Microsoft will roll out Windows 8.1 from 17 October, after it finishes testing the system with developers.
Existing Windows 8 customers can download the free update from the Windows Store from 17 October, Microsoft confirmed. Boxed software and new hardware with Windows 8.1 pre-installed won't be available to buy until the day after.
Earlier reports suggested that Microsoft has already shipped the Windows 8.1 code to manufacturers - meaning there'll be a two-month gap before consumers get their hands on the update.
It's thought that the gap between the manufacturer and public release will allow Redmond to patch any flawsin the software. PC makers will also be able to tweak their hardware in time for general release. According to ZDNet, MSDN and TechNet subscribers won't be getting their hands on the final version of Windows 8.1 any earlier than consumers.
Windows 8.1 will feature a reinstated Start button, better support for small screens and a range of different Start Screen tile sizes, among other things. A recent leak shows a near-final version which includes tutorials to tackle user complaints about the system's navigability.
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