Microsoft’s upcoming operating system, Windows 8.1, recently hit RTM status. According to insider sources, the software titan signed off the final RTM version this past Friday.
And earlier this week, the company announced the milestone, while saying that it is now handing off the operating system to OEMs and hardware partners. Redmond also confirmed that developers and corporate IT users will receive Windows 8.1 the same day as everyone else — October 18.
But while Microsoft has been holding the final bits back from developers and subscribers of its MSDN and TechNet channels, the English RTM version of the operating system has now leaked.
It comes with the string (en-US 8.1 Pro x64 install.wim) and is floating around the web in the usual places where such things float.
Those of you that plan to search and download this will find that while this version is En-US, it has the Chinese language slipstreamed into it, at least according to the leaker. Meaning, you will be able to choose between either English or Chinese during install.
Speaking of which, as with any leaked copy of any software, install this at your own risk.
This version, obviously, does not come from the official channels — and there is a chance (however slim) that it could be modified without prior knowledge.
The more steadfast among you may want to wait until Microsoft releases the update officially, which the company has already announced that it will be on October 18. Windows 8 users can, however, download it from the Windows Store a day earlier.
So it is just a matter of around six weeks from now.
Yeah well, as tempting as it is, there’s no way I’d install anything illegal and untrustworthy as a leaked version of my bread-and-butter way of living. Thanks, but no. I’ll wait.
Official Pro x64 and x32 versions have now leaked online.