Windows 8.1 Release Date: After Features Leaked, Microsoft Announced OS Upgrade Available For Download October 17

Windows 8.1 release date has been finalized days after rampant rumors and a report on leaked features of the OS has hinted for an October release date for the software.

On Wednesday, Microsoft has let the cat out of the bag, according to PC World, announcing that Windows 8.1 will roll out to users via the Windows Store at 7 A.M. Eastern time on October 17.

Microsoft noted that the full retail launch will be on October 18, which The Verge reported. The Redmond tech giant’s manufacturing partners are expected to receive the final RTM version of Windows 8.1 by the end of this month.

Haverzine earlier reported that the company has seeded partners with an updated build of the upcoming OS, which is a sign that the release is closer to being finalized. The build according to the blog is allegedly dubbed Build 9477 and appears to be an RTM escrow build. The software release is also known as an internal release candidate.

The seeding indicated that Microsoft was close to wrapping up development. The announcement of a solid release date shows that no significant bugs or unforeseen technical issues was detected during the test.

Features of Windows 8.1 leaked

PC Tablet leaked the upcoming new features of Windows 8.1. New features that preview build testers and explorers have found include extended capabilities of Windows with Windows Phone, Xbox One integration and proofs of Kinect 2.0 native support.

Other features expected once the Windows 8.1 is released includes the return of the Start button.

PC Tablet also reported expected features of the upcoming Windows 8.1: New search integration with apps, revamped Windows store, customizable start screen, and more fluid Internet a Explorer 11 that is also responsive to touch devices.

August release date not happening

In an earlier report, it said that Technet and MSDN subscribers should expect the free update to arrive at their desktops by the end of August and around late September for the general public. The update will be free for current Windows 8 users, but those who have Windows 7 interested in getting Windows 8.1 will have to pay for the upgrade.

Microsoft, however, just announced that it won't be the case.

According to PC Tablet, the OEM partners of Microsoft will start shipping Windows 8.1 devices by the end of September. The Redmond tech giant is also planning to push the long awaited Windows Phone 8 GDR2 by the end of the coming month. The blog said that the slow push of updates and development process is killing the interest of consumers in Microsoft products.

Not everyone, however, is looking forward to the Windows 8.1 release. Wayne Rash of TechWeek Europe said that Windows 8.1 maybe a poor strategic move for Microsoft. He said, however, that Windows 8.1 Enterprise will provide corporate users features they’d like to see in such type of platform.

One of the main concerns that the tech company is expected to address with the release of Windows 8.1 is security. In response to security concerns, it’s expected that Windows Defender antivirus, automatic scanning for malware, and security enhancement like Device Lockdown maybe included in the new consumer version of the Microsoft OS.