Why Have Most Windows 8 Users Not Upgraded to Windows 8.1?

I'll stick with Brink and my initial statement that you need a MS account to get the update.

Out

ThrashZone said:

Yea I don't see much difference using "an existing account" just means you didn't have to register
Still not sure what this means ?

(which on my w8 pc's were local accounts).

The "local account" is actually the account which requires no MS account - as in no services such as the Windows Store, SkyDrive (now One Drive), or the Microsoft Mail account, and even live tiles. Some people prefer local accounts because they feel safer and don't want their PC "live".

And yeah, if you had an "existing account" (which is your MS account) and used those credentials when you setup Windows 8, than becomes your Win 8 user account.

Here's Brinks tutorial on how to switch from a MS to a local account, and it also describes the differences: Local Account - Switch to in Windows 8

Anyway there are only ways to get the Windows 8.1 update - through the MS Store which requires a MS account, or an ISO image. And the ISO image isn't/wasn't easy to get. I got mine through my school which has a DreamSpark account with Microsoft . Outside of that, Window Store.

The images the OP (4WD) posted says he has an account, though he's not admitting or acknowledging it. Or....

Anyway we can move on from this one as the official rules for obtaining the update has been posted a few times.

My two cents.

Good point on that being news and I stand corrected. And yes...I've tried Win 8.0...not that thrilled with the ride and have stayed with Win7 on my six PCs/laptops. Cheers to those who enjoy it and Happy St. Patrick's Day to all!

Bongo said:

4wd said:

4WD, can you provide a link to the 8.1 download where I don't need to log in?

Hello, got no link, it's trough the store. Did one more 8 to 8.1 upgrade yesterday on another laptop > see attachments. As before, opened store and click the VERY large tile, no need to log in, the download \ install proceeds from there. At the last stage of the 8.1 install, the thing is to not get tricked into the ms account stuff (unless one wants to use it), and click the half-hidden 'continue using my existing account' (which on my w8 pc's were local accounts).

Hope this clarifies it or is useful to someone. As for my w8 usage, am using the 'w7 parts' (which work very well imo) and Classic Shell, and avoiding the ugly phone interface and tiles. My main work pc is an excellent w7, will never 'upgrade' that one to 8.

I can confirm that this works I just updated 8 to 8.1 without a MS account in VmWare.

Jerry

In addition to an MSDN, Do you have one of these accounts - Which email address should I use for my Microsoft account? - Microsoft Windows Help

Well that would be interesting because that's not what Microsoft is saying about getting the update... Update to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8 - Microsoft Windows.

Now, I'll give that things may have changed recently, but... And I do note the ISO isn't mentioned, but that's to be expected I suppose.