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windows 8.1 is an updated revision of the Windows 8 operating system. First unveiled and released as a public beta in June 2013, 8.1 was released to manufacturing on August 27, 2013, and was released generally on October 17, 2013. The release of Windows 8.1 was handled differently to the service pack updates used by previous versions of Windows; while marketed as a free update for 8 and Windows RT available via Windows Store for existing users, it is only available as a free update for Windows 8 licenses obtained through retail or OEM channels; all other users must obtain 8.1 through their respective subscription or enterprise channels.Released as part of a shift by Microsoft towards regular, yearly updates for its platforms and services, Windows 8.1 was primarily intended to address complaints which Windows 8 faced from users and reviewers on launch. Visible enhancements includes an upgraded Start screen, additional snap views, additional bundled apps, tighter SkyDrive integration, a Bing-powered unified search system, restoration of a visible Start button on the taskbar to open the Start screen, and the ability to restore the previous behavior of opening the user's desktop on login instead of the Start screen. Windows 8.1 also added support for emerging technologies such as high resolution displays, 3D printing, Wi-Fi Direct, and Miracast streaming.