Users are now asked to install Windows 8.1 to be able to deploy the new drivers

May 27, 2014 07:06 GMT  ·  By

If you're still running Windows 8 and you're not planning to update to Windows 8.1 anytime soon, you might want to reconsider that decision because software developers are one by one dropping support for the core modern operating system.

Today AMD announced that the new Catalyst 14.6 Beta drivers no longer support Windows 8, so those whose computers are running this particular version need to update their computers to Windows 8.1.

The company hasn't talked too much about this change, but it did mention in the release notes that "Windows 8 is no longer supported and users must accept the free Microsoft update to Windows 8.1 if they choose to install this driver."

Windows 8.1 is a free update offered to everyone running Windows 8 and brings quite a lot of improvements, including a new Start button and several touch enhancements to the Modern UI.

Microsoft obviously wants the same thing as AMD and hopes that everyone running Windows 8 right now will eventually move to Windows 8.1 and then to 8.1 Update. A second update for Windows 8.1 is also coming this year, so users would clearly get a lot of improvements and new options by simply deploying the available patches.

The Windows lifecycle fact sheet published on Microsoft.com reveals that Windows 8.1 receives mainstream support until January 9, 2018, while extended support will come to an end on January 10, 2023.

As far as sales are concerned, retail software end of sales will happen on October 31 this year for Windows 8, while in Windows 8.1's case this date is yet to be determined.

"Note that when the retail software product reaches its end of sales date, it can still be purchased through OEMs (the company that made your PC) until it reaches the end of sales date for PCs with Windows preinstalled," Microsoft says in a short note on its website.

AMD's intention to drop support for Windows 8 is also living proof that large manufacturers worldwide are supporting Microsoft in its plan to move users to the latest OS versions, as it goes on with the rapid release cycle that brings new builds and updates at a 12-month cadence.

Download links for Catalyst 14.6 Beta (without Windows 8 support) aren't yet available, but we will update the article accordingly when AMD officially launches them later today. By that time, make sure that your computer is running Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8.1 Update.

Update: the links are now live and everyone can download AMD Catalyst 14.6 Beta right away.