In short: Microsoft is scheduled to place one other of its legacy working programs out to pasture within the close to future. Anybody nonetheless utilizing the getting older OS wants to start out getting severe about transitioning to a present, in-service launch.
Home windows 8.1 launched in late 2013 – only one 12 months after Microsoft unleashed Home windows 8 – in an try to rectify a few of the early points with its flagship OS. Most discovered it did provide a greater expertise than the unique however nonetheless, Microsoft wasted little time in prepping and rolling out its successor – Home windows 10 – in the summertime of 2015.
Microsoft ended mainstream assist for Home windows 8.1 on January 9, 2018, and is planning to droop prolonged assist on January 10, 2023. As soon as this occurs, Microsoft will now not present software program updates and technical help for the OS. There can be no prolonged safety replace program for Home windows 8.1 which means anybody operating it after the cutoff date can be uncovered to future safety dangers.
In accordance with StatCounter, Home windows 8.1’s worldwide desktop market share sat at simply 2.45 % as of October 2022. For comparability, Home windows 7 continues to be used on 9.61 % of desktops. Home windows 11 has been adopted by 15.44 % of desktops and Home windows 10 leads the way in which with 71.29 % market share.
Microsoft recommends upgrading gadgets operating Home windows 8.1 to a extra present, in-service model of Home windows like Home windows 10 or Home windows 11. Home windows 10 House and Professional continues to be obtainable and can be supported till October 14, 2025. That route might purchase you just a few extra years if Home windows 11 is not an possibility attributable to technical limitations.
Within the occasion your machine does not meet the minimal necessities of a more moderen OS, Microsoft suggests changing it with one thing a bit newer. In that scenario (and assuming you wish to stick to Home windows), you would be greatest served upgrading to one thing that helps Home windows 11 so you will not have to fret with switching working programs once more for some time.
Picture credit score: Nothing Forward, Pedro Santos, Bram Van Oost
