Microsoft plans to release the Windows 8.1 preview on June 26. Microsoft's Michael Niehaus explains at TechEd 2013 that current Windows 8 and Windows RT users will receive a Windows Update notification when the preview becomes available. They will then be able to read a brief description and proceed with the installation if they agree.
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Windows 11: Free upgrade from Windows 8.1 (Official)
For those wondering how the upgrade works, it's a bit tricky, but here's what you need to know. When Windows 8.1 RTM (final release) becomes available, users will once again receive a Windows Update notification. However, there are some important FAQs to be aware of. Users who have not upgraded to the preview version of the operating system can upgrade to the final version of Windows 8.1 without losing personal data, apps, and accounts created in the operating system. It's a pretty straightforward process. You see the notification, go to the Windows Store, confirm the update, and wait for the process to complete. Then (hopefully) everything will be fine.
Users who chose to install Windows 8.1 Preview can also upgrade BUT… Apps will be lost during the upgrade, and I'm talking about Metro style apps and traditional desktop applications. Accounts, personal data, settings and personalization will remain, but users will again have to reinstall all apps. Surface RT users, on the other hand, will only have to reinstall all modern apps, Office 2013 RT will also remain installed – you don't have to reinstall that.
So, now you know how to upgrade from Windows 8.1 Preview to Windows 8.1 RTM, you can choose to try the new version on June 16th or wait for the final version, which will make things much easier.
