The same thing is hapening when I try to upgrade windows 8 to 8.1. just a pending sign with no activity or sign of activity/downloading for hours.

If you do not see the Windows 8.1 update in the Windows Store, here are some of the reasons. You can find more details here http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/why-can-t-find-update-store on why you may not be seeing the Windows 8.1 update.

1. You may be running an edition of Windows 8 that doesn’t support the update from the Store.

a. If you’re running Windows 8.1 Preview, here’s how to update to the final version.

b. If you’re running Windows Enterprise Edition or Volume License version of Windows Pro. You must speak to your system administer to learn how to update.

If you are not sure, the following steps will help you identify if you have a Volume License version of Windows:

If it says something that resembles Volume, you won’t be able to get it through the store and will need to talk to your system administrator about their plans for rolling out this update based on the Volume License agreement through the

Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). If you are the system administrator or the person responsible for your company’s computers, you should refer to this article for information on how to upgrade.

c. If you’re using a Multiple Activation Product Key through a Commercial or MSDN contact. To install the update, you need to use media obtained through those programs.

2. You have not installed all pending Windows Updates. You can find details here on which update is needed to see the Windows 8.1 update.

If you are having issues with installing Windows Update we recommend you post for help with that issue.

You may also attempt an automated fix by running the Windows Update troubleshooter

3. You need to sync your App License; you can do this by:

4. The Windows Store Catalog is not refreshing correctly.

To refresh the catalog, try pressing the Windows and R key together to open the run box, type WSReset.exe and hit Enter. Reboot and check the Windows Store again.