Update to Windows 8.1

Jivesinger

When you clicked the User Accounts option in Control Panel, it should show your user name in a box on the right, along with that head and shoulders graphic which Microsoft use.

What does it say under your user name?

For instance my (non-Admin) account is something like:
Jivesinger
Local Account
Password Protected

If the account is an Administrator, then the word Administrator should be in there too.

Also, what happens when you click Manage Other Accounts? (It may ask you for an Administrator account and password at this point - does it suggest an account name?)

Sadly it is possible to delete all Administrator access from all accounts, which gives you a problem, since as far as I know, all the options which might undo this need Administrator rights, apart from the drastic option of wiping everything from the disk and starting again, with a Reset.

GunJack

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/enable-the-hidden-administrator-account-on-windows-vista/

this will turn on/off the "hidden" heavy-duty admin account. just use carefully and wisely....

Jivesinger

GunJack wrote: »

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/enable-the-hidden-administrator-account-on-windows-vista/

this will turn on/off the "hidden" heavy-duty admin account. just use carefully and wisely....

... but to run those steps in Windows 8, you already need to be administrator-level (in which case the OP wouldn't have a problem in the first place).

step_1_from_that_method wrote:

First you’ll need to open a command prompt in administrator mode by right-clicking and choosing “Run as administrator” (or use the Ctrl+Shift+Enter shortcut from the search box).

azzabazza

I don't know what the guy did last weekend when setting up the user account as it just won't let me change it. For some reason it was set up as a local account.

However, this morning I have managed set up a new user account, with administrator rights, and the desktop pc is now downloading 8.1.

Many thanks to those who offered their help.

GunJack

Jivesinger wrote: »

... but to run those steps in Windows 8, you already need to be administrator-level (in which case the OP wouldn't have a problem in the first place).

right-click on cmd and choose "run as administrator"

Jivesinger

GunJack wrote: »

right-click on cmd and choose "run as administrator"

But that only works if you are an administrator (or know another password).

Edit: To elaborate, I've seen cases on another forum where people have removed their admin rights and are left with just one login on the PC, as a non-admin user. In those cases, they can't 'Run as Administrator', so that method posted earlier wouldn't work.

Which makes sense of course; if your access is restricted so you aren't administrator, you shouldn't be able to elevate yourself to be one.

Jivesinger

azzabazza wrote: »

I don't know what the guy did last weekend when setting up the user account as it just won't let me change it. For some reason it was set up as a local account.

Local account is fine for most purposes (and I would say it's always better to have one with admin rights as backup).

However the 8.1 Update in the Store can be picky about wanting a Microsoft Account, although I think there is a way round it, if you pick the right menu options.

So I don't think your issue was lack of Admin rights, it's that MS pushes you towards a Microsoft Account at every opportunity.

You certainly don't need a Microsoft Account as a login account on the PC to upgrade to 8.1 (as I've done it without), but you might need to enter the email address and password of Microsoft Account to trigger the 8.1 download to start.

Glad you got it going though.

Oblivion

I seem to recall that my 8.0 simply updated to 8.1 as a result of running Windows Update. I don't recall having to visit the store, but perhaps my memory is tricking me.

Jivesinger

Oblivion wrote: »

I seem to recall that my 8.0 simply updated to 8.1 as a result of running Windows Update. I don't recall having to visit the store, but perhaps my memory is tricking me.

Most likely a banner appeared across the screen one day, inviting you to upgrade to Windows 8.

When you click on it, it take you straight to the (Windows Store) page for the 8.1 Upgrade, but it probably isn't that obvious that it is a page within the Windows Store.

azzabazza

Even using my Microsoft log in account yesterday it wouldn't let me update. However, at least I now seem to have it sorted and the download is at 66% so going OK I think, albeit slowly!

Will use the Local account for everyday logging in and, as suggested, keep the Administrator account for updating etc.