Windows 8.1 | English

For VAIO PC users running Windows 8

Microsoft has released Windows 8.1, a free update to Windows 8. Are you ready to take your Windows 8 experience to the next level? Follow the steps below to update to Windows 8.1.

Prepare to Update

Before you update:

Windows 8 users
This update is relevant to all PCs running Windows 8.
You can update to Windows 8.1 for free by following the steps in the Update to Windows 8.1 section below.

IMPORTANT:
Click here for the list of applications that may not function as usual upon installation of Windows 8.1.

Update to Windows 8.1

Steps to update:

Step 1 - Prepare computer for installation /precautions
Complete all steps before beginning the update.
1. Remove any external hardware (such as USB drives or printers) from the computer.
2. Plug the computer’s AC adapter into a working power outlet.
  Do not operate on battery power while performing the update.
3. Create recovery media. (Strongly recommended.)
  Recovery media enables you to return your operating system to its original state.
4. Perform a backup of your data. (Strongly recommended.)
  It is your sole responsibility to back up your data.
  Backing up your data enables you to recover your data in case of loss.
5. Check your Anti-Spyware software’s support website before updating to Windows 8.1.
  You may need to update to the latest version.
6. Note to the Music by Sony users:
  Before updating to Windows 8.1, update to the latest version of the Music by Sony app in the Windows Store. If you don’t follow this step, you may lose part of your playlist.
Step 2 – Run VAIO Update
Installs the latest updates from Sony to prepare your VAIO computer for Windows 8.1.
1. Start VAIO Update.
2. Select all listed drivers, applications and utilities and click Install.
Step 3 – Run Windows Update
Installs the latest updates from Microsoft to prepare the Windows 8 operating system for Windows 8.1.
1. Start Windows Update.
2. Select all listed drivers, applications, and utilities and click Install.
Step 4 - Install Windows 8.1
1. On the Start screen, click the Store tile.
2. Search for Windows 8.1 and click Download.
  The download may take several hours depending on your Internet connection.
3. When the file has finished downloading, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Click Restart Now.
4. When your computer restarts, read the License terms and click I accept to continue.
5. Select one of the following settings for installation:
  
  Express Settings: Allows Windows to select the recommended settings (recommended).
  Customize: Allows you to customize your preferred Windows settings.
  
  If you choose the customize option:
  - Decide if you would like to share resources on the network.
    Yes, turn on sharing and connected devices for networks in public places.
    No, don’t turn on sharing or connect to devices for networks in public places.
  - Select the various options related to automatically installing Windows and drivers updates, as well as an option related to the SmartScreen© filter. Click Next.
  - The next page includes options related to providing usage and other related information to Microsoft for product improvement. Select the desired options and click Next.
  - The next page includes options related to Microsoft services to fix problems and lets you configure what information that you want to share with your apps. Select the desired options and click Next.
6. On the Sign in to your Microsoft account screen, input your user name and password and click Next.
7. Input the security verification information for the Microsoft Account and click Next.
  This information can be used to verify ownership of a Microsoft Account for account recovery or other support scenarios.
8. On the SkyDrive is your cloud storage screen, select whether or not to use SkyDrive as your cloud storage.
  To use SkyDrive for cloud storage, click Next.
  Select Turn off these SkyDrive settings if you do not wish to use SkyDrive for cloud storage.
9. The Start screen appears.
  Installation of the Windows 8.1 operating system is now complete, but you still need to install drivers created specifically for your VAIO computer.
Step 5 – Run VAIO Update again
Installs the necessary drivers, applications, and utilities your VAIO computer needs for Windows 8.1.
1. Start VAIO Update
2. Select all listed drivers, applications and utilities and click Install.
3. VAIO Update will install the applicable drivers, applications, and utilities.
Or
1. Visit the Sony Support website.
2. Navigate to the support page for your model.
3. Open the Downloads tab.
4. In the Select operating system box, select Windows 8.1.
5. Select, download and install all drivers, applications and utilities.
Notes:
Some third-party software may not download and install after the update. Please visit the third-party vendor web site for further information and updates related to Windows 8.1 for that software.

Windows 8.1 Update Limitations

Some PCs may experience limitations following the update to Windows 8.1.

SVF144B/SVF154B Series
- When connecting to a BRAVIA TV using Miracast and playing Blu-ray Disc movies, video cannot display on the TV.
SVD13 Series
- Before updating to Windows 8.1, update the BIOS. Otherwise, the update will fail.
- Before updating to Windows 8.1, it is necessary to update to the latest version of Intel Anti-Theft Service.
- In Windows Media Player, while playing an AVCHD file, changing the output setting from external display only to internal LCD results in an error message from the player.
- Before updating to Windows 8.1, update to the latest driver for the front-facing camera. Otherwise, FastAccess will not work.
- DPI settings will change automatically following the update.
SVF14 Series
- In Windows Media Player, while playing an AVCHD file, changing the output setting from external display only to internal LCD results in an error message from the player.
SVP Series
- Before updating to Windows 8.1, it is necessary to update to the latest version of Intel Anti-Theft Service.
SVZ Series
- FingerPrint device feature does not work correctly.
- The PC will freeze when resuming from sleep if both a VGA monitor and HDMI monitor are connected to the Power Media Dock.
SVT Series
- Before updating to Windows 8.1, it is necessary to update to the latest version of Intel Anti-Theft Service.
SVE11 Series
- Fn+F5/F6 does not work. Please use the Settings charm to change the brightness level.
VPCSA/VPCSB/VPCSE Series
- FingerPrint device feature does not work correctly.
- When playing movies, the following symptoms may occur:
  - Error messages may show.
  - Playback occurs with audio only (no video).
  - PowerDVD freezes.
- Fn+F5/F6 does not work. Please use the Settings charm to change the brightness level.
- Noise will appear when output to HDMI monitor.
- Blank screen is shown when resolution is set to 1920x1200 on SPEED mode.
VPCCA/VPCCB Series
- When playing movies, the following symptoms may occur:
  - Error messages may show.
  - Playback occurs with audio only (no video).
  - PowerDVD freezes.
- Noise will appear when output to HDMI monitor.
- Blank screen is shown when resolution is set to 1920x1200 on SPEED mode.
VPCL2 Series
- When playing movies, the following symptoms may occur:
  - Error messages may show.
  - Playback occurs with audio only (no video).
  - PowerDVD freezes.
VPCJ2 Series
- Bluetooth may have the following symptoms.
  - Searching devices may fail.
  - Uploading or downloading files may fail.
  - PowerDVD freezes.
- Fn+F5/F6 does not work. Please use the Settings charm to change the brightness level.
- When playing movies, the following symptoms may occur:
  - Error messages may show.
  - Playback occurs with audio only (no video).
  - PowerDVD freezes.
VPCEJ Series
- When playing movies, the following symptoms may occur:
  - Error messages may show.
  - Playback occurs with audio only (no video).
  - PowerDVD freezes.
VPCYB Series
- Fn+F5/F6 does not work. Please use the Settings charm to change the brightness level.
VPCEL Series
- Bluetooth may have the following symptoms:
  - Searching devices may fail.
  - Uploading or downloading files may fail.
- Fn+F5/F6 does not work. Please use the Settings charm to change the brightness level.

Restrictions Related to Sony Provided Software

VAIO Transfer Support

Cannot be used after updating to Windows 8.1.
Music by Sony

Before updating to Windows 8.1, update to the latest version of the Music by Sony app in the Windows Store.
Failure to update to the latest version of the Music by Sony app may result in partial loss of playlist.

Note: To help you easily identify Windows compatible apps and devices, please see Windows Compatibility Center.