Amid Download Issues, Microsoft Pulls Windows RT Version of 8.1 Update The tech giant reportedly removed the update from the Windows Store due to 'a situation.'

By Jason Fell

"Why can't I find Windows 8.1 update in Windows Store?"

"Why won't Windows 8.1 load?"

"I'm hating Microsoft right now. Windows 8.1? Forget it."

These were some of tech search queries I and likely many other mobile Windows users have plugged into Google search over the last several days. Since Microsoft released the Windows 8.1 update last week, many users have been unable to download the RT version of the operating system for mobile devices. Like me, many were unable to even locate the update in the Microsoft Store in the first place.

It turns out Microsoft removed the update from the Windows Store on Saturday. In a statement sent to ZDNet, Microsoft said it decided to remove the update as it investigates "a situation affecting a limited number of users updating their Windows RT devices to Windows RT 8.1."

With Windows 8.1, Microsoft was aiming to assuage many of the complaints that longtime Windows customers had when the company rolled out the dramatically different Windows 8 interface last fall. The update includes the return (sort of) of the beloved Start button, as well as a handful of other improvements like improvements include better cloud integration, more customizability and a native Bing search bar.

Microsoft is expected to unveil next-generation Surface tablets at an event tomorrow. There is still no word about when a working Windows 8.1 RT update will be available.

Related: A Year Later, Microsoft Finally Releases Windows 8.1 Update to Appease Angry, Confused Customers

Jason Fell

Entrepreneur Staff

VP, Native Content

Jason Fell is the VP of Native Content, managing the Entrepreneur Partner Studio, which creates dynamic and compelling content for our partners. He previously served as Entrepreneur.com's managing editor and as the technology editor prior to that.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Science & Technology

How to Access the Inner Power That Makes You Irreplaceable in an AI-Driven World

By awakening our Absolute Intelligence, we can lead with purpose, creativity and heart in a tech-driven world.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Side Hustle

She Quit Her Job at Trader Joe's After Starting a Side Hustle With $800 — Then She and Her Brother Grew the Business to $20 Million

Jaime Holm and Matt Hannula teamed up to build a business in an industry that "didn't exist" yet.

Buying / Investing in Business

Former Zillow Execs Target $1.3T Market

Co-ownership is creating big opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Starting a Business

A Cambodian Refugee Paralyzed By Polio Says 'Not Much' Was Expected of Him. He and His Wife Built a Multimillion-Dollar Business That Beat All Odds.

Steve and Brittany Yeng were discouraged from pursuing their unique idea, but they didn't listen to the naysayers.

Growing a Business

What 18,000 American Small Businesses Can Teach You About Success

Stay curious, stay committed and keep showing up — your success story is still unfolding.