It’s finally here. Windows Phone 8.1 is now available to download for those in the Preview for Developers program. Windows Phone 8.1 is the next big version of Windows Phone that introduces new features like voice assistant Cortana, a notification center, automatic app updates, VPN support and much more.
Even if you’re not really a developer you can join the Preview for Developers to get Windows Phone 8.1 today. Every handset running Windows Phone 8 in the wild now is capable of the upgrade. Here’s how to get Window Phone 8.1.
To get Windows Phone 8.1 today you’re going to need to be a developer. That doesn’t mean you need to actually understand a single line of code or how it works. Today everyone is a developer, so long as you can follow simple instructions.
- Sign up to be a Windows Phone developer at appstudio.windowsphone.com for free using the Microsoft account associated with your phone.
- Get the Preview for Developers app from the Windows Phone Store (QR code below).
- Run the app and sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Check for updates (Settings > Phone update > Check for updates) and download/install any that are available. You’ll have an update to download and install before Windows Phone 8.1 shows up if you’re downloading the Preview for Developers program for the first time.
That’s the abridged version of joining the Preview for Developers program. Check out our massive guide to the Preview for Developers program if you have any questions or want to see an expanded version of the instructions above.
That’s it. You’re now enjoying Windows Phone 8.1 on your device. This will work on any current handset running Windows Phone 8. That means devices from the Nokia Lumia 920 to the Samsung ATIV S to the HTC 8X to the Lumia 1520 and everything in-between will pick it up. Your OEM specific firmware remains untouched.
Look forward to much more Windows Phone 8.1 coverage throughout today and the rest of the week. We’ve got guides, tips, opinion pieces and much more coming your way.
We’ll be doing our best to answer all your questions, but be sure to head to the forums to ask your fellow Windows Phone 8.1 users if we can’t get to your questions right away.
Download Preview for Developers from the Windows Phone Store; Thanks for the tips, everyone!
