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

[sygnus21]

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

Out

 

[stve]

Windows 8.1 is a free upgrade to Windows 8. It’s what the original Windows 8 should have been, with important improvements for both desktop and tablet users. So why are more people using Windows 8 than Windows 8.1?


A Guy

Most tech savvy users are sticking with Win 7 I tried Win 8 & hated it.
I had to upgrade my wife's laptop to Win 8.1 she would never have done it on her own.

 

[ThrashZone]

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).

 

[sygnus21]

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.

 

[Bongo]

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

 

[SIW2]

Yes, it doesn't surprise me. I had no reason to doubt 4wd.

You might wonder why MS does have rather convoluted and hidden ways to do stuff without requiring an MS account. The answer is pretty obvious.

 

[fireballxl5]

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!

 

[sygnus21]

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

 

[Bongo]

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

You have an MSDN account? Or Xbox Live account?

No, I click on Create a new account next window used continue using my existing account.

Jerry

 

[sygnus21]

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.

 

[ThrashZone]

Thanks for taking the time very educational Drew

 

[sygnus21]

Thanks for taking the time very educational Drew

Not sure what to make of this, but I wouldn't exactly pat myself on the back as that's Microsoft "official" statement, however I'm am aware of backdoors or loop holes, as I've we've all used a few ourselves with upgrades so...

And Bongo did provide pause for the cause so....

But "officially" that's Microsoft's stance.

Thanks

 

[Britton30]

Things do indeed change, example, MS never used to supply downloads of iso files for their OSes. This exercise explains my avatar.

 

[ThrashZone]

Which looks darn nice too Gary

 

[Britton30]

Which looks darn nice too Gary

Nick drew it for me.

 

[ThrashZone]

I know but your wearing it and it looks good on ya

 

[King Arthur]

My dad who has a Windows 8 laptop he uses for when he's traveling overseas (he's a frequent flyer!) hasn't been upgraded to Windows 8.1 for one reason alone:

I advised against it.

Back when Windows 8.1 first came out, there was a slew of stability bugs and whatnot that simply didn't fly with us since my dad used the laptop for business in locations where I can't provide immediate support. The laptop needs to work flawlessly while he's traveling.

There was also the argument that Windows 8 was mostly working fine for him, and as such I advised against the upgrade. I haven't followed up since because my dad has found absolutely no problems staying with Windows 8 and I personally haven't had any incentive to research Windows 8.1 and advocate its use.

Basically, a combination of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" and my personal distaste for Windows 8 worked together beautifully.

 

[Britton30]

Ya shoulda upgraded him ta w7 laddy. Now dars aw styble system fawr shure.

 

[King Arthur]

Ya shoulda upgraded him ta w7 laddy. Now dars aw styble system fawr shure.

We actually did discuss installing Windows 7 onto the laptop since my dad truthfully wasn't too happy about using Windows 8.

However, we ultimately decided against the idea due to the fact that the machine in question is a laptop designed for Windows 8. Finding compatible Windows 7 drivers would be a chore, and working around UEFI Secure Boot would be a nuisance regardless of how easy it is in practice.

Like I mentioned, this laptop needed to work first and foremost, so Windows 8 was there to stay simply by virtue of being there from the start.

 

[4wd]

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.

About the MS link, it does describe how to upgrade without ms account or login:

Windows 8.1 is designed to be used with a Microsoft account, so we recommend that you give it a try -\- But if you're sure you want to use a local account instead, choose Create a new account, and then on the new account page, choose Continue using my existing account.

But this is not explained whatsoever while doing the installation, concealing it is part of the covert way they try to trick everyone into their tile\phone os dreamworld.