How to upgrade Your Windows Phone to Windows 8.1 Developer Preview

It has been a while since Microsoft released the Windows 8.1 preview update to Windows Phones, but it is only available for Developers as for now(May 27th). Therefore getting that update isn't as simple as getting a general update.

But unfortunately I have found that none of the searches turned up a comprehensive description of how to update, instead they gave a review. Now, if you are frustrated already and do not know how to get that update you are just at the right place!

There are two options:

• The actual update is coming in June(or July, i do not know the exact date), so the first option is to wait.

But if you can't simply wait, then :

• Update to Windows 8.1 Developer Preview Now!

To do so, follow the steps below:

Prerequisites:

• Of course, you have to have a Windows Phone and an internet connection(Preferably Wi-Fi).
• You have to have a Microsoft account. If you have downloaded apps before that means you have one. To know what is it(in case you have forgotten) See: Settings>Email+Accounts>See the account under "Microsoft Account"? That's it! If you don't have one create one here.
• The download size is around 400 MB(approx.) and the installation will take a good lot of space so confirm that you have sufficient space on your phone memory(Say around 2 GB or more being at the safe side)
• Make sure you phone has sufficient charge before restarting, even better, keep it plugged in.
• You need a lot of time, if you have a fast net connection take around 45 min(approx.), but if you have a slow one keep aside 1.5 hours(approx.) for it! 
• You have have your phone updated till the 'Black' update. If not update it.(This may take additional time)

Step 1:

(If you are a developer already, then skip this step)

First of all you have to become a developer(Don't Worry you don't need to develop apps for that!).You only need to have a developer account. Windows App Studio is a free option. You can register as a developer with the Microsoft account. To create an App Studio account go here. After completing to registration see if you can log in to your developer account.

Step 2:

Now you are a developer, but even if your phone is registered with the same Microsoft account, phone update still says no update available ! This is the part where many get lost.

To get the developer update you need an app. Go to the windows phone app store and search for this app: "Preview for Developers". Install it. Open it and agree the terms and conditions and then when asked give the Microsoft account you registered in the App Studio there.

Once it is complete check out the phone update section. And Viola! You get an update.

Step 3:

When you have installed the update...You are like crazy! Come on this is not Windows Phone 8.1! Nothing's there! 

OK lets face it, you have just got one of the 2 'pre-updates'(though these are updates too) to update to windows 8.1. So nothing to worry. Go to phone update and install the second one. 

Step 4:

As said earlier you again see nothing changed as it is not the 8.1 update. But this time you go to 'Phone Update' to get the third update. This time it should be the one you have waited for!

Note: This may take a lot of time to download and install!

All done!!! Enjoy Windows 8.1

Step 5(Optional but Recommended):

If you are outside US you may notice that the much debated Cortana(a new voice assistant in Windows Phone) is missing.

To solve this, go to 

Settings(system)> language>change it to 'English (United States)'.(Restart required) &

Settings(system)> region>change "Country/Region" to 'United States' and "Regional format" to "match phone language"(making it easier to revert).(Restart required)

After this, see app list to find Cortana or press the search button.(If not restart again)

You are all set to go. But keep in mind:

• This is still a preview update, though this process is more or less foolproof yet I have to mention: install it at your own risk.
• It may void your phone's warranty see here.
• Install requires nearly 1 GB extra space so you may lose your free space.

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