- Microsoft to end support of Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023.
- Windows 8.1 users will start receiving desktop reminders to upgrade.
- End of support means no more security updates and company support of any kind.
- Computers running Windows 8.1 should upgrade to Windows 10 or 11.
Microsoft is expected to end the support of Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023, and the company will start sending reminders to users as soon as July 2022. According to a report from The Verge, the notification will be similar to the one previously available for Windows 7.
Although Windows 8 support ended back in 2016, Windows 8.1 has an extended support cycle until January 2023. Since this is the end of Windows 8.1, Microsoft won’t be offering any additional support for consumers or businesses. After January 10, 2023, the company will stop delivering security and maintenance updates and support altogether.
If you still have a computer running this version of Windows, you will need to upgrade to another supported version as soon as possible, purchase a new device, or accept the risks.
Since most hardware configurations won’t support Windows 11 due to the increase in processor and security requirements, the best option would be to upgrade to Windows 10. However, if the device is supported, you would be able to upgrade but using a clean installation of Windows 11.
If you upgrade to Windows 10, consider that the support is scheduled to end on October 14, 2025.
Of course, the end of support doesn’t mean that the computer will no longer start. You will still be able to use the device, but since it won’t receive any more security updates, it will become more vulnerable to malware and hacker attacks.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.