14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has issued a public warning related to Windows 8.1, as the operating system is approaching the end of support and would therefore no longer receive any further security updates.
In an advisory published recently, Microsoft tells Windows 11 users to already start considering the move to a newer Windows release, and in case this isn’t possible because of hardware limitations, buying a new device that can run Windows 11 is the best option.
“As a reminder, Windows 8.1 will reach end of support on January 10, 2023, at which point technical assistance and software updates will no longer be provided. If you have devices running Windows 8.1, we recommend upgrading them to a more current, in-service, and supported Windows release. If devices do not meet the technical requirements to run a more current release of Windows, we recommend that you replace the device with one that supports Windows 11,” Microsoft explains.
No ESU this time
Microsoft typically releases security updates beyond the end of support as part of the so-called Extended Security Update program, but as far as Windows 8.1 is concerned, the company wouldn’t release such a program.
In other words, once Windows 8.1 reaches the end of support, it’s pretty much gone for good, so companies would have no other option than to upgrade to a newer release.
“Microsoft will not be offering an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 8.1. Continuing to use Windows 8.1 after January 10, 2023 may increase an organization’s exposure to security risks or impact its ability to meet compliance obligations,” Microsoft says.
Needless to say, once Windows 8.1 reaches the end of support and new security updates would no longer be shipped, the operating system will continue to run normally on all devices where it’s installed. However, the lack of security updates produces increased security risks, as the found vulnerabilities would remain unresolved.