Why did Microsoft end support for Windows 8.1?

Windows 8.1 offers a more stable user experience and is an improvement over Windows 8. However, like every other Windows product, the end of support is only a matter of time.

The Windows 8 era is on the decline. Tech giant Microsoft ended support for Windows 8 in January 2016 and recently announced that it will end support for its older sibling, Windows 8.1.

Windows 8.1 offers a more stable user experience and is an improvement over Windows 8. However, like every other Windows product, the end of support is only a matter of time. Read on to find out when Windows 8.1 ends support, why, and what this means for users.

When will support for Windows 8.1 end?

Support for Windows 8.1 will end on January 10, 2023. Shortly after saying goodbye to Windows Explorer, Microsoft has revealed the date that marks the end of support for Windows 8.1 version, which is about 5 months. From now on. The company also announced that users will see a Windows 8.1 update notification starting in July to notify them of Microsoft's end of support.

Therefore, Windows 8.1 users should decide what to do right before end of support. When upgrading to a new version of Windows or switching to an alternative operating system, such as macOS or Linux, this will help avoid a wide range of adverse scenarios.

Why is support for Windows 8.1 ending?

Why did Microsoft end support for Windows 8.1? Picture 1 Why did Microsoft end support for Windows 8.1? Picture 1

Microsoft has decided to stop supporting the Windows 8.1 version due to its user interface bugs. Additionally, the tech giant wants to focus more of its time on providing a stable environment for Windows 10 and 11 users.

Microsoft faced criticism for its mobile user interface design in the release of Windows 8 in 2012. The company then released a version of Windows 8.1 with interface design. desktop-like users to solve these problems.

While providing a better user experience, Windows 8.1 does not fully address most user interface issues. As a result, Microsoft required a newer version to address user interface limitations and attract users who had previously abandoned Windows to switch to an alternative operating system.

To this end, Microsoft has released new versions of Windows (10 and 11) that provide a better user interface experience by combining desktop and mobile features.

While it is tempting to give Windows 8.1 a chance, many users have experienced problems with their computers and choose to upgrade to newer versions of Windows. As a result, Microsoft has finally decided to discontinue support for Windows 8.1.

What does this mean for Windows 8.1 users?

Why did Microsoft end support for Windows 8.1? Picture 2 Why did Microsoft end support for Windows 8.1? Picture 2

By ending support for the operating system, Microsoft has sent a clear signal to Windows 8.1 users. Those still using 8.1 must quickly decide whether to upgrade to a newer version of Windows or switch to an alternative operating system, such as macOS or Linux.

After January 10, 2023, Windows 8.1 users will no longer receive security and other related updates from Microsoft. You can still use it unattended, but your productivity will likely suffer in an unsafe environment. In addition, critical Microsoft applications will no longer be supported on Windows 8.1.

Which Microsoft apps no longer support Windows 8.1?

After support ends, Microsoft 365 and other versions of Office will no longer be supported on Windows 8.1, subject to the Microsoft Modern Lifecycle Policy. If you're still using Microsoft 365 on Windows 8.1, you'll no longer receive Office app updates, including features, fixes, and other privacy-safe updates.

Non-subscription versions of Office, such as Office Home & Student, Office Home & Business, and Office Professional Plus, will continue to be supported under the Fixed Lifecycle Policy. However, Windows 8.1 will no longer receive security updates, leaving these apps vulnerable to security threats.

Furthermore, Microsoft will no longer offer Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 8.1 after January 10, 2023. As a result, continued use of Windows 8.1 may increase security risks or affect the ability to meet compliance obligations.

Therefore, Windows 8.1 users are advised to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 to avoid future user experience and performance issues.

It's time to upgrade!

If users are running Windows 8.1, Microsoft recommends upgrading to a newer version of Windows 10 or 11. Updating to Windows 11 is recommended, however, Microsoft has stated that most PCs running Windows 8.1 will not be compatible. compatible with Windows 11 version due to hardware limitations.

The best option for Windows 8.1 users is to buy a new PC with pre-installed versions of Windows 11. In addition, users can update to Windows 10 versions on a budget. However, you should also note that Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025.