Windows 8.1 , the first major update to Windows 8 and RT, was officially announced by Microsoft on May 14, 2013. Following a presentation devoted to the update at Build Conference 2013, a public beta version of the update was released on June 26, 2013.Windows 8.1 was released to OEM hardware partners on August 27, 2013, and released publicly as a free download through Windows Store on October 17, 2013. Volume license customers and subscribers to MSDN Plus and TechNet Plus were initially unable to obtain the RTM version upon its release; a spokesperson stated that the change in policy was to allow Microsoft to work with OEMs “to ensure a quality experience at general availability.” However, after criticism, Microsoft reversed its decision and released the RTM build on MSDN and TechNet on September 9, 2013.