Get All Access for $5/mo

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.

Editor's Pick

Science & Technology

5 Rule-Bending AI Hacks to Make Your Mornings More Productive and Profitable

By 2025, AI will transform productivity by streamlining workflows and cutting costs. Major companies like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI are leading the way, advancing AI into "Phase 3," where tools act as digital assistants. Discover 5 AI hacks to boost efficiency and redefine your daily routine.

Side Hustle

'Hustling Every Day': These Friends Started a Side Hustle With $2,500 Each — It 'Snowballed' to Over $500,000 and Became a Multimillion-Dollar Brand

Paris Emily Nicholson and Saskia Teje Jenkins had a 2020 brainstorm session that led to a lucrative business.

Marketing

5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Giving a Presentation

Are you tired of enduring dull presentations? Over the years, I have compiled a list of common presentation mistakes and how to avoid them. Here are my top five tips.

Operations & Logistics

The Holidays Mean Vacation Time — But Disaster Can Still Strike. Is Your Crisis Plan Ready?

Holidays mean different working hours for companies and different schedules for employees that take off. Before you and your team enjoy some much deserved time off, it is important to put a crisis management plan in place so your business is ready to tackle any issue that crops up.