What you’ll get after making the move to Windows 8.1 Pro

Aug 29, 2013 14:37 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has already confirmed that Windows 8.1 reached RTM in late August, but the operating system won’t be here before October 18 when the company is set to unveil it for everyone, including here end users, businesses, and TechNet or MSDN subscribers.

Leaked ISOs have already reached the web and even though Microsoft does not recommend users to install these unofficial builds, many have rushed to see what’s new in Windows 8.1 RTM.

As I’ve reported several times before, the stable build of 8.1 comes with a new default wallpaper called Harmony, but also with some other desktop backgrounds exclusively available in this particular version of Windows.

In addition, Microsoft has reintroduced animated Start screen backgrounds, as well as a new shut down or sign out options in the Start button right-click menu. This is supposed to address the criticism following the removal of the Windows Start menu in Windows 8, so users can now access the power options easier in the operating system, even without the traditional menu.

Overall, the RTM brings minor visual improvements over the Preview build, but it’s more important to know this flavor is a lot faster and much more stable than the version launched in June.

Update: In case you're looking for the wallpaper shown in these screenshots, here's the high-resolution version.

Windows 8.1 RTM (28 Images)

Windows 8.1 RTM in action
Windows 8.1 RTM in actionWindows 8.1 RTM in action
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