Step-by-Step instructions for updating your phone to Windows Phone 8.1

Microsoft is trying as much it can to catch up with Android and iOS, when it announced the Windows Phone 8.1 update during Microsoft's Build 2014 conference back in April this year.

The mobile OS update applies to all devices running Windows Phone 8.0 like Lumia 525, Lumia 920/925 etc.

Mobile device owners can check what Windows Phone version their device is currently running by going to Settings -> About. Devices running Windows Phone 8.0 are recommended to get the update.

It is also recommended that the device has sufficient battery life before starting the update process, or at least that the device is connected to the charger while updating.

In order to update:

Go to Settings -> Phone Update -> Check for updates.

The device will check the availability of the update. If it is available it can be downloaded.

An alternative way is:

Go to Settings -> Phone Update -> Check for updates -> automatically download updates.

If the device data settings allow the update to be automatically downloaded, once available the software will be downloaded and installed. The device needs to be connected to Wi-Fi for this to initiate automatically.

However, if the phone does not show any available update, then your wait might have to be extended a bit longer.

Microsoft said the update is about to launch, but the distribution can also be controlled by the phone manufacturer or carrier. Availability may also differ due to hardware capability, region or country.

To get a sneak peek of the Windows Phone 8.1 update before it is available on your mobile device, the developer preview is currently available for download. The developer preview is not recommended for day-to-day use, however.

@prince084