I have been really impressed with Windows 8.1 running my Surface RT but I have come across a couple of strange issues like the app store saying it’s not connected to the internet when it actually is and apps not updating correctly. Today Microsoft released a set of patches aiming to improve the stability for the 8.1 Preview.

The apps all come down automatically via Windows Updates and here are what the updates contains:

KB2863147 No notification about the expiration date of Windows 8.1 Preview

Assume that you upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 Preview. At the end of the Windows 8.1 Preview lifespan, you may not be notified to upgrade to the release version of Windows 8.1.

KB2865946 Smart card PIN disclosure after an automatic restart for Windows Update in Windows 8.1 Preview

Note Windows 8.1 Preview has a new “Automatic Restart Sign On” (ARSO) feature. This feature automatically restarts your computer and logs you on to it after you install a Windows Update.

Consider the following scenario:

  • You have a computer that is running Windows 8.1 Preview.
  • You sign in to the computer by using a virtual smart card.
  • You perform an “Update and restart” to install Windows updates.
  • The ARSO fails to automatically log you on to the computer.

In this scenario, your smart card PIN is prepopulated on the logon screen unexpectedly.

KB2866512 Internet Explorer 11 Preview freezes or crashes while loading a webpage that contains widgets

When you visit a webpage that contains widgets on a Windows 8.1 preview-based devices, Internet Explorer 11 Preview freezes or crashes when it is loading the webpage. For example, it freezes or crashes when you visit a webpage that contains a weather report widget.

KB2866512 Can’t view OWA inbox in Internet Explorer 11 Preview

You cannot view the inbox after you sign in to Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA) in Internet Explorer 11 Preview on a Windows 8.1 Preview-based device. Instead, Internet Explorer shows a spinning wheel indefinitely.

Note This issue also occurs when you visit websites that use the APIs which are listed in the Cause section

KB2866537 Windows Store app instability after an app update in Windows 8.1 Preview

An update is available for Windows 8.1 Preview. This update resolves an issue that could cause a Windows Store app to become unstable after it is updated. This instability may cause Windows Store apps (such as the Music app) to crash.

 

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