Should I stay with Windows 8.1 or upgrade to 10?
dozens will be inconvenienced —These PCs are too old to run Windows 11, but Windows 10 can still buy them time. Show
 Enlarge / An Asus ZenBook running Windows 8. Andrew Cunningham According to StatCounter, Windows 8 and 8.1 still account for about 4.3 percent of the Windows install base worldwide, far less than Windows 11, Windows 10, or even Windows 7. But for the people still using Windows 8.1, the end of the line is in sight. ZDNet reports that Microsoft will soon begin pushing out notifications to the remaining Windows 8.1 users, warning them that support and security updates will be ending on January 10, 2023, and recommending that they move to a newer operating system (Windows 8.0 support ended in 2016). Microsoft provided similar end-of-support messages to Windows 7 users when its updates dried up back in January 2020. ZDNet says that users will be able to click the notification messages to learn more or dismiss them until after the end-of-support date arrives. That January 2023 date does appear to be a hard cutoff. Microsoft says it has no plans to offer ongoing Windows 8.1 security updates to businesses that choose to pay for them, as it has with Windows 7. Businesses willing to fork over the money can still get security updates for Windows 7 until 2023, but Windows 7 is still running on 13 percent of all Windows PCs worldwide. It justifies the continued effort and expense on Microsoft's part in a way that continuing to support the much-less-popular Windows 8 would not. Remaining Windows 8 users who aren't ready to replace their PCs can still buy themselves time by upgrading to Windows 10, which was Microsoft's flagship OS up until less than a year ago and will continue receiving updates until at least October of 2025. Any PC that can run Windows 8 tolerably well should be able to do the same with Windows 10. Microsoft officially ended its free Windows-8-to-Windows-10 upgrade offer way back in 2016. But technically speaking, there's nothing preventing Windows 10 from installing and activating normally on systems with valid Windows 8 licenses, either with a product key (for retail licenses) or automatically (for PCs sold with Windows 8 preinstalled). It's an update loophole that Microsoft has kept open for years now, a byproduct of the company's circa-2015 desire to unify the Windows install base on a single version of the operating system. Windows 11, as we've written, takes a decidedly different approach. But at least for now, Microsoft still doesn't seem interested in strict enforcement of the licensing and activation rules for individuals upgrading to newer versions of Windows on their own systems. Windows 8 flopped at least in part because it tried to graft a touch-friendly tablet interface onto the Windows desktop, replacing or transforming familiar elements like the Start menu in the process. These disruptive interface changes distracted from what was otherwise mostly a good incremental upgrade to the popular Windows 7. Once it was replaced by the more familiar-looking Windows 10 in 2015, Windows 8's market share deteriorated rapidly thanks to a free upgrade offer that allowed all Windows 7 and Windows 8 PCs to upgrade to Windows 10 at no additional cost.
Considering an upgrade to Windows 10? Windows 10 brings you improved versions of the features you love in a familiar, easy-to-use package. With Windows 10 you can: Get comprehensive, built-in, and ongoing security protections to help keep you and your family safe. Connect across devices to bring your favorite apps and files with you, anytime, anyplace. Stay efficient and productive with a Windows that's familiar, fast, and secure. Browse the internet faster and safer with Microsoft Edge. Work the way you want. Windows adapts to you, whether you have a personal preference or a unique work style. Learn how to get Windows 10. Need more help?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. 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. As of January 10, 2023, computers running Windows 8.1 will still function, but Microsoft will no longer provide the following:
While you could continue to use a PC running Windows 8.1, without continued software and security updates, your PC will be at greater risk for viruses and malware. We recommend upgrading to a version of Windows that is still supported. A new device that can run Windows 11 makes for an easy transition and a great experience. No. Support for Windows 8.1 is discontinued, but the software will continue to function. However, after January 10, 2023, your computer running Windows 8.1 will no longer receive security updates. In addition, Microsoft customer service will no longer be available to provide Windows 8.1 technical support. There are a few options for using a supported version of Windows:
There are two ways you can get to Windows 11:
We do not currently offer free upgrade paths from Windows 8.1 to either Windows 10 or Windows 11. If you want to purchase a copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11, please see links above or contact a retailer to find out about options. Note: the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is currently free. PCs originally built with Windows 8.1 are designed with technology that is about 10 years old. Once you move to a new PC, there will be many aspects of Windows that you will find familiar, but also with important software and hardware innovations and capabilities that were not available a decade ago. Check out some of the innovative new features available with Windows 11 on a new device:
Need more reasons? See the list of features available with Windows 11. Windows 11 is the most secure Windows ever built, with comprehensive end-to-end security that covers antivirus, firewall, internet protections, and more. This means more security features, dashboard displays, and ongoing updates to help safeguard against future threats—all built-in at no extra cost. To receive updates, internet access is required and service fees may apply. Read more about Windows security It’s easy to bring your files and photos to a new PC using OneDrive, a cloud storage service. With internet access and a few clicks, you can back up and protect your files online in the cloud and then, when you’re ready, sync onto a new PC. Syncing the files between your new PC and the cloud allows you to store the file locally for offline use when you don’t have internet access as well as on the OneDrive service in the cloud where you can restore them if something happens. OneDrive can automatically keep the two versions in sync as changes are made. Learn how to move files with OneDrive If OneDrive is not the best fit for you, you can use an external hard drive or USB key to copy over files. Microsoft Edge is the faster, safer browser to get things done on the internet in newer versions of Windows. If you're moving to a new Windows PC, you can easily move your Internet Explorer favorites with you. These instructions will guide you through moving IE favorites onto Microsoft Edge. Learn how to move Internet Explorer favorites to a new PC On devices that support Windows Hello, you can automatically bypass the sign in screen without typing a password. Use your face, fingerprint, or companion device to unlock your Windows 11 computer in the fastest, most secure way. Find a device that supports Windows Hello You can install new apps and games on a Windows 8.1 PC from Microsoft Store until January 10, 2023, and you can continue to use installed apps and games on a Windows 8.1 PC after that date. You will not be able to make any new app purchases or any in-app purchases after January 10, 2023. Installed apps and games will receive publisher updates through June 30, 2023 (or later if support is provided independently by the developer). After updates are no longer available, app quality and usability may be degraded. Customers who move to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC can use and reinstall previously purchased apps and games on their new or upgraded PC. Related articlesGetting ready for the Windows 11 upgrade Moving to a Windows 10 PC Is it a good idea to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10?Microsoft is ending extended support for Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023. That means those of you still running the old operating system after that time will no longer be able to get security fixes, technical support, and other types of updates or assistance. For that, you will need to install Windows 10 or 11.
Is Windows 8.1 still good in 2022?No. Support for Windows 8.1 is discontinued, but the software will continue to function. However, after January 10, 2023, your computer running Windows 8.1 will no longer receive security updates.
Is Windows 10 faster than Windows 8.1 on older computers?Windows 10 has been developed in a way it is much faster than Windows 8.1 provided your system specifications meet the requirements. If you are experiencing slow performance issues in Windows 10, I would suggest you to try the following methods and check if they are helpful.
|
