The time for change is now for Windows 8.1 users. As previously scheduled, the time has come for Microsoft to drop it’s support. As happens, once programs are no longer updated, they become a liability and problematic to say the least. I know the Windows XP lovers of old know your pain but rest assured, you’ll fall in love again and yes, Windows lovers, Microsoft has even simplified the process of upgrading. So as of January 10, 2023, Microsoft will be calling it quits on all security, software updates, and technical support for Windows 8.1. Of course, this doesn’t mean that your PC will stop working, it only means that your PC will become vulnerable to new security breaches, which can leave you and your network at risk for malware, ransomware and other baddie created “ware.” Many baddies like to exploit un-patched systems due to their Swiss cheese style security. The longer your computer remains un-patched, the more vulnerabilities will be found.
It’s not just the massive amounts of holes an unsupported OS creates, it’s also the other programs and applications you use on the OS that can begin to malfunction as well. Once developers see there is no support for an OS they no longer update their programs, either, which means your Google Chrome, MS Office and other programs may have adverse effects, or you may not get the newest updates and features for them. This is what it means to have supported software.
Additionally, if a person chooses to stay with an unsupported OS, when they do have any problems they will have to get help from a third party support company and it is our understanding that these types of companies will charge a premium for their services.
Microsoft released Windows 8.1 in October of 2013 and it was an upgraded version of the lackluster Windows 8. Back in the early 2000’s, software companies started the trend of numbering their newest generations 1.0, 2.1, 2.372 and so on instead of creating and marketing a new OS name. OS maker Microsoft had released a very, very buggy version the prior year and to keep from sinking the proverbial ship, they quickly responded to feedback and 8.1 was born just 12 months later.
The problems with Windows 8 were challenging in that Microsoft was figuring out how to create a cross-platform operating system. The product was built with user experience in mind because in the early 2010’s, mobile phone and tablet markets were gaining much more traction than previous years. So Microsoft wanted the end user to instinctively understand how the product would work on any given device. This is why there was no start button, no reboot, and a strange UI. Chalk it up to growing pains.
Now that we know the why, let’s get to the how. Microsoft was running an offer for a free upgrade to the next available OS which is Windows 10, but that offer has long since expired. You CAN however, still get a free upgrade from Windows 8.1 to 10 by using your Windows 8.1 product key. But in the event you aren’t a fan of change, you may want to explore your options to download Windows 11 which is currently available if your PC meets the standards. The reason you might as well skip Windows 10 is because Microsoft has already set a date for stopping support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Speaking of PC’s meeting the standards, Microsoft suggests that customers that are currently running Windows 8.1 should upgrade their computer to one with Windows 10/11 already installed because their PC requirements are extremely strict. Contact us if you need any help finding a solution that fits your business needs.
For nearly 30 years SofTouch Systems has worked with clients to create the total IT security package together. We are able to offer the full gambit of IT services at a fraction of the cost of an “in-house” IT. We are partnered with schools, churches, and private firms alike and privacy and security are one and the same for us. If you don’t have one, you won’t have the other.
