Windows 8.1: End of Support Nears

Windows 8.1 leaves support on Jan. 10, 2023. Windows 8 initially promised to change the Windows client family forever; however, that was not to be. Updated to Windows 8.1 in Oct. 2013 and updated again soon after to remove the reliance on the touch UI and other “Modern” elements, this version of the Windows client OS never gained acceptance.

Windows 8.1 is the last Windows client OS governed by the traditional five years of Mainstream support and five years of Extended support. Unlike with Windows 7, which is still supported via Extended Security Updates (ESUs), there are apparently no plans to offer ESU support to Windows 8.1 customers.

Windows 8.1 is survived by its siblings, Windows 10 and Windows 11, which follow the new shorter life cycle with annual feature updates or versions. Many Windows 8.1 users will find their hardware can only upgrade to a version of Windows 10, as Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements. However, such users are cautioned that Microsoft has already stated the last version of Windows 10 will only be supported until Oct. 2025. Therefore, Windows 8.1 users may choose to acquire hardware capable of running Windows 11 and move their data to a device running Windows 11. There is no free upgrade from Windows 8.1 to either of its siblings.