To be clear: I do not recommend this unless; you are an advanced user and do not wish to upgrade, or using Windows 8 in a virtual environment and/or for testing purposes.
There are 2 Windows Update updates that need to be Hidden or Uninstalled, and will prevent the Windows 8.1 automatic upgrade.
KB2871389 is an pre-requisite update - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2871389
"Update is available that prepares Windows 8 and Windows RT-based computers for the update to Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 RT"
KB3008273 is an update that automates the upgrade - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3008273
"An update to enable an automatic update from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1"
Important Notes:
As recommended to stay updated, upgrade to Windows 8.1. You can refer to the Windows Lifecycle fact sheet.
There are 2 Windows Update updates that need to be Hidden or Uninstalled, and will prevent the Windows 8.1 automatic upgrade.
KB2871389 is an pre-requisite update - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2871389
"Update is available that prepares Windows 8 and Windows RT-based computers for the update to Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 RT"
KB3008273 is an update that automates the upgrade - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3008273
"An update to enable an automatic update from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1"
Important Notes:
- Windows Update set to Automatic will install these updates for you. It's up to you to Hide / Uninstall the updates.
- Changing your Windows Update settings to "Check for updates but let me choose...
-
- Troubleshooting Windows Update will restore settings to Automatic.
- Troubleshooting Windows Update will Restore Hidden Updates.
- If KB2871389 is already hidden, KB3008273 may not appear in Windows Update.
- If KB2871389 is installed, KB3008273 may have already started. Both KB's can be uninstalled.
As recommended to stay updated, upgrade to Windows 8.1. You can refer to the Windows Lifecycle fact sheet.
