January 10th is here, and that means the older version of Windows products are no longer supported.
This was first announced by Microsoft back in November 2022 in this article, where the company stated: “Change can be difficult, but we’re here to help you take the next steps. After January 10, 2023, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for Windows 8.1.
In the same article, they proposed the following solution to affected users: “You might be able to upgrade your Windows 8.1 device to a newer version of Windows, but we recommend moving to a new PC that can run Windows 11 as the best option.”
On their Learn portal, Microsoft also listed the versions of Windows 8.1 which will be affected.
- Enterprise
- Enterprise N
- N
- Pro with Media Center
- Professional
- Professional N
- SL
They also explained how this will impact Microsoft 365 users: “Additionally, Microsoft 365 apps will no longer be supported on Windows 8.1 as it will no longer meet the system requirements.”
How Does This Affect Me?
To start off, you should know that computers running older versions of Windows will keep working normally. They are not going to stop functioning from tomorrow.
This means that Microsoft will no longer provide support for any technical issues. What’s even more significant is that they will no longer issue security updates. In turn, users will be more exposed to cyber risks, particularly new malware designed to exploit outdated software vulnerabilities.
Some prior Microsoft operating system versions received extended security upgrades at a cost, but Windows 8.1 will not have this option. That was likely due to its overall popularity, particularly in comparison to the highly successful and much better-received Windows 7.
Solutions to Consider
If you’re affected by this news, there are a couple of solutions to consider.
Install Windows 11
Microsoft’s last operating system, Windows 11, was introduced in October 2021. Windows 11 is still free for Windows 8.1 users to download, but there are some requirements they need to meet. Not all PCs are qualified for Windows 11. To discover if your device fulfills the minimum requirements, Microsoft released a free Windows 11 compatibility check tool.
Install Windows 10
Microsoft’s most popular operating system is Windows 10, and it’s the large majority of Windows users. If it turns out your computer doesn’t support Windows 11, Windows 10 is an excellent alternative.
There are some things to keep in mind, however. First, Windows 10 is no longer available for free. The second factor to consider is that Windows 10 will be phased out over the next few years. Although support will continue for a few years, it is worth taking into account before migrating to Windows 10.
Get a New Computer
If your PC is using Windows 8.1, you’ve probably had it for a while. You may decide that now is the ideal moment to consider changing it, especially if you’ve noticed any performance issues.
All computers must be replaced at some point, so consider getting a new device with the latest version of Windows instead.
