The new Windows 8.1

What's new in Windows 8.1?

Start faster

The Start button has returned to the taskbar—tap or click to get to Start. If you prefer, you can now go straight to the desktop when you sign in. And use the same background for both your desktop and Start. Plus, see all your apps at a glance in the new all-apps view.

Search everywhere

With Bing Smart Search you can search once and see everything—from the web, or the settings, files, and apps on your PC—and act on search results right away. Play a song, call a friend, open an app, or get to your favorite site. Just search and do.

Do more at once

Chat while gaming, shop while watching, or work while listening. Depending on your screen size, you can now see up to four apps on your screen at once and move with ease through all the ways you use your PC.

Get more apps

In the redesigned Windows Store, you'll discover apps built only for Windows 8.1, new community favorites, and personalized recommendations. This update also gives you some great new built-in apps like Reading List and Health & Fitness. And now you'll be able to install your apps on all your tablets and PCs running Windows 8.1.

Use it your way

On your Start screen, there are more tile sizes, more color options, and animated backgrounds. On your lock screen, you can see a slide show of your favorite photos, and answer Skype calls, and take photos—all without unlocking your PC.

Type smoothly

The updated touchscreen keyboard learns as you type, making suggestions based on what you've written before. If you use more than one language, you can enter text more easily with new keyboard layouts. Emoji are now in color.

Always have your files

Save documents, photos, and other files to SkyDrive automatically so you'll have them anywhere—even on another device. And they'll be safe if something happens to your PC.

Browse better

Internet Explorer 11 has faster load times, a full-screen experience that includes side-by-side browsing of sites, and real-time info from favorite sites delivered to your Start screen.

Take a tour

Watch this video to see some of the features of Windows 8.1, and how it brings you the best of touchscreen apps and desktop productivity.

More about Windows 8.1 features

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New tablets and PCs

Find your own size, color, price, and style. With this range of choices, you'll find a perfect match.

New tablets are versatile and stylish, blazing fast and ultra light. Laptops and 2‑in‑1 PCs with snap-in keyboards give you speed and power with complete portability. All-in-one desktops offer bigger displays for both serious productivity and serious play.

• Explore new tablets and PCs
• Try the PC selector
• Talk to an expert now: 1-888-673-8746

All-in-one desktop

Tips and tricks

Get into the flow with your Windows 8.1 tablet or PC. We've got videos and tutorials to get you tapping, clicking, and zooming along like a pro.

More about getting started

Still running Windows 8.1 Preview?

The final version of Windows 8.1 is available to download now.