So if I buy this today, how does the free Windows 8.1 upgrade work, meaning what do I have to do? Thank you in advance for taking the time to help. J
763804
The upgrade will come in a manner of an "update" so when it appears, just click on accept and it will in the background until it ask to restart the machine, that's it
100940
Hello Steve;I bought one of these recently and Im completely happy. It is upgradeable but Mine came with 8.1 as yours should. If you have further questions, please contact me at; worlditsolutions@bellsouth.net. Blessings, Dj
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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
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Nope! No issues. I upgraded to Windows 8.1...and for the first time in my life I actually kind of love Windows. The Twist was made for Windows 8.1.
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The new machine came with Windows 8.1 installed, but it was not Windows 8.1 Pro. All I did was buy the Pro upgrade and install it. The upgrade is not a CD. All you get is serial number that you enter during the upgrade process. So you have a choice, buy the serial number on line and get it immediately or buy the serial number that comes in the box and upgrade after receiving the box.
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I have upgraded to 8.1, and it seems to be working alright. I can't be sure that the issues I have experienced are due to 8.1 or to something stupid I've done or the fact that the computer is getting old. It still works and does all of the computer-y stuff it's supposed to do if that's what you're asking.
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Oh yea, you'll be good to go for some time. Check the Microsoft site to be sure but according to ZDNET mainstream support for windows 8.1 ends on January 9, 2018 and extended support ends on January 10, 2023. This laptop comes with the Windows 8 operating system pre installed, no CD/DVD,(you can upgrade to Windows 8.1 for free) but gives you the opportunity to make a backup/restore disk set so that if, heaven forbid, something should happen to the hard drive you can reinstall the operating system. This backup/restore disk set that you can make is specific to that particular laptop, meaning you can't use the backup/restore disks on a different pc be it a laptop or desktop. It's a good idea to make the backup/restore disk set because otherwise you'll have to dish out $100 or so for a new OEM Windows 8 disk. Hope this helps :)
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If I remember right it comes with a trial version. Have to pay to get it permanently. Research Windows 8 though before you buy. You're not like it.
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Hello Janet, my computer came with Windows 8 installed, but automatically updateted to 8.1. Windows is original so you can update to the last versión of Windows ay no cost.
2190029
Actually you need to upgrade Windows 8 to 8.1 before you can install the pro version (the upgrade to 8.1 from 8 is free). The pro pack box just has an authorization code in it to download and activate the pro features. You actually have to initiate the pro upgrade from the Windows 8.1 control panel and then enter the code so with a previous version of Windows (or none at all) there is no way to initiate the install.
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I did not get the Windows 8.1 as several people I talked to said they had some difficulty with it. All of the PC's at my company have Windows 7 installed and my unit does as well. All operate without difficulty and easy to operate.
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Here's a link to the page. Make sure you click on Windows 8, not 8.1. You can upgrade to 8.1 later in Windows Store. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only
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Mine came with Windows 8. I then upgraded to 8.1 for free with some difficulty. I understand Bill Gates uttered some expletives as he spent much of his first day back trying to upgrade to 8.1. It really is enough to make your mouth drop as to how this OS is a step backwards in usability.
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The first thing I did with mine was to swap in a SSD, so similar situation with a new blank drive. The Windows 8 activation is in the hardware so just get a copy of the Windows 8 installer (friend's disc or download the ISO and burn a disc or USB from another computer). Once installed you'll have to use the hard-line Ethernet to update Windows (WiFi won't be working at this point). Once all the Windows Updates are done put in the model number on Asus's support site for the rest of the software and drivers. Then run Windows Update one more time just in case. At least that's how I spent my first Saturday with mine.
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This particular machine is Windows 8; however, I'm very curious as to why you don't want Windows 8.1. I would like to upgrade to Windows 8.1 because I'm finding Windows 8 just too weird and not user friendly. If you have any question about the machine itself, I can honestly say that it is awesome!! If you're a gamer like me, you're going to love it.........great ventilation, it's fast, and the graphics are tantalizing. If you know of any virtues of Windows 8 over 8.1, I would appreciate knowing; otherwise, I will surely ditch 8........as soon as I can figure out how to upgrade to 8.1.
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I had no problems installing the update to 8.1. Make sure you perform all the windows updates. Once you are up to date, go to the Windows App store and the Windows 8.1 update should be there ready for download and install.
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It means that Windows 8.1 will work on it - no, it does not come with a Windows 8.1 CD - so you *do* have to actually purchase Windows 8.1 then install it.