Windows 8.1 For Dummies Book + DVD Bundle

Three Reasons to Upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1

Windows 8 already runs on more than 100 million computers worldwide, but many Windows 8 owners feel lost in this strange new operating system. Fast forward one year later, and Microsoft has released Windows 8.1, a replacement to Windows 8. It's easily an improvement.

In fact, here are three reasons Windows 8 owners should upgrade to Windows 8.1.

Owners of older Windows versions must pay to upgrade to Windows 8.1, but Windows 8 and Windows RT owners can upgrade to Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 RT without charge. To download and install the free upgrade, open the Windows Store app from the Start screen. Then start the upgrade with a click or tap on the "Update to Windows 8.1 for Free" option.

Windows 8 constantly forced people to switch between Windows 8's two personalities: the traditional Windows desktop, and the strange new Start screen and its world of touch-oriented apps.

After installing Windows 8.1, desktop lovers can spend more time on the desktop, insulated from the Start screen. Windows 8.1 lets you boot straight to the desktop, skipping the Start screen completely. Accordingly, Start screen lovers can prolong their stay on the Start screen, as its settings area now includes many features formerly limited to the desktop.

Many people access their files from a variety of computers and devices. They may want to create a trip itinerary on their PC, but be able to access it on the fly from their phone. Other people need to access key files from the office. Many want access to their Desert Island Discs from any computer, tablet or phone. Microsoft's solution is SkyDrive, a free online storage space available from every folder in Windows 8.1. By storing your most important files on SkyDrive, you can read and update them from any computer, tablet or phone. Update your SkyDrive files from any computer or device, and those updated files are available to all of your other devices. Windows 8.1 includes seven gigabytes of free online storage space.

Windows 8.1 offers many other perks, including the return of the Start button, and its App store now holds more than 100,000 apps. Facebook finally jumped in with its official Facebook app. Windows 8.1 shaves off Windows 8's rough edges, making it much less cumbersome to use.

If you're running Windows 8, you'll find Windows 8.1 to be a great improvement over Windows 8.