Windows 8.1 End of Life is coming ever closer
Windows 8.1 end of life will soon be upon us, with expanded support for the operating system set to expire in early 2023.
Mainstream support for Windows 8.1 ended on January 9, 2021, and next month Microsoft will begin sending users reminders that support will end completely on January 10, 2023.
Only a small minority of Windows users are still using Windows 8.1, with 3.06% according to the latest figures, dwarfed by 71.82% using Windows 10.
what does this mean?
Computers running Windows 8.1 will still work, but Microsoft will no longer provide technical support on any issues, including security updates and patches for tools such as Office software.
While you can continue to use a PC running Windows 8.1, without constant software and security updates, your PC will be at greater risk from viruses and malware, according to Microsoft.
Microsoft also says it will not offer extended security updates for Windows 8.1 (opens in new tab)As it did for previous iterations like Windows 7.
What should you do?
If you’re still using the operating system, Microsoft recommends that you download either Windows 11, or fail that Windows 10, though it won’t provide any free upgrade paths.
Windows 10 still has a lot of life left in it and the software giant is not ready to retire the operating system until October 14, 2025.
Developed under the codename “Blue”, Windows 8.1 received better reviews than its predecessor Windows 8 when it was released in August 2013, which introduced several major changes at once.
Unfortunately for many of those affected by the end of life, many Windows 8.1 machines will not be up to snuff when it comes to running Windows 11.
Research by IT asset management firm Lanceweeper found that 55% of devices are not compatible with Windows 11, and a major sticking point is TPM, with nearly half of workstations failing to meet TPM (47%) requirements.