MS Windows will end support for Win 8.1 on January 10, after which its users will no longer receive technical assistance, software updates and security fixes, the company said.
“Continuing to use Win 8.1 after January 10…may increase an organization’s exposure to security risks,” it added. Microsoft also said it’ll not offer an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Win 8.1.
After January 10, Win 7, 8.1 will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates, as per Microsoft’s blog.
Why Microsoft is ending the support for Windows 8.1?
Microsoft will be ending support for its Windows 8.1 operating systems from January 10. The company in a support page blog wrote that the Win 8.1 OS will reach the end of support on January 10 after which the company will stop providing technical assistance and software updates for the OS.
Microsoft will also be ending support and Extended Security updates for its Windows 7 operating system.
Further, the blog said that it will not offer the Extended Security Update (ESU) program for its Win 8.1 OS, unlike the Win 7 OS. The Extended Security Update (ESU) program is the last option for customers who need to run certain legacy Microsoft products after the end of support.
This means that Win PC users, who are still running the Win 8.1 OS, will no longer get the critical security updates to safeguard their PCs and their data.
Which are the Win Versions to get end of support for MS WIN 8.1?
After the end of support, Win 8.1 will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, non-security updates, technical support, or online technical content updates. The following editions of Win 8.1 are included in this:
- Enterprise
- Enterprise N
- N
- Pro with Media Center
- Professional
- Professional N
- SL
Will other Microsoft Applications will work on it?
The Microsoft 365 apps will no longer be supported on Win 8.1 as the OS will no longer meet the system requirements.
The PCs running on Win 8.1 or Win 7 operating system will continue to work even after January 10. However, the devices will be vulnerable to bugs, malware and other security threats online.
Microsoft has recommended that users who still have devices running Win 8.1 or Win 7 should upgrade to Win 11.
Frequemtly Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does end of support mean?
As of January 10, 2023, computers running Win 8.1 will still function, but Microsoft will no longer provide the following:
- Technical support of any issue
- Software updates
- Security updates or fixes
While you could continue to use a PC running Win 8.1, without continued software and security updates, your PC will be at greater risk for viruses and malware. We recommend upgrading to a version of Win that is still supported. A new device that can run Win 11 makes for an easy transition and a great experience.
Will my Win 8.1 computer stop working?
No. Support for Win 8.1 is discontinued, but the software will continue to function. However, after January 10, 2023, your computer running Win 8.1 will no longer receive security updates. In addition, Microsoft customer service will no longer be available to provide Win 8.1 technical support.
How do I get Win 11?
There are two ways you can get Windows 11:
- Recommended: New PC with Win 11 – Win 11 is the most current version of Windows. If you have an older PC, we recommend you move to Win11 by buying a new PC. Hardware and software have improved a lot since Win 8.1 was released, and today’s computers are faster, more powerful, and more secure. View Win 11 PCs.
- Installing Win 11 on your current PC – You can also see if your current PC meets the minimum system requirements for Win 11. If it does, you can purchase and download a full version of Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro or buy from a retailer. If you do choose this path, note that you will need to reinstall your apps (in some cases a newer version may be required) and take steps to transition files, data, and settings since the installation will overwrite the contents of your existing storage drive. It may be easier for you to first upgrade to Windows 10 (see What options do I have for staying supported on a Windows operating system for more details) and then upgrade to Windows 11.
How is Windows 11 security better than Windows 8.1?
Windows 11 is the most secure Windows ever built, with comprehensive end-to-end security that covers antivirus, firewall, internet protections, and more. This means more security features, dashboard displays, and ongoing updates to help safeguard against future threats—all built-in at no extra cost. To receive updates, internet access is required and service fees may apply.
Final Thoughts on Windows 8.1 Microsoft to end support for Windows 8.1
As a reminder, Windows 8.1 will reach end of support on January 10, 2023, at which point technical assistance and software updates will no longer be provided. If you have devices running Windows 8.1, we recommend upgrading them to a more current, in-service, and supported Windows release. If devices do not meet the technical requirements to run a more current release of Windows, we recommend that you replace the device with one that supports Windows 11.
Microsoft will not be offering an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 8.1. Continuing to use Windows 8.1 after January 10, 2023 may increase an organization’s exposure to security risks or impact its ability to meet compliance obligations.
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