Will Windows 8.1 be available on TechNet shortly after RTM? My subscription to TechNet is expiring in a few days. I will renew if Windows 8.1 will available shortly after RTM. I don't want to wait until October for a copy unless I absolutely have to. And I don't want to waste my money on TechNet renewal if it is not going to available until October. Thanks for any information.  

Chasmcg

You need to define what you mean a bit more for us.  Win 8.1 PREVIEW is already out, Win 8.1 RTM will not be available until October.

Why is Microsoft reportedly not giving IT professionals and enthusiasts access to the Windows 8.1 RTM code before GA?  This is tone deaf.

As of yesterday, Microsoft announced in this blog post by Brandon LeBlanc, that Windows 8.1 would become available as of October 17th, 2013 at 4AM via the Windows store in Windows 8 as a free update. As of now there has been no mention of any plans to release Windows 8.1 sooner for TechNet or MSDN subscribers.

Also, it is worth it to mention that the last day to purchase a TechNet subscription through the TechNet subscriptions website will be August 31st, 2013 as Microsoft is retiring the TechNet subscription service. For more information you can refer to the TechNet page here.