Despite these improvements, Windows 8.1 was still criticized for not addressing all issues of Windows 8 (such as poor integration between Metro-style apps and the desktop interface), and the potential privacy implications of the expanded use of online services. Windows 8.1 received more positive reception than Windows 8, with critics praising the expanded functionality available to apps in comparison to Windows 8, its OneDrive integration, its user interface tweaks, and the addition of expanded tutorials for operating the Windows 8 interface. Windows 8.1 also added support for then emerging technologies like high-resolution displays, 3D printing, Wi-Fi Direct, and Miracast streaming, as well as the ReFS file system. Enhancements include an improved Start screen, additional snap views, additional bundled apps, tighter OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) integration, Internet Explorer 11 (IE11), a Bing-powered unified search system, restoration of a visible Start button on the taskbar, and the ability to restore the previous behavior of opening the user's desktop on login instead of the Start screen. Windows 8.1 aimed to address complaints of Windows 8 users and reviewers on launch. A server version, Windows Server 2012 R2, was released on October 18, 2013.

Windows 8.1 was made available for download via MSDN and Technet and available as a free upgrade for retail copies of Windows 8 and Windows RT users via the Windows Store. It was released to manufacturing on August 27, 2013, and broadly released for retail sale on October 17, 2013, about a year after the retail release of its predecessor, and succeeded by Windows 10 on July 29, 2015. Hope this helps and please help to accept as Answer if the response is useful.Windows 8.1 is a release of the Windows NT operating system developed by Microsoft. In order to perform a full shutdown in 8.1, you have to right-click on the Start Button, choose Shut down or sign out and then click on Shut down.' 'you have to perform a full shutdown in Windows 8 in order to hear the login sound when you startup. How to play the logon or startup sound in Windows 8.1 or Windows 8Ĭhange Windows Startup and Shutdown Sounds However, kindly note that as mentioned in both shared links, only a a full shut down will bring back the startup sound which is different than simply choose Shutdown option: However, there are options we can change via either control panel or the GPO to enable the startup sound.Ĭontrol Panel -> Sounds tab and check the option 'Play Windows Startup sound' By default, the startup sound has been removed to improve the boot time and performance since windows 8.

Windows 8.1 startup sound download