A few things:

I am looking for an easier way to get from Windows 8 to 8.1 without having to use the store. Some OEM images (such as some dell images) do not provide the option to install 8.1 from the store despite installing all the recommended updates to 8 and resetting the store info as part of the troubleshooting steps. I had to resort to installing 8 from scratch and then updating to 8.1 from the store.

Furthermore, I find the fact that I cannot install 8.1 right off the bat using my Windows 8 key rather ridiculous.

Are there plans to address these issues so we do not have to resort to the Store or a time-consuming install any time soon? A simple service pack non-store installation would be nice despite the 3.9+ GB size.

Hi

First,what version of Windows 8 are you using?

So far,if you want to upgrade to windows 8.1 from windows 8 for free,I think we need to get this update from the Windows Store.

Also,Windows 8 keys can't be used to install the 8.1.

Regarding Why can't I find the update in the Store,I suggest you check the version of Windows 8 to see  if you use a VL edition of Windows 8 like Pro or Enterpirse.

Regard,

Kevin,

I am aware of that. What I am asking is if there is a plan for an easier upgrade path as opposed to using the store or having to install 8 and then apply 8.1 through it. Why not jump to 8.1 directly? Is there a plan to allow for that. That is my question.

I agree completely with Kevin. Microsoft has not thought this through requiring that users must get the upgrade through Store "only". I have 5 Windows 8 machines to upgrade and downloading 1 file to a USB stick would expedite the process.

Why are you so paranoid?

One additional point -  I originally downloaded the 8.1 beta and now my laptop reboots every hour until I get the upgrade and the file appears to be too large to get it in an hour. Then it reboots and I get to try to start all over again.

Maneiotish,

For customers that are consumers, the only supported and recommended method to upgrade to Windows 8.1 would be from within the Windows Store in Windows 8.  This page on the official Microsoft Windows website explains a little more.

The only customers able to perform a clean install of Windows 8.1 are volume license customers since they have access to Windows 8.1 media by design for this reason.  Assuming they are enterprise level, they will likely have a volume license agreement in place already.  

For customers currently using Windows 8 Enterprise, the path to Windows 8.1 Enterprise is easy. You can leverage a fully automated process to update existing Windows 8 systems. This process can be initiated using any software distribution or management tool, just by running setup.exe /auto:upgrade from the Windows 8.1 installation files. Keep in mind that the time required to perform this update process varies based on computer and network performance, with the fastest configurations taking around 15 minutes.

Mike

Windows Outreach Team IT Pro