Microsoft revealed a number of improvements Windows users can expect from Windows 8.1 when it’s released later this year, some of which include the return of the Start button as well as a boot-to-desktop mode. If you read our overview of all of the changes Microsoft made to Windows 8.1 and can’t wait until the full version is made available, you can proceed to download its preview version from the Windows Store, although an ISO file will also be made available in the next couple of days.
Before you head on over to the Windows Store to download the preview version of Windows 8.1, know that this is a completely unfinished version of the software, so that means you’ll likely run into a number of bugs and issues. If you’re going to be fiddling around with Windows 8.1, you may want to consider installing it on a computer that isn’t your main one, just in case something doesn’t go quite right.
If you happen to run into any issues, Microsoft has posted a Windows 8.1 Preview FAQ to help you through any problems you may come across. Also, installing Windows 8.1 Preview should be seen as a permanent update as the only way you can go back to Windows 8.0 is by completely restoring your system.