14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8.1 users need to install the new Windows 8.1 Update by June 10, otherwise their computers will remain unpatched and without the possibility to receive any security fixes.
Microsoft announced in a blog post rolled out a few weeks ago that everyone must install Windows 8.1 Update before this date, being considered a mandatory release, so computers not running it won't be capable of getting the newest improvements prepared by the company.
The company initially announced a May 13 installation deadline for Windows 8.1 users, but due to a number of issues those who tried to deploy the productexperienced, it decided to extend this date to June.
"While we believe the majority of people have received the update, we recognize that not all have. Having our customers running their devices with the latest updates is super important to us. And we’re committed to helping ensure their safety," the company said in a statement published on May 12, just one day before the original deadline.
"As a result, we’ve decided to extend the requirement for our consumer customers to update their devices to the Windows 8.1 Update in order to receive security updates another 30 days to June 10th."
Windows 8.1 Update comes with lots of improvements for PCs, including options to pin Metro apps to the taskbar and launch them without the need for opening the Start screen. At the same time, Modern apps are now launched in their own separate windows with a title bar and minimize and close buttons, which makes it easier for users to control them with a mouse.
Microsoft says that Windows 8.1 users should automatically get the new release via Windows Update, but in case something goes wrong, they can also try out the manual installation.
"As noted previously, consumer customers who do not update their Windows 8.1 devices to the Windows 8.1 Update by this new deadline will no longer receive updates. We’re confident that within the next month, the majority of the remaining customers who haven’t updated their devices to the Windows 8.1 Update will be able to do so," it said.
Right now, it's not yet clear whether users who previously experienced issues with the installation process of Windows 8.1 Update can safely deploy it, but judging by the number of posts on the Microsoft Community forums, everything is very likely to work a bit smoother these days.