How To Tell If You're Running Windows 8.1 Update [1]

If you're using Windows 8, you've probably clicked on the reminder at some point to get the free upgrade to 8.1, which fixes a whole load of gotchas and makes the operating system slightly nicer to use.

But what about the much-publicised Windows 8.1 Update, which is an updated version of 8.1?  Have you got that yet and, if not, how do you get it?

Unlike the switch from 8.0 to 8.1, the move to 8.1 Update isn't something that you need to elect to install.  It will happen automatically if you have the Automatic Updates feature switched on.  And it's important that you do run 8.1 Update, as Microsoft has said it won't be producing any further bugfixes or security updates for Win8.x users who aren't running 8.1 Update.

Trouble is, there's no easy way to check that the 8.1 Update has installed on your computer.  There's no command that lets you check it out, and the Windows version number stays the same.  So if you're puzzling your situation, here's how to find out.

1.  If you don't have a touch screen, and your PC now boots straight to the desktop, then you're running Windows 8.1 Update

2.  If your Start screen now sports a search button (a magnifying glass icon) in the top right hand corner, you're running Windows 8.1 Update

3.  If you can right-click on a tile in the Start menu and you see a menu, then you're running Windows 8.1 Update

 

If none of these 3 things applies to you, then you're not running 8.1 Update yet.  Make sure that you have turned on automatic updates, and it should be downloaded within the next few days.