Windows 8.1 Ships in October

Windows 8.1, the next major update to Microsoft’s latest operating system, now has a hard release date — a pair of them, actually.

The OS will roll out as a free update for Windows 8 users around the world via Microsoft’s Windows Store at 4 am PT on Oct. 17, and will arrive at retail on new devices beginning Oct. 18.

Unveiled during Microsoft’s Build conference in June, Windows 8.1 includes a number of enhancements and tweaks intended to address early criticisms of the next-generation OS: The return of the Start button to the desktop, a “boot to desktop” option, improved multitasking and a new Smart Search function.