There was much fanfare when Microsoft launched its latest Windows 8.1 operating system via its Windows Store on Friday, but it wasn’t long before the software giant scrambled to damage limitation mode when Surface tablet users reported problems with the Windows RT 8.1 download.

Microsoft quickly pulled the tablet update from the store, leading to a clamour of discontent from many users. No official comment has yet been forthcoming from Microsoft and the problem was only picked up by media following an exchange on Microsoft’s support blog.

The conversation started with a user posting the following:

Hello,

Why isn’t the Windows RT 8.1 upgrade available in the Microsoft Store?

Thanks,

Wesley_P

And, as we said, the only response from Microsoft so far has been this post:

Greetings Wesley,

Windows RT 8.1. Microsoft is investigating a situation affecting a limited number of users updating their Windows RT devices to Windows RT 8.1. 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 apologize for any inconvenience. We will provide updates as they become available.

Thank you again for posting.

Kind regards.

At the time of going to press, there was still no official word from Microsoft on what the problem actually was, or when users can re-commence downloads. There have, however, been numerous posts from irate customers, many of whom seem keen to replace their Surface tablets with alternative devices.