Download the Windows 8.1 August updates now [updated]

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Michael Pietroforte

Michael Pietroforte is the founder and editor in chief of 4sysops. He has more than 35 years of experience in IT management and system administration.

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The biggest file of the 32-bit version (Windows8.1-KB2975719-x86.msu) is 100.2MB, and the second one (Windows8.1-KB2990532-x86.msu) is 1.1MB. That’s more than we expected. Naturally, the 64-bit versions are a bit bigger.

Installing Windows 8.1 August updates

The corresponding Knowledge Base article KB2975719 lists all the new features and changes.

Settings changes for Update and Recovery

This feature is supposed to introduce new information in the Windows Update Settings, but I wasn’t able to see any changes after installing the updates. Let me know if you found those new settings.

Precision touchpad improvements

I already blogged about this feature in a previous post. The improvements allow you to leave a touchpad on when a mouse is connected; in addition, support was added for right-clicking and double-tap and drag gestures.

Ruble symbol update

It is interesting that the new Ruble currency support for input and rendering has only just arrived. Maybe this support results from a request from the financial “markets” that currently really enjoy gambling with Putin’s money? 😉

Out-of-date ActiveX control blocking

This is an interesting feature, and we will cover it in detail on 4sysops within the next few days because we believe that many IT departments will be affected. You’ll learn how to manage Internet Explorer’s out-of-date ActiveX control blocking in your network.

Wi-Fi Direct APIs for discoverability

I covered the new Miracast receiver API previously. We will have to wait for applications that make use of this new API.

Video capture metadata for MP4

This new API allows developers to build applications that read and write date taken and GPS data from MP4 videos.

Minimizing logon prompts for Microsoft SharePoint Online

This feature solves a problem for federated environments with the “keep me signed in” feature of SharePoint Online.

These changes are nothing earth-shaking, but let’s not forget that this is not the rumored Update 2 but just a couple of improvements of the kind that Microsoft plans to now offer on a monthly basis. The out-of-date ActiveX control blocking feature needs a closer examination, which we will be doing shortly. Stay tuned!

By the way, don’t forget that Windows 8.1 Update is mandatory for businesses since yesterday (August 12). Windows 8 machines are not affected.