Windows 8.1, the stripped-down version of the Microsoft system that once cost Steve Sinofsky his job, will end on January 10, 2023, the date he will no longer receive technical support for any issue, software updates, and security updates or patches. In short, the system remains unsupported, and although it is possible to continue using it, it poses a serious security risk to users.

With the upcoming retirement of Windows 8.1, users can migrate to Windows 10, Linux, or Windows 11. Microsoft has been careful to remind via its support website that it currently does not offer “free upgrade options from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 or Windows 11” and apparently will not support using a Linux desktop, but it’s still a little surprising that he made the choice Before migrating to Windows 10 or 11, we recommend purchasing a new Windows 11 computer.

One of the main reasons argued by Microsoft is that “Windows 11 is the most secure Windows ever created, with complete end-to-end security that includes antivirus, firewall, internet protection and much more. That means more security features, dashboard screens, and ongoing updates to help protect against future threats, all integrated at no additional cost.” In addition, the company also posted a link explaining how the end-of-life of Windows 8.1 affects Microsoft Office.

High demands are placed on Windows 11, not because of hardware performance, but with regard to the security features that the motherboard must have.. This means that most users have to buy a new computer if they want to use the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system (at least according to official channels), or migrate to Windows 10 or Linux, which do not yet require things like TPM. although in the case of the latter, its use is beginning to be encouraged.

With the requirements issue on the table, it’s normal for Microsoft to recommend buying a new PC because a Windows 8.1 PC is unlikely to be able to support Windows 11. However, others may argue that the company’s failure to recommend migrating to Windows 10 as a way to in the first place series to extend the life of PCs, leading to potential planned obsolescence policies.

Regardless of the reasons and circumstances regarding Microsoft and its operating systems, it is no less true that it is advisable to first check whether the computer is compatible with Windows 11 in order to get more support time, so we invite you to review our guide to installing Windows 11 22H2.