Tucked in between Windows 8 and Windows 10 was Windows 8.1. This operating system was released in 2013 and was a way to solve many of the criticisms that users had of Windows 8.
Its predecessor was retired back on January 12, 2016, but Windows 8.1 has been still supported since that time with updates and security releases. However, that support is now coming to an end and Windows 8.1 will be retired as of January 10, 2023.
Now is the time to plan and implement upgrades to any system still running Windows 8.1 or older. If you don’t address this now, it can mean that your system becomes highly susceptible to being breached.
In this article, we’ll go into what the “end of support” means and why it’s dangerous to run a computer on an operating system (OS) past its end-of-support date.
What is “End of Support” for an OS?
Microsoft sets a lifecycle for each operating system that it rolls out. While the exact timeframe can vary, it is roughly ten years. That means 10 years from the release date until the company stops supporting that OS.
What does it mean to lose support?
- Microsoft no longer provides technical support
- Microsoft no longer provides software updates
- Microsoft no longer provides any security updates or fixes
Does the OS still technically work?
The operating system will still technically work, and you may not notice anything on your end when it passes that out-of-support date. But hackers definitely notice and hope you don’t upgrade.
When there are no more security updates or fixes for an OS or software, it’s left as a sitting duck for online attacks. Normally, companies like Microsoft are constantly surveying the need for fixes to code to stop hackers from exploiting weaknesses.
When Windows 8.1 loses support, it means that Microsoft will no longer do that. You run the OS at your own risk.
It’s estimated that approximately 60% of Windows users are running outdated OS versions.
What’s the Risk of Staying on Windows 8.1 After It Loses Support?
You’re More Susceptible to a Breach
One of the ways that cybercriminals breach home and business computers is through outdated software. When no one is keeping your OS up to date with security patches, the vulnerabilities just keep adding up. Unpatched vulnerabilities can mean breaches today, tomorrow, or two years from now.
Seventy-five percent of the cyber attacks in 2020, exploited vulnerabilities that were two years old or older. While all may look fine on your side of the screen of an outdated OS, hackers are searching for all those open doors in the system that will no longer ever be closed.
Data Loss Due to Malfunctions
If you’re still running Windows 8.1, you likely have an older computer. The older the components and OS get, the more likelihood of suffering a crash that takes your data out with it.
System Slowdowns
As systems age and as they get neglected, they inevitably slow down. With no more feature updates or bug fixes being pushed through by Microsoft, you’re going to notice a downward trend in things like response times and your ability to access programs and data without issues.
Software/Hardware Compatibility Issues
Software and device manufacturers are building for the current and future, not the past. The older your OS gets, the fewer options you’ll have for installing new tools due to compatibility issues.
What Do You Need to Do If You Have a Windows 8.1 PC?
Check Upgrade Requirements for Windows 10/11
If you have a computer running Windows 8.1, then you should upgrade it before January 10, 2023. You would be upgrading to either Windows 10 or Windows 11.
You’ll want to check the system requirements for each to make sure your system meets them and to choose the right OS for the upgrade.
Replace Your Older Computer
If your device is still running Windows 8.1, there is a good chance that it might not support an upgrade. If you find that you can’t upgrade past 8.1, then you’ll need to replace your computer to ensure your data remains secure.
You can either go with a brand-new computer or choose to buy a refurbished PC or laptop. Refurbished systems can give you the opportunity to purchase a high-performance device without the high price tag of buying a new one.
Get Help Upgrading or Replacing Your Computer
Tech Help Services can give you a problem-free experience when it comes to modernizing your PC. We’ll check to see if your current device can be upgraded to Windows 10 or 11. If not, we have affordable options for refurbished PCs & laptop sales.
Give us a call today at 716-203-1366 or reach out online to learn more.