Windows 8.1 Update 1

Pros

• Easy to install
• Finds needed updates automatically
• Adds shutdown control to Start page
• Brings new features to Windows 8.1

Cons

• May not be a necessary update for some users
• Could require installation of additional dependencies

Windows 8.1 Update 1 is a collection of hotfixes that greatly improve Microsoft Windows' underlying operating system technology. It integrates all patches released for version 8.1 up to a certain date and it comes with a number of new features designed to make Windows easier to use.

Perhaps the most notable of these features is the friendlier startup screen, which is more like the one that was included in previous versions of the OS. If you've been having problems getting your system to start correctly and want to have some say in how the boot process works, then you might be able to solve these problems simply by installing this update pack.

Admittedly, a majority of Windows 8.1 who left automatic updates on will probably already have most of these packages installed. That makes the download somewhat unnecessary for those who are diligent about keeping their systems updated. That being said, you couldn't hurt anything by trying to install it. Microsoft's onboard update wizard will simply pass over any of the packages that you already have and slipstream the ones that you need into your current installation.

This upgrade is somewhat mandatory for those who use Windows' built-in security system, because these users need to have it installed to activate this vital system process. Once you've installed it, Defender security should work as normally intended. In fact, this update may even plug a few security holes.

Users will want to install these patches in a certain order. While the installer can't automatically detect what kind of CPU you have, there shouldn't be any architecture-related issues because it allows you to pick your preferred version. Windows 8.1 can be updated on x86, x86_64 and ARM-based machines. That gives you the option of doing so even if you use a RISC tablet with Windows installed on it.

Before you start the installer, it's vital that you copy a file called KB2919442 onto your system. While this might add some additional stress to those who are already struggling to repair an existing Windows 8.1 installation, the file comes with the installer so the process shouldn't be difficult for anyone with at least a little systems administration experience. As soon as you have that file copied over, there's little else to do. Windows 8.1's updater algorithm will take over and do everything else automatically. The installation process shouldn't take more than just a few minutes, even if you're well behind on updates.

Once the update's installed, you'll probably find that Windows 8.1 is much easier to use. Whenever you take a look at the Start screen, you'll be able to find the Power and Search without any difficulty. You'll be able to shut down and restart your computer simply by tapping on a single control. Any machine that's been updated in this way should also provide a hibernation option on the Start Screen. If yours doesn't, then you can easily enable this function in the Control Panel once the installer has finished running.

Updated desktops and laptops will also boot directly into a desktop environment. Those who have a Windows tablet will be able to enable this functionality if they so choose. Regardless of what form factor you have, you'll be free to pin Metro apps to the Start Screen and use them whenever you wish. You could even pin websites to the taskbar if you want, though most users will probably prefer to rely on their browser's bookmark manager instead.

Uninstalling default software can be difficult, but this update also fixes that age-old issue. Users can simply right-click on any pinned app to hide or remove it, which can help to dramatically improve system performance. While it might take a few minutes to get everything working exactly as expected, this could be time well spent since Windows should then be much more snappy than it was originally.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Finds needed updates automatically
• Adds shutdown control to Start page
• Brings new features to Windows 8.1

Cons

• May not be a necessary update for some users
• Could require installation of additional dependencies