Microsoft has announced the revamped version of its latest operating system will be unveiled on 17 October.
According to the Microsoft blog, Windows 8.1 will begin rolling out worldwide as a free update for consumers on Windows 8 through the Windows store. Windows 8.1 will also be available at retail outlets and on new devices from 18 October.
"Windows 8.1 continues the vision Microsoft began with Windows 8 and is an example of the company's commitment to continuous innovation and improvement for customers," says the company.
Microsoft notes the response to Windows 8 has been substantial, from new devices, strong app growth, to key enhancements to the OS and apps. "We've learned from customers on how they are using the product and have received a lot of feedback. We've delivered hundreds of updates to the product and to apps. We're just getting started, and the potential ahead is tremendous," says the company.
The upgraded version is expected to bring improvements in areas like personalisation, Internet Explorer 11, new built-in apps, and cloud connectivity with SkyDrive. Microsoft says SkyDrive will bring together all of a user's Windows 8.1 PCs or tablets, even an Xbox console or Windows Phone, allowing the consumer to access files, photos and documents from virtually anywhere.
When looking at hardware, the company says new Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 tablets and PCs will offer advances in screens, battery life, and performance.
Users can have a look at a preview on the Microsoft blog that gives a taste of what's to come. Business customers can also begin testing for deployment in their environments with the Windows 8.1 Enterprise preview.
Microsoft announced in July that Windows 8 had passed the milestone of 100 million licences sold in the six months since it launched in October last year.
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