I have heard that if I buy it I should download windows 8.1 . (because windows 8 has a lot of problems). Has anybody had problems after downloading 8.1?
834321
Someone downloaded 8.1 for me and had no problem, but the fact remains than Windows 8 in any form sucks. I've had it for several months now and I still hate it. I've had every version of Windows since Win. 98, and this is the only one I've hated. Getting 8.1 does help some and so I'd say it's worth doing, but the OS is just in general a total mess, IMO.
834322
No problems upgrading or after that. 8.1 is much better than 8 (after trying it for a few days).That said, 8 or 8.1 are subpar OS. If you need to buy a new computer try to stick to 7.
1326453
Definitely! I already updated from windows 8 to 8.1 and it only took a few minutes to install.
1125051
Yes you can use Windows 8.1, and you can also use the new Windows 10 when it is released. You do have to take into account your memory specs and processor specs as well. I would suggest having over 2GB of memory and a fairly decent processor for best experience.
1179878
I have Windows 8.1 and it works great. Windows found the drivers and installed them without the need for intervention.
1207942
I had a problem with the first disc on windows 8. The second one worked fine. I don't have 8.1 because it was giving me problems so I downgraded to 8. I had to load the firs disc on my wife's xp desktop.
1406439
I love dell products and love windows 7. I am concerned when the tome cones that I will have to upgrade and have to get windows 8.1! Why they had to make life so difficult is beyond me. Good Luck, just make sure whatever you purchase it is has windows 7!
1148789
I had Windows 8 and it worked perfectly. Then I downloaded Windows 8,1 and it still worked like a charm.
1083807
My concern was to get Windows 7, 64 bit. As far as the rest, I don't really know, but I have downloaded for free anything I have wanted to add.
2154815
No problems whatsoever on Windows 8.1 64-bit here. Worked fine before the upgrade as well.
166922
It worked fine for me. I use it with Windows 8, with the 8.1 update. I don't think it is an issue with everyone.
670129
That's not a question, and yes, you can have Windows 8.1. It's a free upgrade for any and all Windows 8.0 users. You just have to update the system and then use the Microsoft store app inside the machine to download and install it. Decrapifying the laptop, updating it and getting 8.1 installed will take the better part of an evening, though.
822778
I have 8.1 and had no trouble installing it. Didn't even have to go online looking for drivers. But I have heard of others having trouble getting it to work with 8.1.
382993
It's 8.1, came installed already. I am really happy with 8.1. I'm sorta dreading windows 10. I've gotten used to 8.1, and I really really like it.
2084872
It is Windows 8. As far as I know 8.1 is only available currently as a Beta. Also, I have read that if you install the Beta and have problems, there is no way to uninstall it without wiping the hard drive clean and reloading the entire Gateway load set and also any user software you added. I don't plan to try 8.1 until it is released. Also, go to Microsoft's site and take a look at the improvements in 8.1 Microsoft has mentioned, many of them have to do with Touch and other features that I am not much interested in for a desktop. So I am not holding my breath on 8.1, but I will try it when official, if I don't switch to Windows 7 first. It is Windows 8. As far as I know 8.1 is only available currently as a Beta. Also, I have read that if you install the Beta and have problems, there is no way to uninstall it without wiping the hard drive clean and reloading the entire Gateway load set and also any user software you added. I don't plan to try 8.1 until it is released. Also, go to Microsoft's site and take a look at the improvements in 8.1 Microsoft has mentioned, many of them have to do with Touch and other features that I am not much interested in for a desktop. So I am not holding my breath on 8.1, but I will try it when... » Read More It is Windows 8. As far as I know 8.1 is only available currently as a Beta. Also, I have read that if you install the Beta and have problems, there is no way to uninstall it without wiping the hard drive clean and reloading the entire Gateway load set and also any user software you added. I don't plan to try 8.1 until it is released. Also, go to Microsoft's site and take a look at the improvements in 8.1 Microsoft has mentioned, many of them have to do with Touch and other features that I am not much interested in for a desktop. So I am not holding my breath on 8.1, but I will try it when official, if I don't switch to Windows 7 first. « Show Less
594625
I think you will have to buy a copy and reimage it. I have been very happy with Windows 8. You might want to try it for a while before investing in 7. Good luck!
847382
I have Win 8.1 on it and I happy with that, I don't want to change it for Win 7 (but I think I could)!
521504
No. It comes with Windows 8.0 installed. You can download the upgrade to 8.1 from the Windows store.