Microsoft pulls Windows 8.1 update from RT users

Vendor removes update from Windows Store while it investigates issue affecting some Surface tablets

Microsoft has temporarily prevented its Windows RT users from downloading Windows 8.1 while it investigates "a situation".

The upgraded Windows 8 operating system became available as a free download on Thursday for those already running Windows 8. But soon after it was unleashed, those running the RT OS - available on Surface RT and the new Surface 2 - reported issues, leading Microsoft to disable further upgrades.

The vendor declined to comment on the exact nature of the problem, but described it simply as a "situation", while insisting only a limited number of users were affected.

"Microsoft is investigating a situation affecting a limited number of users updating their Windows RT devices to Windows RT 8.1," it said in a statement as the upgrade was pulled on Friday.

"As a result, we have temporarily removed the Windows RT 8.1 update from the Windows Store. We are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience. We will provide updates as they become available."

Microsoft was unable to comment today on whether the issue had been fixed yet as it awaited further updates from its US-based headquarters.

Update: This morning (Tuesday 22 October) Microsoft released a statement claiming that less than one out of every 1,000 Surface RT users have been affected by the problem, and that a recovery package has been made available to English language users.

"We continue to work towards making the Windows RT 8.1 update available in the Windows Store again and apologise for any inconvenience," Microsoft said.