Windows RT 8.1 features and limitations
Some of the features of Windows RT 8.1 are:
Built-in apps like Mail, Calendar, Photos, and OneDrive, with many more apps available from the Windows Store
A version of Microsoft Office 2013 optimized for ARM devices, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook
Windows Update automatically keeps your PC up to date and Windows Defender provides up-to-date virus and malware protection
The ability to use a variety of USB peripherals and accessories, such as printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, and external hard drives
The ability to personalize your PC with different colors, backgrounds, lock screens, and account pictures
Some of the limitations of Windows RT 8.1 are:
It can only run apps that are digitally signed by Microsoft, which means you cannot install desktop applications or software that are not available in the Windows Store
It does not support running applications designed for x86 or x64 processors, which are the main platform for Windows at the time
It does not have certain developer-oriented features, such as Hyper-V, Group Policy, or Remote Desktop hosting
It does not have some advanced security features, such as BitLocker, Storage Spaces, or encrypted file systems
Windows RT 8.1 compatible devices
Windows RT 8.1 is only available as preloaded software on devices specifically designed for the operating system by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). You cannot install Windows RT 8.1 on any PC that does not have an ARM processor. Some of the devices that come with Windows RT 8.1 are:
Device nameOEMProcessorScreen sizeStorage capacity
Microsoft Surface RTMicrosoftNvidia Tegra 310.6 inches32 GB or 64 GB
Nokia Lumia 2520NokiaQualcomm Snapdragon 80010.1 inches32 GB
Dell XPS 10DellQualcomm Snapdragon S410.1 inches32 GB or 64 GB
Asus VivoTab RTAsusNvidia Tegra 310.1 inches32 GB or 64 GB
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11LenovoNvidia Tegra 311.6 inches32 GB or 64 GB
Samsung Ativ TabSamsungQualcomm Snapdragon S410.1 inches32 GB or 64 GB
How to download Windows RT 8.1 iso file
If you want to download Windows RT 8.1 iso file, you have a few options. You can use Windows Update, Microsoft Download Center, or Internet Archive. Here are the steps for each method.
Method 1: Windows Update
This is the easiest and recommended way to get Windows RT 8.1 on your device. You just need to connect your device to the internet and check for updates. Here are the steps:
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
Tap or click Update and recovery, and then tap or click Check now.
If updates are found, tap or click View details.
In the list of updates, select the update containing KB 2919355, and then tap or click Install.
If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, enter the password or provide confirmation.
After the installation is complete, restart your device and check for updates again.
Select the update named Windows RT 8.1 Update (KB2919355), and then tap or click Install.
If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, enter the password or provide confirmation.
After the installation is complete, restart your device again.
You should now have Windows RT 8.1 on your device.
Method 2: Microsoft Download Center
This method allows you to download Windows RT 8.1 iso file from Microsoft's official website. You can use this method if you want to create a bootable media for installation or backup purposes. Here are the steps:
Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=41404.
Select your language from the drop-down menu and click Download.
Select the file named Windows_RT_8.1.iso and click Next.
Save the file to your preferred location on your PC.
You should now have Windows RT 8.1 iso file on your PC.
Method 3: Internet Archive
This method allows you to download Windows RT 8.1 iso file from a third-party website that archives old software versions. You can use this method if you cannot access Microsoft's website or if you want to download a different language version of Windows RT 8.1. Here are the steps:
Go to https://archive.org/details/WindowsRT8.1.
Select the language version of Windows RT 8.1 that you want to download from the list of files.
Click the Download button next to the file name.
Save the file to your preferred location on your PC.
You should now have Windows RT 8.1 iso file on your PC.
How to install Windows RT 8.1 from iso file
If you have downloaded Windows RT 8.1 iso file from any of the methods above, you can use it to install Windows RT 8.1 on your device. You will need a USB flash drive or a DVD with at least 4 GB of space and a PC that can run Windows 7 or later. Here are the steps:
Create a bootable USB flash drive or DVD from the iso file
Insert a blank USB flash drive or DVD into your PC.
Download and install Windows USB/DVD Download Tool.
Run the tool and browse for the Windows RT 8.1 iso file that you have downloaded.Choose the media type that you want to create (USB device or DVD).
Select the USB flash drive or DVD that you have inserted and click Begin copying.
Wait for the tool to format and copy the files to the media.
You should now have a bootable USB flash drive or DVD with Windows RT 8.1.
Insert the bootable media into your Windows RT device and restart it
Turn off your Windows RT device and plug in the power cord.
Insert the bootable USB flash drive or DVD into your Windows RT device.
Press and hold the volume-down button and then press the power button.
Release the volume-down button when you see the Surface logo or the OEM logo on the screen.
You should now see a message that says Press any key to boot from CD or DVD. Press any key to continue.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation
Select your language, time, currency, and keyboard settings and click Next.
Click Install now.
Accept the license terms and click Next.
Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
Select the partition where you want to install Windows RT 8.1 and click Next. If you have multiple partitions, you may need to delete them first and create a new one.
Wait for the installation to finish. Your device will restart several times during this process.
After the installation is complete, follow the steps to personalize your device, such as choosing a color, a name, a password, and a wireless network.
You should now have Windows RT 8.1 on your device.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explained what Windows RT 8.1 is and why you might need it. We have also shown you how to download Windows RT 8.1 iso file from different sources and how to install it on your device. We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.
FAQs
What are the benefits of Windows RT 8.1?
Windows RT 8.1 offers some benefits over Windows RT, such as:
Better performance and stability
More features and apps, such as Outlook, Skype, Bing Smart Search, Reading List, and more
Improved multitasking and snap view
Better support for high-resolution displays and Miracast wireless display
More customization options and settings
What are the drawbacks of Windows RT 8.1?
Windows RT 8.1 also has some drawbacks over Windows RT, such as:
Limited app availability and compatibility compared to other versions of Windows
No support for legacy desktop applications or software that are not available in the Windows Store
No support for some advanced features or functionalities that are available in other versions of Windows
Potential compatibility issues with some USB peripherals or accessories that are not certified for Windows RT 8.1
Can I upgrade from Windows RT to Windows RT 8.1?
Yes, you can upgrade from Windows RT to Windows RT 8.1 for free using Windows Update. You just need to connect your device to the internet and check for updates. You will need at least 2 GB of free space on your device to download and install the update.
Can I downgrade from Windows RT 8.1 to Windows RT?
No, you cannot downgrade from Windows RT 8.1 to Windows RT. Once you install Windows RT 8.1 on your device, you cannot go back to Windows RT. If you want to restore your device to its original state, you will need to use a recovery image that came with your device or that you created before installing Windows RT 8.1.
Can I install Windows RT 8.1 on any PC?
No, you cannot install Windows RT 8.1 on any PC that does not have an ARM processor. Windows RT 8.1 is only available as preloaded software on devices specifically designed for the operating system by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). You cannot install Windows RT 8.1 on any PC that runs other versions of Windows or other operating systems.
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