How to Get Help with Windows 8.1 Upgrade Problems [1]

Have you tried to upgrade to Windows 8.1 and encountered problems? You are not alone. Since the recent release of the latest Windows version, numerous problems with upgrading Windows 8 systems to 8.1 have been reported. The upgrade is supposed to be free and be done through a download from the Windows store but in many cases the download from the Windows store either fails or is not available at all.

I have just spent a lot of frustrating time with the problem and I thought it worthwhile to pass along some information that might help those who run into difficulties with the upgrade. Here are some useful references.

• Why can't I find the update in the Store? [3]
  If you already have a system with Windows 8, opening the Windows store app is supposed to show you a free download that will upgrade you to 8.1 but that does not happen for many people. This Microsoft link lists several but not all of the reasons. One reason given is that Windows 8 systems installed with a volume license aren’t supported. This seems to include at least some OEM installations. I had a brand-new ASUS laptop with Windows 8 that would not show the upgrade.
• Something happened and the install of Windows 8.1 can't be completed [4]
  Even if you do see the 8.1 upgrade in the Windows store, it doesn’t always work. Sometimes, but not always, the procedure given here helps.
• Windows 8.1 update still causing frustrations for some, driver update to blame [5]
  In some cases, there is a driver problem that causes the upgrade to fail. Sometimes you can update drivers and get the upgrade to work; sometimes there is no solution yet.
• Installing Windows 8.1, my USB drive disappears or file transfers stop unexpectedly [6]
  Some people have USB problems after upgrading. This link gives some possible help.
• After installing Windows 8.1, the SuperSpeed ports of my ASUS system don’t work [7]
  USB problems on ASUS PCs after upgrading.
• How to Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Without Using the Windows Store [8]
  If you have a Windows 8 license but can't use the Windows store to upgrade, here is an alternate procedure.
• Download a Windows 8.1 ISO with a Windows 8 Product Key [9]
  Another description of how to get the upgrade without using the Windows store

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This tips section is maintained by Vic Laurie [11]. Vic runs several websites with Windows how-to's, guides, and tutorials, including a site for learning about Windows and the Internet [12] and another with Windows 7 tips [13].

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