We recently learned that Windows 8.1 Update 1 had hit RTM at build 9600.17031, everybody celebrated and then a leak from the official Microsoft Download servers allowed users to gain access to the RTM way before it's official release. Now, it appears an even newer build of Windows 8.1 has been spotted, or at least it's build string has.
It's currently unclear what this means, as many sources have confirmed that build 17031 is the RTM build for Windows 8.1 Update 1. On an official Microsoft Support page, build 9600.17042 is referenced, which is obviously a newer build from that of the Windows 8.1 Update 1 RTM. It's possible that this newer build is designed to be a patch that lays on top of Windows 8.1 Update 1, meaning 17031 is still RTM. Until Microsoft are ready to talk more about Update 1, we'll have to wait and see.
It's currently unclear what this means, as many sources have confirmed that build 17031 is the RTM build for Windows 8.1 Update 1. On an official Microsoft Support page, build 9600.17042 is referenced, which is obviously a newer build from that of the Windows 8.1 Update 1 RTM. It's possible that this newer build is designed to be a patch that lays on top of Windows 8.1 Update 1, meaning 17031 is still RTM. Until Microsoft are ready to talk more about Update 1, we'll have to wait and see.