After being pulled from the Windows Store due to an installation issue October 19th, Microsoft has today re-released the Windows RT 8.1 update for consumers. Microsoft once again acknowledges that some users who attempted to update their Surface RT received an issue preventing them from installing the update, but Microsoft has fixed the issue.
“We immediately suspended availability of the update after reports that a very small number of Surface RT customers – around 1 out of every 1,000 Surface RT 8.1 installs – had experienced an issue that left the update incomplete and their devices unbootable. This was due to a rare situation where firmware updates had not completed at the time of the update to RT 8.1,” Microsoft explained.
“In most cases, if a customer encountered this issue the result was simply an extra reboot. However, for a very small percentage, the boot configuration data was affected which prevented a successful boot,” Microsoft adds.
Microsoft also offered a recovery solution for those who were affected. However, as of right now, the update has returned to the Windows Store. Head over to the Windows Store and you will see the update. Tap or click download and the update will be downloaded in the background so you can continue working.
“The installer will check to make sure you have enough disk space, that your apps and devices will work with Windows 8.1, and that you have all the required updates. In some cases, the installer might find something you need to take care of before you can continue installing the update. If so, you’ll see a message telling you what you need to do,” Microsoft explained.
Good luck everyone! Let us know if you were able to successfully install Windows RT 8.1 on your Surface RT!
Thanks for the tip, Michael!
Further reading: Microsoft, Surface, Windows RT
