There aren’t many Windows users still running Windows 8.1 these days. But those who are may (or may not) know that support for version 8.1 will end on January 10, 2023.
Just to make sure Windows 8.1 users know, Microsoft will start notifying them from July of the impending end of support date. When seeing notifications, users will be able to click “Learn more”, “Remind me later” or “Remind me after the end of support date” until January 2023, Microsoft said. Microsoft has used these kinds of notifications in the past to prompt users of older versions of Windows to upgrade to newer/still supported versions. (For what it’s worth: Those running domain-joined PCs, in the past, haven’t been harassed.)
Microsoft began rolling out Windows 8.1 – the immediate successor to its poorly received Windows 8 operating system – in 2013. Microsoft marked the end of “mainstream support” for Windows 8.1 in January 2018. As part of the support policy of Microsoft’s lifecycle, Windows 8.1 also gets an additional five years of “extended support” during which users receive regular security updates, potential software updates, and technical support.
Microsoft does not plan to release Extended Security Updates for Windows 8.1 as it did for Windows 7. This means that there will be no way to continue getting security updates for Windows 8.1 after January 10, 2023. Microsoft recommends that Windows 8.1 users upgrade to Windows 11, but Windows 10 is another option. Windows 10 will continue to be supported by Microsoft and will receive security updates until October 14, 2025.
