Official Windows 8.1 Update now available for download

In addition to Microsoft ending support for Windows XP today, the company in turn has made official its latest Windows 8.1 Update 1 that users can now begin downloading. Microsoft calls this update ‘mandatory’ for all users of Windows 8.1.

“It is a required update to keep your Windows 8.1 device current. Failure to install this Update will prevent Windows Update from patching your system with any future updates starting with Updates released in May 2014,” said one Microsoft representative.

The new update can be downloaded straight from Windows Update for free. It comes with security and performance updates, as well as improvements that make Windows more convenient and familiar for users who use touch and mouse combo.

Some features of Windows 8.1 Update 1 include:

Power and Search buttons on the Start screen
All open and pinned apps appear in the taskbar
Access the taskbar from everywhere
Go to the desktop when you sign in, instead of Start
The Minimize button, Close button, and taskbar are more available with your mouse

Download Update 1 for Windows 8.1:

Windows 8.1 Update for x86 (KB2919355)
Windows 8.1 Update for x64 (KB2919355)
Windows Server 2012 R2 Update (KB2919355)

{Sources 1, 2}