14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is getting ready to retire Windows 8.1, with the operating system to receive its last set of updates as part of this month’s Patch Tuesday cycle.
In other words, the last update for Windows 8.1 will go live tomorrow, after which the operating system will be considered unsupported.
Needless to say, Windows 8.1 will continue to run normally on devices where it’s already installed. But on the other hand, without security patches, any vulnerability discovered in the operating system would be left without a fix, essentially leaving the door open to cybercriminals who try to exploit it.
Microsoft says Windows 8.1 users should upgrade as soon as possible, and unsurprisingly, the company’s preferred destination is Windows 11.
No ESU program this time
“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,” the company explains.
Worth knowing is that unlike Windows 7, Windows 8.1 isn’t going to receive extended security patches as part of the ESU program typically released by Microsoft after an operating system reaches the end of support.
Microsoft says Windows 8.1 users should just upgrade to newer Windows as soon as possible in order to keep their data secure.
“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,” the company explains.