In an official blog post, Microsoft has outlined exactly what is upgradable from Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 Preview. For those of you who are on the Windows 8.1 Preview, upgrading to the final release of Windows 8.1 is possible, but you will need to reinstall all your apps.
“It’s also important to note that while computers running Windows 8.1 Preview can be updated to the final Windows 8.1 release, this update process will only migrate the data on the device. All applications (from the Windows Store or desktop applications) will need to be reinstalled as part of this process,” Microsoft stated in an official blog post.
Upgrading from Windows 8 to the final release of Windows 8.1 Preview will transfer all your files, settings, and apps. However, if you are upgrading from the Windows 8.1 Preview, which was released a few days ago, to the final version of Windows 8.1, you will only be able to transfer your data. All desktop and Windows Store apps will have to be re-installed.
“Remember that Windows 8.1 is still in development, and as such there is always some risk involved when using it, so testing on lab and other non-critical computers is recommended. For broad deployments we recommend that you target final Windows 8.1 release later this year,” Microsoft adds.
On a side note, Microsoft is expected to release the Windows 8.1 Enterprise Preview ISO in the coming weeks. So stay tuned!
Further reading: Microsoft, Windows 8.1
