Next Tuesday the time has come: After more than 10 years, Microsoft will be delivering updates for Windows 8.1 for the last time. Remaining users should act urgently now. We’ll show you what to do now.
Windows 8 was released on October 30, 2012 and was initially heavily criticized by desktop users. A year later, Windows 8.1 was followed by a major function update, with which Microsoft significantly improved some criticisms. However, Windows 8 was never able to match the success of Windows 7 . After more than 10 years it’s over now. Microsoft will deliver new security updates for Windows 8 for the last time on January 10, 2023. Users must act urgently now.
WINDOWS 8 SUPPORT HAS ENDED
It is common for Microsoft to discontinue support for old operating systems. Windows versions are supplied with updates for 10 years after release. Once these 10 years have expired, users have to switch to a more modern system. Microsoft announces a date for the end of support several years in advance. With Windows 7 it was around January 2020 . Windows 10 will be supported until October 2025.
SWITCHING FOR PRIVATE USERS FREE OF CHARGE
If you want to keep using your old computer, you can switch to Windows 10 for free. This was officially only possible in the first year after the release of Windows 10 in order to increase the number of users – but it still works without any problems. All data and installed programs are retained during the change. In our step-by-step guide, we show you how to switch to Windows 10 in just a few minutes.
Windows 10 has the same hardware requirements as Windows 8.1. So you can still use your computer or notebook safely until 2025. After that, however, a new purchase will most likely be due. Because with Windows 11, Microsoft has significantly increased the hardware requirements. Almost all computers and notebooks that came onto the market before 2017 are no longer supported here. By 2025 at the latest, a new purchase or a switch to an alternative operating system such as Linux or ChromeOS Flex is imminent . Windows 11 can also be installed on older devices with tricks. It is not yet known whether there will be updates beyond 2025.
CONTINUE USING WINDOWS 8.1 AFTER END OF SUPPORT
Can I still use my Windows 8.1 computer after support has ended? Basically, you have to answer this question with “yes”. Even after January 10, 2023, you can still start a computer with Windows 8.1 as normal, access your files and even surf the Internet. However, according to our recommendation, you should not do this under any circumstances. Because of the lack of security updates, you risk becoming a victim of malware and other cyber attacks.
In addition, new versions of programs such as Chrome or Firefox will no longer support Windows 8.1 in the future. There are also security risks here if you are using outdated versions.
If you absolutely want to continue using Windows 8.1 after support has ended, you should only do so in offline mode. So cut the connection to the Internet permanently and be careful when connecting USB sticks and other data carriers.
