Before installing this Windows 8.1 trial version, it is recommended that you back up your files and settings. Once you have installed it, you will be required to activate it before October 31, 2014.

The curious and the thrill-seeking rushed to their PCs as Microsoft unveiled the preview version of Windows 8.1 at its Build 2013 conference Wednesday. It’s free, but not quite anyone can get it yet.

Microsoft Windows 10 may be around the corner, but the company is still issuing Windows 8.1 updates on a fairly regular basis. If you're already using Windows 8.1, and aren't sure you're running the ...