Install Windows Phone 8.1 Preview On Your Handset Today

Here's a tutorial to get the latest iteration of WP on your handset.

Chandrakant 'CK' Isi
15th Apr 2014

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Install Windows Phone 8.1 Preview On Your Handset Today

Showcased at BUILD conference, the Windows Phone 8.1 update has started rolling out for developers. As many of you would already know, the new software comes with a plethora of improvements such as virtual assistant Cortana, more customisable Start Screen, Action Center (copy of Android's notification bar), Internet Explorer 11, swipey keyboard, and tighter Skype integration. The best part is that the update is compatible with all WP8 handsets including the entry-level Nokia Lumia 520. Note that developer preview is not the final version of Windows Phone 8.1, so you may come across a few bugs.

Jealous of all those developers rocking the latest version of OS? Well, you too can participate in this program and get WP 8.1 update today. The procedure is quite easy, just follow these instructions:

1. Go to appstudio.windowsphone.com and register. Use the Windows account (Live.com, Outlook.com, Hotmail.com) associated with your phone. It's free.

2. Download the Preview for Developers app on your phone.

3. In the app, use the same Microsoft account to login.

4. Now again go to appstudio.windowsphone.com. You'll be asked whether you want to let this service access your email addresses in your profile. Click 'Yes. You can these permissions at any time.

5. Go to Settings - Phone update. Click on 'check for updates'. The automated process will back up your data before the big update. The 8.1 update is around 500 MB in size. So download it over Wi-Fi.

We've tested the update on Lumia 520 and HTC 8X. It's working fine on both. Here are a few screenshots of the new features. After the software refresh, feel free to share your start screen in the comments sections.