.1. I am excited to share that starting at 12:00am on October 18th in New Zealand (that’s 4:00am October 17th in Redmond), Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 will begin rolling out worldwide as a free update for consumers with Windows 8 or Windows RT devices through the Windows Store. Windows 8.1 will also be available at retail and on new devices starting on October 18th by market. So mark your calendars!

Windows 8.1 aims to advance the Windows 8 vision, and brings support to devices sporting 7 to 10-inch screen sizes; along with smarter search, richer multi-tasking, and a more powerful and harmonious Start screen that sees the return of the Start button (though not the Start menu). The final bits of Windows 8.1 is expected by the end of this month; known as Release to Manufacturing (RTM), it will first reach the hands of PC OEMs, so that new devices loaded with Windows 8.1 can be ready by October 18. According to The Verge, Microsoft is expected to continue working on Windows 8.1 between RTM and general availability.

SOURCE:Windows blog,the Verge