Provide Windows8.1 RTM download to developers in advance

Computer Store News: Microsoft decided on Monday to allow third-party developers and corporate customers to get the RTM version of Windows 8.1 earlier. This is the usual practice when Microsoft releases a new version of Windows.

Microsoft said that such users will have immediate access to the Windows 8.1 RTM version for software testing on this platform to ensure that their Windows applications support Windows 8.1 well. The official release date for Windows 8.1 is October 18.

Windows 8.1 is a free upgrade for Windows 8, which solves many problems when users use Windows 8. For example, users can launch a PC directly to a traditional desktop interface instead of the “dynamic tile” interface designed for tablets and touch screen computers.

In the past, when the new version of Windows was released, Microsoft would provide its RTM version a few weeks in advance through MSDN and TechNet subscription services. However, Microsoft said two weeks ago that Windows 8.1 RTM will not be available in advance, and third-party developers and enterprise users will get the official version of Windows 8.1 with public users. Microsoft later explained why it was done in several blogs: Windows 8.1 is not a completely new operating system, so software developers do not need to test on this version of the system in advance.

However, this practice has caused many developers and businesses to be dissatisfied. This problem stems from Microsoft's own changes. Microsoft said it will release a new version of the software every year, instead of three to seven years. However, Microsoft has not clearly stated how it will be done.

Microsoft's decision to announce this is a pleasure. MSDN and TechNet subscribers will receive the Windows 8.1 RTM release and the RTM release of Windows Server 2012 R2 starting Monday.