Windows 8.1 Update Instructions

October 18, 2013

Microsoft has released Windows 8.1, a free update for Windows 8. Are you ready to take your Windows experience to the next level? Follow the steps below to update to Windows 8.1.

Before you update:

• For computers that originally shipped with Windows 8 preinstalled:
  • If you're already running Windows 8, you can update to Windows 8.1 for free.
  • Follow the steps in the Update to Windows 8.1 section below.
• For computers that originally shipped with Windows 7 preinstalled:
  • You need to check to see if your PC supports Windows 8.1. If you have not already, please go to the Update Your PC page, and check your computer model.
  • • United States : www.sony.com/us/windows8
    • Brazil : www.sony.com/br/windows8
    • Canada : www.sony.com/ca/windows8
    • Latin America : www.sony.com/la/windows8
  • If your PC is supported, you will need to upgrade to Windows 8 before updating to Windows 8.1. Follow the Windows 8 Upgrade Instructions for VAIO PCs.
• IMPORTANT: Windows 8.1 Update Limitations
  Click here for the list of applications and functions that may not work as usual upon installation of Windows 8.1.

Update to Windows 8.1

Steps to update

• Step 1 - Prepare computer for installation/precautions
• Step 2 - Run VAIO Update
• Step 3 - Run Windows Update
• Step 4 - Install Windows 8.1
• Step 5 - Run VAIO Update again

Step 1 - Prepare your PC before Installing Windows 8.1 Update

Complete all steps before beginning the update.

1. Remove any external hardware (such as USB drives or printers) from the computer.
2. Plug the computer AC adapter into a working power outlet. Do not use battery power while performing the update.
3. Create recovery media. (Strongly recommended)
   • Recovery media enables you to return your operating system to its original state.
     • Create recovery media
   • Perform a backup of your data. (Strongly recommended)
     • It is your sole responsibility to back up your data.
     • Backing up your data enables you to recover your data in case of loss.
       • How to perform a backup
   • Check your Anti-Spyware software's support website before updating to Windows 8.1.
     • You may need to update to the latest version.
   • Note to the Music by Sony users:
     • Before updating to Windows 8.1, update to the latest version of the Music by Sony app in the Windows Store. If you don't follow this step, you may lose part of your playlist.

Step 2 - Run VAIO Update

Installs the latest updates from Sony to prepare your VAIO computer for the update.

1. Start VAIO Update.
2. Select all listed drivers, applications and utilities and click Install.

Step 3 - Run Windows Update

Installs the latest updates from Microsoft to prepare the Windows 8 operating system for the update.

1. Start Windows Update.
2. Select all listed drivers, applications, and utilities and click Install.

Step 4 - Install Windows 8.1

1. On the Start screen, click the Store tile.
2. Search for Windows 8.1 and click Download. The download may take several hours depending on your Internet connection.
3. When the file has finished downloading, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Click Restart Now.
4. When your computer restarts, read the License terms and click I accept to continue.
5. Select one of the following settings for installation:
   • Express Settings: Allows Windows to select the recommended settings (recommended).
   • Customize: Allows you to customize your preferred Windows settings.
   • • If you choose the customize option, decide if you would like to share resources on the network.
       • Yes, turn on sharing and connected devices for networks in public places.
       • No, don't turn on sharing or connect to devices for networks in public places.
     • Select the various options related to automatically installing Windows and drivers updates, as well as an option related to the SmartScreen© filter. Click Next.
     • The next page includes options related to providing usage and other related information to Microsoft for product improvement. Select the desired options and click Next.
     • The next page includes options related to Microsoft services to fix problems and lets you configure what information that you want to share with your apps. Select the desired options and click Next.
   • On the Sign in to your Microsoft account screen, input your user name and password and click Next.
   • Input the security verification information for the Microsoft Account and click Next.
     • This information can be used to verify ownership of a Microsoft Account for account recovery or other support scenarios.
   • On the SkyDrive is your cloud storage screen, select whether or not to use SkyDrive as your cloud storage.
     • To use SkyDrive for cloud storage, click Next.
     • If you do not wish to use SkyDrive for cloud storage, select Turn off these SkyDrive settings.
   • The Start screen appears.

Installation of the Windows 8.1 operating system is now complete, but you still need to install drivers created specifically for your VAIO computer.

Step 5 - Run VAIO Update again (recommended) or download the files from the Sony Support website

Installs the necessary drivers, applications, and utilities your VAIO computer needs for Windows 8.1.

1. Start VAIO Update
2. Select all listed drivers, applications and utilities and click Install.
3. VAIO Update will install the applicable drivers, applications, and utilities.

-Or-

1. Visit the Sony Support Drivers & Software page for your model.
2. In the Select an Operating System box, select Windows 8.1.
3. Download and install all drivers, applications and utilities.
4. Follow the installation instructions provided for each file.

Note: Some third-party software may not download and install after the update. Please visit the third-party vendor web site for further information and updates related to Windows 8.1 for that software.