5 Ways To Fix Windows 8.1 Upgrade Issues

By Author: Brooke M. Perry
Total Articles: 84
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Microsoft bagged the limelight in 2013 by introducing Windows 8 with touch-enabled user-interface (UI) however, the OS somehow failed to gain much popularity amongst users because of the confusing tiled desktop and missing ‘Start’ button. Considering the downfall of the well-established customer base, the company decided to restore the ‘Start’ button and all the missing features that were available in the previous Windows versions. To combat several missing features and performance related issues, Microsoft later released Windows 8.1, an upgrade to Windows 8 that was welcomed with mixed reviews.

Many users treat Windows 8.1 as a type of Service Pack, which are released by the company to fix bugs, issues, and performance shortcomings in the OS. The updates introduced by Windows 8.1 impressed the users and thus generated positive responses for the company by improving performance as well as usability of the OS.

Windows 8.1 is packed with many amazing features, but it can cause several issues during the process of upgrading and even afterwards.

If you’re also facing some of them, then read ...
... on this article to find appropriate fixes.

1. Hardware support makes you feel irritated

Sometimes, you might feel that your Windows 8.1 device is behaving in a strange manner and you’re unable to control its activities. You might experience several issues that reduce hardware support and annoys you during crucial work hours. There is a possibility that your Windows 8.1 OS has made some core modifications in the system and the change has affected the hardware drivers, resulting in malfunctioning hardware. Some of the common hardware issues can be easily fixed with general tweaks however, some may require an advanced level change or support to revert to normal functioning.

In order to fix several hardware issues you need to ensure that all your drivers are updated via various channels. Keep a check on the manufacturer’s website or Windows Update to search for the latest driver updates and resolve all your issues related to hardware support.

2. Bad drivers may interrupt the installation

Some drivers may force Windows to refuse to upgrade to 8.1, if they don’t fit compatible with certain drivers. You may get several messages to remove a specific driver in order to upgrade to this latest Windows update. But there is a way out to continue the process. All you require to do is update your drivers to a Windows 8.1-friendly version, rather than removing it completely.

3. SkyDrive files are gone

If you’re using SkyDrive on your Windows 8 device and want to upgrade to 8.1 without losing all your files downloaded from SkyDrive then its possible now. Your device may pop-up an issue where SkyDrive claims that all the downloaded files are now “online only.” But this is not correct as the files are still on your PC and you can easily view them by making few changed in the SkyDrive settings on your device. To do this, simply open Windows Explorer, right click on ‘SkyDrive’ icon, and click on ‘Make Available Offline’ button. Once you’ve saved the changes, the OS will ensure that all the SkyDrive files will be synchronized and will be made visible on your device.

4. Choose fresh install, while upgrading from Windows 8.1 Preview

If you were a Windows 8.1 Preview user, then you will face many issues while upgrading to the real code or official release of this OS. Microsoft already announced that users having preview version installed at their devices will face several issues while upgrading to the final code. Therefore, they will need to reinstall all of the desktop and Windows Store apps. If you’re one of them, then you might require doing a complete reinstall while upgrading to the final release. It is recommended to go for a fresh install as these are low on issues and less buggy than upgrades.

5. Error screens can be easily fixed

If you’ve received a “Couldn’t update to Windows 8.1” error with a code of “0xC1900101 – 0×40017” or something similar, then it is not a big issue. Try fixing these problems by simply unplugging all your peripherals such as USB drives, additional hard disk drives, printer, or any other additional device. It is recommended to keep your graphics card driver updated before performing the upgrade as it can avoid many unforeseen errors. The good thing about this error is that since the installer rolls your system back to Windows 8, so you’re safe and will not be stuck in the non-working state for a longer period of time.

An error stating “Sorry, it looks like this PC can’t run Windows 8.1.” This might be because the Users or Program Files folder is being redirected to another partition.” It is a bit difficult case to deal with. The solution for this error is that you will need to move your User or Program Files folder back to the primary system hard drive/partition. Once, you’ve successfully upgraded to the new OS then you can easily bring them back by changing the location of those folders by following the same instructions.

Windows 8.1 brings in many new and improved features that can easily enhance your work experience and offer you an improved performance to ensure faster completion of tasks. Various improved features such as boot to the desktop, better SkyDrive integration, and an updated UI help a user to perform important tasks within just a few minutes. The OS now supports dynamic ‘Snap’ feature for opening multiple apps at a given point of time or sharing the desktop wallpaper with the ‘Start’ screen. All in all, upgrading to Windows 8.1 will be a beneficial decision for users looking out for a productive alternate to Windows 8.

About the Author: He is a Technology writer working with Qresolve as a Technical Support Engineer. Brook M. Perry has been offering online tech support to global customers for issues related to laptops, desktops, Mac and devices including iPods, tablets, iPhones. online pc support She caters to the segment of core technology and provides viable solutions to any issues related to technology and software. Her expertise and skills in handling key technology issues is immaculate and quick result bearing.