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I would like to try out the Windows 8.1 Preview by getting the update through the Store on my current Windows 8 installation. My only concern is that I can't find any information in the FAQ about an upgrade path to the final version.

It states that Windows RT 8.1 Preview will be upgradable to Windows RT 8.1, but how about x86 versions?

Canadian Luke
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Louis Waweru
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2 Answers2

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The same rules apply. If you upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 Preview you will have to reinstall all your desktop and Windows Store applications once you upgrade the Windows 8.1 Preview to Windows 8.1 RTM. Every single one of those FAQ applies to both Windows RT and Windows 8.

The important information is the following statement.

When you install subsequent editions of Windows 8.1 you'll be able to keep your personal files, but you'll need to reinstall your apps.

If upgrade to Windows 8.1 by using the Windows Store update or you use a Windows 8.1 RTM installation media you will keep all your personal files, settings, and installed applications. Any Windows Store applications in either case will be downloaded again and be updated as required.

kobaltz
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Ramhound
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  • There it is, thanks. The "you'll need to reinstall your apps" part is confusing. I guess you take apps to also mean desktop programs. – Louis Waweru Jun 26 '13 at 17:32
  • I guess that is a dealbreaker. I wouldn't mind reintsalling Windows Store apps, but the desktop ones would be too big of a hassle. – Louis Waweru Jun 26 '13 at 17:41
  • Good option, I'll keep it in mind. – Louis Waweru Jun 26 '13 at 17:51
  • Actually, I don't think Ramhound's suggestion is going to work. I think the two OSes may be too different. – Louis Waweru Sep 22 '13 at 23:54
  • I was talking about the refresh image comment. – Louis Waweru Sep 23 '13 at 14:35
  • I think the naming may be misleading, being called 8.1, since it is a new kernel. It seems as different as Server 2008 and 2008 R2. – Louis Waweru Sep 23 '13 at 14:41
  • @Ramhounud Right, that is the point I want to make. I don't think there is a going back when we see a kernel version change. – Louis Waweru Sep 23 '13 at 15:34
  • I agree, I just wanted to warn others who might feel like trying the preview before then, with the hopes of rolling back for the RTM update. – Louis Waweru Sep 23 '13 at 22:34
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    If you are going to downvote this question it might help to know the reason you are doing so otherwise I cannot improve this answer. **This comment is not directed towards Louis.** – Ramhound Oct 04 '13 at 17:41
  • The serial downvoting of my highly accepted answers is getting a ridiculous. If you have a problem with something I have said, come talk to me in chat, don't serial downvote me on `Stackoverflow` and `Superuser` **its just going to get reversed anyways.** – Ramhound Mar 04 '15 at 16:39
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There exists a possibility to upgrade from preview to final version of windows 8. This way is not supported by microsoft. So you should backup you data first, if anything went wrong.

The trick is to modify the version number of the installer its self. A full tutorial or possible tool can be found in this forum.

cguenther
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