As expected the first preview of Windows 8.1 is out now for public download. To be released as a free update to Windows 8 later this year, this pre-release version is now available for downloading to early adopters.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 Preview is available as a free update from the Windows Store, as well as bootable ISO images. Users already running Windows 8 and updating via Windows Store need no extra serial number or registration, for new users installing from the ISO image are able to get this preview build for free using officially provided Windows 8.1 registration product key: NTTX3-RV7VB-T7X7F-WQYYY-9Y92F.

Microsoft says Windows 8.1 offers improved balance between the classic desktop UI and the new tile based “Modern” UI which is more suited for touch-screen usage. Apart from the return of the Start button and the much wanted boot to desktop option the new update features more personalization options, more apps, new "Search Heros" integrated web-searching, new Store, Extensive SkyDrive integration, 3D printing support, Miracast streaming and much more.

Microsoft Windows 8 enforces digital driver signature verification at the kernel level and would not allow users to install anything without it. Most of the time Windows 8 would show a relevant error like “A digitally signed driver is required” & “The driver installation failed” but at-times just fail to install the device driver as shown below. Thankfully, Microsoft has left an option to bypass the signature verification and install the device driver as usual. The full procedure for installation of unsigned device drivers on Windows 8 is outlined below.

Microsoft has finally posted a video walk-through showing what to expect from the upcoming Windows 8.1 update. The video features highlights of new features and improvements of Windows 8.1 scheduled to be released later this year as a free update for Windows 8 customers. This "first look" video for Windows 8.1 addresses improvements and enhancements in personalization, search, built-in apps, Windows Store, and cloud connectivity aspects of the operating-system update.

When is comes to mobile devices I have always adored the fast and sleek Windows 8 Metro UI, couple that with some excellent tablet designs and versatile form factors and you should have an winner. Sadly, that has not been the case and Windows 8 tablets are struggling to keep pace with it's main competitor - the Apple iPad. To revive competition, Microsoft has once again waged an advertising attack comparing the two head-on pinpointing what Apple iPad lacks, do watch the video below (click read more).

Codenamed Windows Blue, the supposedly next major release version (Microsoft Windows 9!!!) of Windows platform after Windows 8 is now leaked online. Having a Build number 9364, the partner version was compiled on March 15th is now freely and readily available on torrent portals and file-sharing websites. The build features Internet Explorer 11 with tab-sync, more color customization features, smaller live tiles and additional Snap Views .

We have seen Windows 8 being criticised for it's radically new user-interface, well to answer the "bashers" Microsoft has published a rather humorous advertisement, have a look yourself below.

Microsoft Windows and Office Activation can be tricky at times and you might get blocked by Microsoft if you try activating more then a few times with a single key to prevent software piracy.

This policy is now being implemented more strictly after Microsoft blundered and offered free Windows 8 keys to users. To prevent such situation one can opt to use handy free utility Advanced Tokens Manager for safe backup and restoration of Microsoft Windows and Office activation files locally for restore when a clean install is done.

It is an good idea to setup an Windows logon password even if you are the only user on the computer to protect unauthorized access to sensitive system areas and settings, however it is also not convenient to type-in your password at each logon specially when you are the only user of the computer. As an solution we have reviewed third-party utilities like Blink! for "Autologin" using face recognition technology for Windows 7 and Vista.

We have seen tricks to enable Windows autologin feature for Windows 7, Vista and XP, and while Microsoft Windows 8 comes with and excellent "Picture Login" feature here is a walk-through on how to activate the good old autologin feature.

Microsoft Windows 8 drastic user-interface changes received both good and bad reactions, but here is something outright attacking.