14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft will launch the new Windows 8.1 August Update later today via Windows Update, but the new pack of improvements is already up for grabs manually from the company’s download center.
As you most likely know, this update doesn’t bring anything too exciting, but small improvements to a number of features we have in Windows 8.1, so no Start menu or options to run Metro apps on the desktop for now.
Instead, here’s what you can find in the new Windows 8.1 August Update, as announced by Microsoft last week:
• Precision touchpad improvements – three new end-user settings have been added: Leave touch pad on when a mouse is connected; allow right-clicks on the touchpad; double-tap and drag. • Miracast Receive – exposes a set of Wi-Fi direct APIs for Independent Hardware Vendor (IHV) drivers or OEM drivers to develop Windows 32-bit applications that run on all supported x86-based or x64-based versions of Windows 8.1, enabling the computer as a Miracast receiver. • Minimizing login prompts for SharePoint Online – reduces the number of prompts with federated use in accessing SharePoint Online sites. If you select the “Keep me signed in” check box when you log on for the first time, you will not see prompts for successive access to that SharePoint Online site.
The same update will also be released later today via the automated channels, but those who cannot wait should click the links below to get the pack that works on their systems.
Windows 8.1 August Update is not mandatory, but everyone running Windows 8.1 is strongly recommended to install it as soon as possible.
Download Windows 8.1 August Update for 32-bit systems Download Windows 8.1 August Update for 64-bit systems