All (even not so) great things must come to an end. Microsoft Corporation 406,32 +7,28 +1,82% Windows 8 series was not so well received when it was released 10-yeaes ago. In the beginning user did not like its radical UI change (aka Metro or Tiled or Tablet interface) with the removal of the standard start menu. A year later Microsoft released Windows 8.1 which (albeit hidden) allowed user to start in a desktop interface. It has been over 10-years now and two new Windows versions (10 and 11) later, the time has come for Microsoft to put Windows 8.1 to rest.
What does the end of support mean? Until January 10, Microsoft will offer security patches and other fixes for any security issues that crop up. Afterwards, you’re on your own. If any exploit or malware surfaces, you’ll have to depend on any antivirus software you have running — Microsoft won’t be issuing any more patches after Jan. 10, and your PC will absolutely be at risk.
Instead, you have a choice: purchase a new Windows 11 PC, or alternatively upgrade to Windows 10. Officially, you’ll have to buy a copy. However, there may be still hope to upgrade to Windows 10 (and then 11) for free; you’ll need to start with our tutorial and then visit the Windows 10 download page to see if the new version installs. Otherwise, you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 10 by purchasing a full version of the software. It’s likely, given the strict hardware requirements of Windows 11, that a Windows 8 PC won’t qualify for an upgrade to that operating system.
Given the two choices above, I’d recommend trying to go the upgrade route to Windows 10, rather then buying a Windows 11 PC. Going from Windows 8.1 to 11 might be a bit of shock for some users where as Windows 10 still looks and feel like the Windows users are used to. Windows 10 support will continue through October 2025 and by then that PC would likely had already been replaced.
While there was a lot a negative press about Windows 8, it really was not that bad. I had bought a new PC shortly before 8.1 was released and had found an app early on that added back the Start Menu. I eventually retired that PC in early 2020. That PC can be upgraded to Windows 11, which is more than I can say for the Windows 10 laptop I bought in early 2017. Nonetheless, nothing and I do mean nothing was as bad as Windows Vista.
via PC World
