In this article, we will show you how to download and install the Windows RT 8.1 English language pack using two methods: Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center. We will also tell you what's new in the latest update for Windows RT 8.1, how it compares to Windows 10, and how long it will be supported by Microsoft.
Method 1: Windows Update
The easiest way to get the English language pack for Windows RT 8.1 is to download and install it using the Language Control Panel. This method requires an internet connection and enough free space on your device.
Before you apply this method, make sure you have installed the Windows 8.1 Update (KB2919355), which is a prerequisite for installing any language pack on Windows RT 8.1.
Here are the steps to follow:
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen and select Settings.
Select Change PC settings > Time & language > Language & region.
Under Preferred languages, select Add a language.
In Choose a language to install, enter and select English, then select Next.
In Install language features, select the features that you want to use, then select Install.
Wait for the installation to complete, then restart your device if prompted.
To change your display language to English, go back to Language & region, select English under Preferred languages, then select Set as default.
You can also change your keyboard layout, speech settings, date and time formats, and region settings according to your preferences.
Method 2: Microsoft Download Center
If you prefer to download and install the English language pack manually, you can use the Microsoft Download Center website. This method requires a computer with an internet connection and a USB flash drive or an external hard drive.
Before you apply this method, make sure you have installed the Windows 8.1 Update (KB291 9355), which is a prerequisite for installing any language pack on Windows RT 8.1.
Here are the steps to follow:
On your computer, go to the Microsoft Download Center website and search for Windows RT 8.1 Language Pack.
Select the language pack that matches your device's architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) and the English language.
Select Download and save the file to your computer.
Connect your USB flash drive or external hard drive to your computer and copy the file to it.
Eject your USB flash drive or external hard drive from your computer and connect it to your Windows RT 8.1 device.
On your device, open File Explorer and locate the file on your USB flash drive or external hard drive.
Double-click the file to run it and follow the instructions on the screen.
Wait for the installation to complete, then restart your device if prompted.
To change your display language to English, go to Settings > Change PC settings > Time & language > Language & region, select English under Preferred languages, then select Set as default.
You can also change your keyboard layout, speech settings, date and time formats, and region settings according to your preferences.
What's New in Windows RT 8.1 Update 3
In August 2020, Microsoft released the Windows RT 8.1 Update 3 (KB3033055), which is the latest and final update for Windows RT 8.1 devices. This update brings some new features and improvements to Windows RT 8.1, such as:
Start menu
The most noticeable change in this update is the addition of a new Start menu that resembles the one in Windows 10. The Start menu allows you to access your apps, settings, power options, and more from a single place. You can also pin your favorite apps and websites to the Start menu for quick access.
To enable the Start menu, you need to do the following:
Go to Settings > Change PC settings > Update & recovery.
Select Check now, then select View details.
Select K B3033055 Update for Windows RT 8.1, then select Install.
Restart your device when prompted.
Right-click on the taskbar and select Properties.
Select the Navigation tab, then check the box next to Use the Start menu instead of the Start screen.
Select OK, then sign out and sign in again.
You can also customize the Start menu by resizing, rearranging, and grouping the tiles, changing the color and transparency, and choosing which folders to show on the left side.
Other improvements
Besides the Start menu, the Windows RT 8.1 Update 3 also includes some other enhancements and fixes, such as:
A new lock screen option that allows you to use your device as a digital photo frame when it's not in use.
A new search box on the taskbar that lets you search for apps, files, settings, and web results.
A new power button on the Start screen that lets you shut down, restart, or put your device to sleep.
A new context menu that appears when you right-click on an app tile on the Start screen or the Start menu.
A new option to show more tiles on the Start screen or the Start menu by reducing the size of the tiles.
A new option to boot directly to the desktop instead of the Start screen.
Improved performance and stability of Internet Explorer 11.
Improved compatibility and security of Windows Defender.
Improved support for Miracast and Wi-Fi Direct.
Fixed some issues with Bluetooth, audio, video, touch, and keyboard.
Windows RT 8.1 vs Windows 10
Windows RT 8.1 is a special version of Windows that's designed for devices that use ARM processors, such as tablets and laptops. Windows RT 8.1 only runs apps that are built for ARM and downloaded from the Windows Store. You can't install desktop apps or drivers that are made for x86 or x64 processors.
Windows 10 is the latest version of Windows that's designed for devices that use x86 or x64 processors, such as PCs and laptops. Windows 10 can run both desktop apps and apps from the Windows Store. You can also install drivers and peripherals that are compatible with Windows 10.
Here are some of the main differences between Windows RT 8.1 and Windows 10:
Compatibility
Windows RT 8.1 has limited compatibility with apps and devices compared to Windows 10. You can only run apps that are available in the Windows Store and that are compatible with ARM processors. You can't run desktop apps or legacy software that are made for x86 or x64 processors. You also can't install drivers or peripherals that are not supported by Windows RT 8.1.
Windows 10 has a wider compatibility with apps and devices compared to Windows RT 8.1. You can run both desktop apps and apps from the Windows Store, as long as they are compatible with your device's processor. You can also install drivers and peripherals that are supported by Windows 10.
Features
Windows RT 8.1 has fewer features than Windows 10. Some of the features that are missing or limited in Windows RT 8.1 include:
Cortana: The personal assistant that can help you with tasks, reminders, searches, and more.
Action Center: The notification center that shows you alerts, updates, and quick actions.
Task View: The feature that lets you switch between multiple desktops and apps.
Snap Assist: The feature that lets you arrange up to four apps on one screen.
Continuum: The feature that lets you switch between tablet mode and desktop mode depending on your device's configuration.
Edge: The new web browser that replaces Internet Explorer as the default browser.
Windows Hello: The feature that lets you sign in to your device using your face, fingerprint, or iris.
Windows Ink: The feature that lets you use a pen or stylus to write, draw, and annotate on your device.
Windows 10 has more features than Windows RT 8.1. It includes all of the features mentioned above, as well as many others that enhance your productivity, creativity, security, and entertainment.
Support
Windows RT 8.1 is no longer supported by Microsoft as of January 2023. This means that you will not receive any new features, updates, or security patches for your device. You will also not be able to download or install any new apps from the Windows Store after that date.
Windows 10 is still supported by Microsoft and will receive regular updates and security patches until at least October 2025. You will also be able to download and install new apps from the Windows Store as long as they are compatible with your device.
Unfortunately, there is no official way to upgrade your Windows RT 8.1 device to Windows 10, as they use different architectures and processors. However, some unofficial methods have been developed by enthusiasts and hackers, but they are not recommended or endorsed by Microsoft. These methods may void your warranty, damage your device, or expose you to security risks.
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to download and install the Windows RT 8.1 English language pack using two methods: Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center. We have also told you what's new in the latest update for Windows RT 8.1, how it compares to Windows 10, and how long it will be supported by Microsoft.
We hope that 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
Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers about Windows RT 8.1 English language pack download:
Can I change the language of my device back to the original one?
Yes, you can change the language of your device back to the original one by following the same steps as above, but selecting the original language instead of English.
Can I install more than one language pack on my device?
Yes, you can install more than one language pack on your device and switch between them as needed. However, each language pack will take up some space on your device, so make sure you have enough free space before installing them.
Can I uninstall a language pack from my device?
Yes, you can uninstall a language pack from your device if you don't need it anymore. To do so, go to Settings > Change PC settings > Time & language > Language & region, select the language pack that you want to uninstall under Preferred languages, then select Remove.
Can I use Cortana on my Windows RT 8.1 device?
No, you can't use Cortana on your Windows RT 8.1 device, as it is not supported by Windows RT 8.1. Cortana is only available on Windows 10 devices that meet certain requirements.
Can I use Edge on my Windows RT 8.1 device?
No, you can't use Edge on your Windows RT 8.1 device, as it is not supported by Windows RT 8.1. Edge is only available on Windows 10 devices that meet certain requirements.
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