Windows 8.1

Those of you running Windows RT (on a Surface RT or similar tablet) will notice that the RT 8.1 update has been pulled from the Windows Store and is no longer available. The reason behind Microsoft pulling the update? There's an issue that's affecting some consumers who are upgrading their tablets. lf you've already started to upgrade your tablet and have encountered issues, read on as there's a solution while Microsoft investigates.

Consumers have taken to Microsoft bulletin boards to question why the company has pulled the update. Here's a response, published by forum moderator Reagan L:

"Microsoft is investigating a situation affecting a limited number of users updating their Windows RT devices to Windows RT 8.1. As a result, we have temporarily removed the Windows RT 8.1 update from the Windows Store. We are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and apologize for any inconvenience. We will provide updates as they become available."

The nature of the problem lies with start-up during the Windows RT 8.1 upgrade process. When rebooting to kick off the install, you'll be greeted by a blue screen, detailing that the "Boot Configuration File is missing some required information." If you've been hit by this problem and can't seem to get the process started, fear not as there's a solution. While it involves a USB recovery drive, it's confirmed the process works and the device won't lose any data.

We'll reach out to Microsoft and see if there's any progress, or if there's another issue with the upgrade process for RT hardware. If you're going to give the solution a try, be sure to let us know how you got on, as well as Scott Williams on that helpful tutorial post. Unfortunately, for the time being the Windows RT 8.1 update remains unavailable.

Thanks, Hazza, for the heads up!