According to The Verge, Microsoft has finalised the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 8.1 Update 1. The update will first be sent out to Microsoft’s partners and PC manufacturers to sort out any bumps they might experience.

Microsoft has announced that this update will be a “spring” update for the operating system at this year’s Mobile World Congress, and it would seem that most changes are aimed at making life easier for PC users.

Some of the changes include the ability to view the desktop taskbar above Windows 8-style apps, with options to minimize, close or snap apps. The shutdown button might also resurrected on the Start Menu, and best of all, the OS will now be able to boot directly to desktop for users who have not already taken the trouble to tweak the OS.

Windows 8.1 will also be able to be produced on machines with just 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, which should mean a price drop for the operating system in some cases.

It would seem, when taking these changes into account, that Microsoft has been listening to its PC users after all, and is willing to invest in the OS’ longevity.

Windows 8.1 Update 1 will be released to existing machines on 8 April.

Source: The Verge