[LIST] Can I upgrade to 8.1? Compatible models and possible fixes [ Edited ]

[jonas_hendrickx Guru]

Before you start

The list of models is alphabetically sorted. So it should be easy to find the model you are looking for. It may be a mix of desktops/laptops/tablets.

Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 upgrade from Windows Store

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/update-from-windows-8-tutorial

Upgrading Windows 8.1 Preview to Windows 8.1

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/update-from-preview

Lenovo's official list of compatible models.

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/research/hints-or-tips/detail.page?DocID=HT079684

Update to Windows 8.1: FAQ

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8

Also try to run Windows Upgrade Assistance. It will tell you if software or hardware can cause compatibility issues.

Lenovo Windows 8.1 support homepage

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/research/hints-or-tips/detail.page?AliasID=WIN8-INDEX

Lenovo Windows 8.1 Update Instructions

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/research/hints-or-tips/detail.page?AliasID=WIN8.1-UPGRD

Lenovo IdeaPad Windows 8.1 Upgrade Guide

http://download.lenovo.com/lenovo/content/windows8-1/upgrade/ideapad/index_en.html

Lenovo ThinkPad and selected Essential Series Windows 8.1 Upgrade Guide

http://download.lenovo.com/lenovo/content/windows8-1/upgrade/think/notebook1_en.html

Compatible

This means the model is fully compatible. However additional work may be required. But should be straight forward.

IdeaCentre B540

IdeaPad Y400

IdeaPad Y410p

IdeaPad Y500

IdeaPad Y510p
IdeaPad Z500

ThinkPad T400

ThinkPad T60p (tutorial)

ThinkPad T61 (NVS140m)
ThinkPad X1 Carbon

ThinkPad X301

ThinkPad X61 (used Vista drivers)

ThinkPad Twist S230u
Yoga 11S

Yoga 13

Partially compatible (Workaround available/fixable)

These models will work, but requires additional work. In the end you will have a fully working system. You may have to encounter driver compatibility issues or bugs. Goal is to provide with a fix or solution here.

ThinkPad T400s (post) (Reinstall HotKeys using Windows 7 Compatibility Mode to get Fn+F5 Wireless Control function working)

ThinkPad W520 (might need little more attention, guide)

Partially compatible components (Workaround available/fixable)

Intel Centrino WLAN Cards: guide (step 4)

Incompatible

unknown

How to fix common problems?
Sometimes programs will stop from working after the upgrade. For example VMware Player/Workstation may need to be reinstalled after the upgrade to work correctly, even if it is the same version as the malfunctioning program/driver. This applies to other programs and drivers as well. This is the first thing you should attempt.

Also try and see if you can upgrade to a newer available driver available on the Lenovo Driver website in case previous paragraph didn't help you. Windows 7/8 drivers may work, but it's recommended to have the latest drivers installed.

Credits

""Myself""

""Lenovo Insider Aryeh""
""Lenovo Insider Atli""
""Lenovo Insider Vijay""

qcppz
PFM

Add your results in this thread to help others in the future!

If you had issues with something, tell us how you tried to fix it or get it working.

Moderator comment: Post updated at request of jonas_hendrickx.

[qcppz]

Hi, here is the win8.1 upgrade support list post by Lenovo, FYI.

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/research/hints-or-tips/detail.page?DocID=HT079684

[qcppz]

Also another useful page - Microsoft Windows 8.1 FAQ page

Update to Windows 8.1: FAQ

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8

[jonas_hendrickx Guru]

@qcppz, this thread is meant for people who encountered issues or common problems that may not have been discovered or solved yet!

I will add your links to the list! Thank you!

[qcppz]

hi, glad to help!

Add more links, hope can help more people~

Lenovo win8.1 support homepage

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/research/hints-or-tips/detail.page?AliasID=WIN8-INDEX

Lenovo Windows 8.1 Update Instructions

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/research/hints-or-tips/detail.page?AliasID=WIN8.1-UPGRD

MS website: Update from Windows 8.1 Preview to  Windows 8.1

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/update-from-preview

[jonas_hendrickx Guru]

Great, added your last three links as well!

What model do you have? Let me know if it's compatible as well!

[PFM]

T400s is compatable. Only fix required was reinstall of HotKeys using Windows 7 compatanbility to regain FnF5 wireless control function (same fix required after installing 8.0).

[jonas_hendrickx Guru]

Added! Keep it coming!

Thank you PFM for helping!

[AtliJarl Guru]

The W520 issues I encountered (4282-W4Q - upgraded from Win7Pro - Win8Pro - Win8.1Pro) were;

1. Re-installation of the X-Rite Pantone color calibrator.

2. Clean install of the latest drivers from nVidia for correct Optimus functionality (Base Profile changed to High Performance processor as default, and reverting it to Auto-Select wasn't possible.)

3. There is still the annoying bug regarding the FN+F6 Web Conferencing / Communications Utility, where you get the error message that it's programmed for Lenovo Settings, which isn't installed, and thus Windows mucks up the installation of the utility by deleting all .exe files from the program folder. I simply re-installed the Communications Utility and pinned CommMain.exe (C:\Program Files\Lenovo\Communications Utility) to my Start Screen. Problem solved. All FN keys work perfectly.

4. Beware of the latest Centrino wireless drivers released from Intel yesterday that pop up in your Windows Update. Do not, I repeat, do not install them. This happened to me in Windows 8 and the Intel driver upgrade completely messed up my wireless functionality. (Slow operation, frequent disconnect etc.) Stick completely to the Lenovo drivers for your WLAN.

Otherwise, the upgrade was smooth as silk and the machine purrs quite merrily under the power of 8.1.

PS. The Charms tools are not centered on my 1920x1080 screen, same issue I had with the 8.1 Preview. Absolutely minor cosmetic issue, has nothing to do with functionality.

[qcppz]

I find in MS Win8.1 FAQ page, it provide a tool to check upgrade Compatiblity

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8

Can my PC run Windows 8.1?

If you're running Windows 8 or Windows 7, the best way to tell if your PC and connected devices are ready for Windows 8.1 is to download and run Upgrade Assistant, which scans them and tells you if there is anything you'll need to do before or after updating.