Windows 8.1 set to drop in October, Microsoft says

If you're itching for the next update of Windows, mark your calendars for Oct. 17.

That's when Windows 8.1, a substantial update to the operating system Microsoft released last year, is set to begin rolling out as a free update, the tech company said yesterday.

Windows 8 was met with some criticism, chiefly that its design veers too far off from the core of Windows to make it more appealing for tablet and smartphone users. 8.1 will aim to correct that.

The update will also include new built-in apps, an updated Windows Store and Internet Explorer 11.

Sales for Windows 8 were largely disappointing. Some industry analysts have blamed it for making the ongoing slump in PC sales even worse, according to The Associated Press.