Windows 8 users who had been awaiting a much better consumer experience do not have to wait any more. Microsoft's Windows 8.1 can be obtained as a free upgrade for just about any PC running Windows 8. With just a few simple steps, you will get important new features, including the ability to see multiple windows in Modern UI, a Start Button and a search function that returns results both on the internet as well as your hard disk. Here's how to change your Windows 8 PC to Windows 8.1.

1. Make certain your computer has all recent Windows updates. If you have been using Windows 8 steadily you are probably up to date, but if it's been a few days because you last logged directly into your computer, adopt these measures to check on.

1a. Click settings around the Charms menu.

1b. Click Change PC settings.

1c. Select Windows Update.

1d. Click on the Check for updates now button to ascertain if you will find any new files.

1e. Force any updates to set up immediately by hitting the "We'll install . . . automatically" link then Intall.

2. Open the Windows Store app.

3. Click the Update to Windows 8.1 button. If you don't check this out button on the screen, look for updates again, close and reopen the Windows Store or reboot your machine.

4. Click the Download button to verify.

You may have to wait 30 minutes or more for the install to download, however, you can keep making use of your computer during this period.

5. Click Restart Now when prompted.

Your computer will then take several minutes installing Windows 8.1, complete with at least one reboot. You can walk away from your computer and do something else for five minutes or more because your input won't be necessary for a while.

6.Click "I Accept" when given the License terms.

7. Click Use Express Settings at the bottom from the screen. You may also choose custom settings, but we find the Express settings work well for many users.

8. Register to Windows as you normally would.

9. Allow Windows to send a burglar code to your phone whether it prompts you. You are able to skip this step, but may not be able to sync your account across PCs without performing it later.

10. Go into the code you received in your phone at the prompt.

11. Click Next around the Skydrive screen.

You will then have to wait a couple of minutes while Windows finishes the install process. You'll see some messages on screen that say it is setting up and installing apps.