Today Microsoft announced that on April 8^th it will release a Windows 8.1 refresh. Included in this refresh is a set of new features mainly designed to make the operating system easier and more satisfying to use for people who use a keyboard and mouse.

"Windows 8.1 Update” will be available to all Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 users through Windows Update, Microsoft's standard consumer- and small business-grade patching and updating service, and which also powers the enterprise-level WSUS (Windows Server Update Services).

This update will be free and available to all who want it.

April 8 is also the last day Microsoft will patch the 13-year-old Windows XP, which exits all public support on that day as well.

Windows 8.1 Update will include a default boot-to-desktop setting for non-touch devices to desktop-style title bars on the "Modern," née "Metro" apps. Also within the update are always-visible power and search buttons on the Start screen, the ability to "pin" Metro apps to the desktop's taskbar, and right-click contextual menus for Metro apps.

"Windows 8.1 Update” is anticipated to be smoother and easier to use for users who use a mouse and keyboard. Windows 8.1 is also aimed at being easier to use and easier to learn for all users. Windows 8.1 Update has been modified to work on lower-priced devices with as little as 1GB of memory and as little as 16GB of on-device storage.