I’m sure you already know this, but just to remind you, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 are coming to the end of their life cycle soon. there will be another January 10, 2023 when both versions of Microsoft’s operating system will say goodbye forever, at least as far as consumer editions and official support are concerned.

So it will be in January that Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will receive the latest security update via Windows Update and from then on Microsoft will ignore it. Of course, the company recommends upgrading to newer and supported versions such as Windows 10 or better Windows 11 with PC recovery. Needless to say, they don’t intend to force anyone either.

Both versions still have a significant user base, larger in the case of Windows 7. However, in Windows 8.1, a different factor is now taken into account: Microsoft Store, the app store for Windows which was released with Windows 8 and in which users can download as well as purchase applications.

In fact, due to its centralized nature and the control that Microsoft exerts over it, the Microsoft Store is the recommended way to get and keep apps updated. For convenience, reading comfort and security. And what some Windows 8 users may be wondering is what will happen to the store? Can it continue to be used? What about the software purchased there?

The answer already exists and is quite logical, continue: yes, the Microsoft Store will work even after the end of support for Windows 8.1, but with important nuances: all applications purchased and downloaded before the end of support will continue to be installed and work correctly. In addition, they will receive update until June 30, 2023. But that’s it.

In other words, after January 10th, new apps from the Microsoft Store will no longer be available for download, and after June 30th, they will no longer receive updates. They will be able to receive them through other channels, says Microsoft, or what is the same, outside of the Microsoft Store, everything will continue to work as always in the Windows environment, and it will be up to the developer to decide how long to keep their app.

For example, there are developers who will release Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 from day one, this is the case of Google and its Chrome, while others are debating whether to extend its support for a while, this is the case of Mozilla and its Firefox. Likewise, apps will work even if they are not updated, but this situation is not recommended at all.

Second, purchases made in the Microsoft Store will still be available in the storebut in a version of the system that has support, so whoever bought something will not lose it if they use the same user account.