Microsoft has announced the end of support for Windows 8.1 operating software. The tech giant said that technical support and security updates for older versions of the Windows operating system will no longer be available after January 10, 2023. Microsoft also advises users to switch to a new PC that can run Windows 11. A list of FAQs has also been published to address issues that people with older versions of Windows may encounter. The company also said that using Windows 8.1 after January 2023 could put your PC at greater risk.

Tech giant Microsoft recently announced via its support website that the company will stop providing Windows 8.1 users with the latest security updates, technical support and software updates for older versions of the Windows operating system starting January 10, 2023.

As the company announced the end of support for Windows 8.1, it also emphasised that it could put users’ PCs with older operating systems at greater risk of viruses and malware. Microsoft has also published a list of FAQs for Windows 8.1 users to answer any questions they may have. In the FAQ, the company advises users to switch to a newer version of the operating system or use a new device running Windows 11 for an easy transition and a better experience.

Stopping support for Windows 8.1 doesn’t mean the software will stop working; just stop receiving new security and software updates. After January 10 next year, Windows 8.1 will also no longer support Microsoft 365 Apps. Since Microsoft’s Modern Lifecycle Policy governs these, users must stay updated, and even Microsoft Office applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, etc., will stop receiving the latest security and software updates.

Microsoft stopped providing technical support, security, and software updates for Windows 8 on January 12, 2016, after the company decided to package Windows 8.1 as a service pack for Windows 8.