Windows 8 Service Pack 1 Windows 8.1 is now available. If you’re not already running Windows 8, you can purchase 8.1 from the Windows Store. If you are using Windows 8, you should start seeing prompts in the Windows Store to upgrade to 8.1 (a free download).

In the past, when a Windows Service Pack became available, savvy users tended to stay away until the inevitable problems were resolved. I don’t see any particular reason to charge blindly into Windows 8.1 either. My advice is to wait for at least two weeks and monitor this and other tech blogs for reports from early adopters.

Ars Technica and The Verge have additional information:

• Verge: Windows 8.1 now available to download
• Verge: Windows 8.1 review
• Ars: Review: In Windows 8.1, Mail is finally usable on tablets and desktops
• Ars: Windows 8.1: What a difference a year makes