Windows 8.1 Preview... finally

Windows 8.1 - a free update to Windows 8 - is coming later this year, and a  prerelease version is available now  for you to try. Windows 8.1 has new  ways for you to personalize your PC and includes a wave of awesome new apps and  services.  In a nutshell, the Start Menu is back.

Here are a few of the other features you will see;

• A Start hint that appears on the taskbar, where the Windows 7 Start button is located
• More flexible Start screen customization options
• The option to go directly to the desktop instead of the Start screen
• Much tighter integration with SkyDrive
• More options for arranging modern (Metro) apps side by side
• New “first party” (Microsoft-authored) Windows 8.1 apps
• A redesigned Windows Store
• New capabilities for third-party Windows 8.1 apps
• A greatly enhanced PC Settings module that duplicates the desktop Control Panel
• Support for smaller tablets
• Internet Explorer 11, with significant improvements in tab handling and security
• Some new capabilities for the on-screen keyboard on touch devices
• Integrated search

Before you run out and install it, BEWARE!  Note the following questions that have been asked.

Question:  Can the Windows 8.1 Preview be uninstalled?
No. The only way to roll back to your previous installation is to wipe out the installation and replace it with a backup created before you installed the preview.
 
Question:  Will there be a direct upgrade path from the Windows 8.1 Preview to the final release of Windows 8.1?
Probably not. The  company’s official documentation does not cover this topic, so your best bet is to assume that a complete reinstall will be necessary.

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