Users who are still on Windows 8.1 Preview today, will have to move to the final version of Windows 8.1 or pick another operating system. Microsoft has updated their website stating, "Thank you for using Windows 8.1 Preview. The preview is no longer available for download, and the license for it expires January 15, 2014. If you have not yet installed the final version of Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, you should do so now."
Those who continue to use Windows 8.1 Preview will suffers from a restarting computer every two hours. Users who downloaded the preview version from the Windows Store will lose their apps and settings if they update through the Windows Store.
Those who installed Windows 8.1 Preview by booting from ISO media can update to the final version of Windows 8.1 Pro using the Windows Store. Those systems won't activate until a valid Windows 8.1 license and product key is entered.
Windows 8.1 was released on October 17th 2013 and was the first major update to Windows 8. It added several new features to the OS and makes it possible to boot directly to the traditional desktop again. Windows 8.1 adds a start tip as replacement of the start menu and several Metro applications are updated.
Microsoft also added the option to use an animated background and the company added more help functionality for users to understand the new functionality of the operating system better.
