This community KB article is being consolidated to help Lenovo customers who are early adopters of the Windows 8.1 update.  This article will be frequently updated to include information on recommendation on issues that have been reported and are currently being addressed by Lenovo product teams.   It is recommended that a backup of all data be made prior to starting the Windows 8.1 update.

• Official Lenovo Windows 8 and 8.1 Support resources - list of officially supported systems, information on license keys, activation, upgrade / downgrade rights and more.  

• Update Drivers before upgrading to Windows 8.1. At this time Lenovo recommends that customers who are planning to install the Windows 8.1 update, first update to the latest version of device drivers and BIOS on the Lenovo support site and apply Windows updates.   Lenovo customers who are using ThinkPad, ThinkStation, ThinkCentre systems may elect to use the System Update to accomplish the Lenovo driver updates before updating to Windows 8.1.  System update 5.03 should be used.  If system update is downlevel, it should first update itself to version 5.03.  Windows 8.1 drivers are being packaged and made available for automated install through System Update; therefore initially a limited number of 8.1 updates may be reported through System update.   Updated drivers can still be installed manually by downloading from the support site.  Lenovo is currently working on the release and availability of Windows 8.1 drivers through system update.   

• Not finding 8.1 drivers for officially supported models on the Lenovo support site?  The driver list for some systems ( Helix for example) currently reflect a mix of drivers for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.  The Windows 8 drivers should work and have been tested, and compatibility designations are being revised to clearly reflect compatibility with Windows 8.1.  This updating of descriptions is expected to complete in early November

• SOLVED -SecureBoot advisory message appears in lower right corner of the screen after updating to Windows 8.1.  This appears to occur if SecureBoot was not enabled when the update was installed.  This community article may help resolve the issue. Microsoft has released an official solution here

• Windows 8.1 update is not listed in the Microsoft Store.   There are certain prerequisites that must be installed before the Windows 8.1 update will be installed.   Be sure to run Windows update and install all updates.  Reboot according to instructions, then re-launch the Windows Store and select Microsoft Windows 8.1 update.  For additional information on updating from the Microsoft Windows 8.1 preview to Windows 8.1 click here.  If the Windows 8.1 update is still not available, please visit support.microsoft.com

• Windows 8.1 update fails with an error code. Try to refresh and ensure all Windows updates have been applied.  If a backup of all data has already been made, customers may elect to reset back to factory, perform all Windows updates, update Lenovo drivers, and then attempt the Windows 8.1 update again.  Please note: Reset back to factory will wipe out all data.

• SOLVED - Black Screen with flashing pointer after install on some hybrid graphics equipped  systems , S440/540, T430/530    W530 could potentially be affected.   This issue has been addressed and Windows 8.1 updates on these models conducted after 10/29/13 should proceed normally.  A Lenovo support tip for S series has been released to assist any previously affected customers. Another tip for T430/530 and W530 series is available,  too.