14 DAY TRIAL // It’s not a secret that Windows 11 is Microsoft’s number one focus right now, but at the same time, the company also has other operating systems to care about as well.
Windows 8.1 is one of them, as the operating system is still supported right now, with updates released every Patch Tuesday.
However, this will all come to an end on January 10, 2023 when Windows 8.1 reaches the end of support.
As a result, Microsoft is now trying to prepare customers for the whole thing, and of course, the recommended step for everybody still running Windows 8.1 on their devices is to prepare for the switch to a newer version of the operating system.
Needless to say, Microsoft’s recommended destination is Windows 11, though a computer currently running Windows 8.1 might need massive hardware upgrades or to be replaced completely before being able to run the new OS.
Windows 8.1 EOL warnings
In the meantime, in order to make sure all Windows 8.1 users are aware of the approach end of support date, the software giant has shipped an update to display EOL warnings on their devices.
“January 10, 2023 is the last day Microsoft will offer security updates and technical support for PCs that run Windows 8.1. We are reaching out now to thank you for your loyalty and help you prepare for what's next,” the message that shows up on Windows 8.1 devices reads.
Users can hide the notification and be reminded either after 35 days or when the operating system reaches the end of support, though the latter option obviously might be too late.
“As a reminder, Windows 8.1 will reach the end of support on January 10, 2023. After this date, this product will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates. If devices do not meet the technical requirements to run a more current release of Windows, Microsoft recommends replacing the device with one that supports Windows 11,” Microsoft further notes.