<p>A few days ago a Windows 8.1 Update 1 internal build leaked onto the web, and given the fact that I'm really curious as to the direction in which Microsoft is planning to take Windows in, I decided to take a look. I've made no bones about the fact that I have a strong dislike of Windows 8, so even I was quite surprised by the fact that I was pleased by what I saw.</p><p>IMPORTANT: Everything here is based on a leaked build of Windows 8.1 Update 1, which means that it's not a beta, and not intended for public consumption. Also, we have to assume by the build date 14th of January, 2014 that quite a lot will have changed since, and that the final release might look different. The best we can get from this leaked build is a snapshot of where Microsoft is going. Windows 8.1 Update 1 is rumored to be set for official release in April.</p><p>Oh, and no, I won't tell you where to find the leaked build, so don't bother asking!</p><p>With that out of the way, let's take a look at some of the changes. And there are quite a few.</p><p><a href="http://www.zdnet.com/windows-8-1-update-1-leaked-build-suggest-microsoft-is-moving-in-the-right-direction-7000026003/">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://thenextweb.com/insider/2014/02/02/windows-8-windows-8-1-pass-20-adoption-steam/">Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 Pass 20% Adoption on Steam</a> (The Next Web)</p><p><a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/2093249/windows-8-1-update-1-leak-more-changes-for-start-screen-desktop.html">Windows 8.1 Update 1 leak: More changes for Start screen, desktop</a> (PCWorld (blog))</p><p><a href="http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57618200-285/five-essential-windows-8.1-time-saving-tweaks/">Five essential Windows 8.1 time-saving tweaks</a> (CNET)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dm2BtTTuQVsKb_MjjsPsQI2_-d82M&authuser=0&ned=us">299 additional articles.</a></p>