The much-awaited Windows 8.1 update that brings back the start button to Microsoft's latest operating system (OS) is now available for download.
While consumers with a Windows 8 device can download the free update via the online Windows Store, new devices with Windows 8.1 will become available in stores over the next few weeks.
Microsoft does not usually update operating systems within a year of their launch. Slow uptake of the radically different OS could have been one of the reasons.
Windows users all over the globe had missed the start button, which had been removed in Windows 8. Many also found the tile-based user interface confusing and wanted the old desktop back. So Windows 8.1 will let users boot directly to the desktop, like in the old days, instead of having to select the desktop from the tiles like in Windows 8.
The Start screen is now "more customisable with variable tile sizes, more background designs and colours". There is a new Bing Smart Search, which Microsoft claims is the "easiest way to find anything on the device or on the Web in one beautiful and easy consolidated view".
Windows 8.1 will also come with the new Internet Explorer 11 which has been designed with touch devices in mind. The Windows Store has also been redesigned with fresh layouts and categories.
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