The highly-anticipated Windows 8.1 update 1 was leaked much earlier than expected to the surprise of the users.

Microsoft is expected to bring a lot of tweaks with its highly-anticipated Windows 8.1 update 1, but the official release is still a month away. But a leak has left some pleasantly surprised and will allow users to tinker with their machines with some early Windows 8.1.1 treats. The first update to the Windows 8.1 was leaked online and is different from the usual unofficial leaks as it comes straight from Redmond. That's right! The update comes directly from Microsoft's own Windows Update servers.

Sources strongly pointed to an April release for the Windows 8.1.1. With all calendars marked for April 7, which is when the update is expected to arrive to general users, officially, the latest report suggests the update can be installed on the computers right away.

My Digital Life Forums has posted all the links that a user will need to get the unreleased version of Windows 8.1 update 1. Before installing the update, users must make slight changes to the registry of the computer. While it may sound tricky, people who have tried the method did not report any problems with the software. But proceeding with caution is suggested lest something goes wrong.

Making changes to the registry enables the updates on a system, letting users download the Windows 8.1 update 1 successfully. The package includes six updates, one of which is the Feature pack and is around 761 MB in size. As for the registry changes, step by step instructions are given in a post by Ubergizmo. The changes to the registry involve an addition of a simple value.

For those who do not want to risk it, they can of course wait for the official release of the update next month. It is also possible that Microsoft will end up making some changes to the build between now and its final release date, based on requirements, so users can get risk-free upgrade whenever Microsoft makes it available.