You can download the update via Firmware Over the Air (FOTA).Â
You must connect your device to Wi-Fi to download the update.
Although there should be no impacts to settings or data, we recommend that you back up your media files to a PC, or by using a favorite application, prior to upgrading the software.
The Windows Phone 8.1 software update includes:
Cortana: your voice-activated digital assistant
Customizable Start Screen
Configure Live Tiles in three different sizes - enables personalization of Start screen by the user
Transparent Live Tiles - allows user to set a background image that can be seen through clear Live Tiles
One Windows: Windows Phone is now unified with the Windows PC and tablet experiences and includes:
OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive)Â
Offers 15GB of free cloud storage
Appears as an app on the Start Screen (formerly buried in Settings menu on WP 8)
Skype
Phone dialer button to convert voice calls to video calls
Appears as an app on the Start Screen
Bing: Search, identify songs with Bing Music and track local happenings with Local Scout
Office: View, edit and share Word, Excel and Power Point documents, then store them in OneDrive to be retrieved on any Windows platform when they are linked by the user's Microsoft account.
Xbox: Windows Phone is the only phone with Xbox built in, providing entertainment options wherever you go:Â
Xbox Live: stay connected to gaming achievements and multiplayer action
Xbox Music/Video: with a Microsoft account, you can share music and video content across all your screens - phone, tablet and PC.
Efficiency: Windows Phone is optimized to help the user do more:
Action Center: Quick access to settings and notifications by swiping down from top of screen
Word Flow Keyboard: touch type or glide finger over the keyboard for fast and intuitive typing
Battery Saver: optimizes battery life on an app-by-app basis
Data Sense: Allows user to track data usage by type (cellular/Wi-Fi)
Storage Sense: shift files/apps from phone memory to SD card
Wi-Fi Sense: Set to default Off on AT&T devices; allows auto-connection to Wi-Fi networks
Internet Explorer 11: introduces private browsing and Reading Mode
Custom Volume Settings: adjust volume individually for phone, ringers, alerts, etc.
Device Search: easily find e-mails/SMS/files by name
Accessibility Improvements for the Visually Impaired
Office Remote: display content on larger monitor via USB cable or Miracast technology
Update & verify software
To update the software
Make sure your device is sufficiently charged and connected to Wi-Fi.
From the Start screen, scroll to and tap Settings > Phone update > Check for update.
Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the update.
The device automatically restarts once the new software successfully installs.
To verify the update
From the Start screen, scroll to and tap Settings > About > More info.
The device has the latest software if the OS version and Firmware revision number match the current update details.