For users who are still stuck on Windows 8.1, Microsoft recently issued a reminder that the system is about to stop supporting. Microsoft says the Windows 8.1 desktop operating system will stop technical assistance and software updates after January 10, 2023. This means that these users still have half a year to upgrade to Windows 11 or a supported version of Windows 10.
Microsoft also said it will not offer Extended Security Updates (ESU) programs to Windows 8.1 users. This means that your system will be vulnerable to malicious attacks after January 10, as no more security updates will be available after that date. Although your PC will still work as before. However, if you encounter any problems with the software, the Microsoft technical team will not be able to assist you. You have to fix it yourself.
Notably, Microsoft is also no longer offering a free upgrade path from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 or Windows 11. If you want to do a fresh install of Windows 10 or Windows 11, you will need to purchase a product key from Microsoft. But before that, make sure your system meets the minimum hardware requirements to run Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Windows 8.1 is the most disliked system among recent generations of Windows. According to GlobalStats statistics, the proportion of users using Windows 8.1 operating system is still 3.23%, but the proportion of Windows 7 is still 13.77%.
Microsoft recommends buying a new laptop or PC with the latest version of Windows 11 if your PC doesn’t meet the minimum hardware requirements and software updates are important.