Using Windows 8? Windows Blue Upgrade a Must Have!

Microsoft is making an update to Windows 8. Microsoft is calling it Windows Blue? Will this be any better than Windows 8?

So far, Windows 8 is only on 4 percent of computers. That's less than Windows Vista!

Many believe Windows 8 is the culprit behind the recent decline in computer sales. If anything, I can tell you it hasn't helped.

Sensing disaster, Microsoft announced it would release a new operating system. It was originally code named Windows Blue. Now it's just called Windows 8.1.

At first, that doesn't sound like a substantial upgrade. But once you know what's in it, it's another story.

Does that mean the time has come to upgrade to Windows 8?

Let's start with the added features. I won't call them "new" features. You'll see why in a minute.

Microsoft says Windows 8.1 will fix many of Windows 8's frustrations. The company hasn't provided many specifics, but we can make a guesses.

Microsoft says it wants to "address the learning curve" of Windows 8. I'm guessing that means the return of the Start button.

Dropping Windows' most recognizable feature was a big mistake. Of course, you can get the Start button back in Windows 8 now. But I think Microsoft realizes many people want this on by default.

That doesn't mean Windows 8's tile-based "Start Screen" will go away. In fact, most of the Windows 8 experience will stay the same.

That isn't really a bad thing. Windows 8 has good ideas under the hood. It was just too much of a change all at once.

Microsoft has decided to make the transition a bit more gradual. That means the return of your favorite menus. You know, the ones that actually took you to useful settings right away.

You may have the option to boot straight to the Desktop. That means new users won't get hung up on the Start Screen.

Sensible updates and fixed bugs are great news. Even better news is that Windows 8.1 will be free.

You will need to have Windows 8 or Windows RT, of course. Microsoft hasn't announced a price for people upgrading from Windows 7 or earlier.

I'm hopeful for Windows 8.1. It's possible, though, that these changes will make matters worse.

That's why I recommend you try Windows 8.1 before you buy. Microsoft is making it easy.

On June 26, Microsoft will release a public preview of Windows 8.1. Once it's available, you'll be able to find it on my site with full instructions.

Until then, I'd still stick with your current version of Windows. If Windows 8.1 turns out to be great, then you can upgrade.