Windows 8.1 is a free upgrade to Windows 8. Its what the original Windows 8 should have been, with important improvements for both desktop and tablet users. So why are more people using Windows 8 than Windows 8.1?



From Howtogeek:

Its hard not to see this as a failure for Microsoft. Windows 8.1 is the first new version of Windows theyve given out for free to existing users and most Windows 8 users arent biting. Usage Statistics Windows 8.1 was released on October 17, 2013, over four months ago. Microsoft is set to release another significant update, known as Windows 8.1 Update 1, next month. More people are still using Windows 8 than Windows 8.1, even after theyve had over four months to install this free update. NetMarketShare shows 6.83% usage for Windows 8 and 4.3% usage for Windows 8.1. We wouldnt expect Windows 8 to vanish overnight, but its a shock to see Windows 8 outperforming Windows 8.1 by such a wide margin. This is especially shocking given how deeply flawed Windows 8 was and how many changes were made in Windows 8.1 to smooth out the experience for everyone. Its in the Windows Store, Not Windows Update Previous versions of Windows distributed updates via Windows Update.

  Why Have Most Windows 8 Users Not Upgraded to Windows 8.1?