After nearly a decade, Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 operating system (OS) has finally reached its end of support date. As of January 10, 2023, the Redmond-based tech giant will no longer provide software updates, technical support and security patches for the operating system. If you continue to use the operating system after this date, you will not immediately notice anything different. However, as the operating system no longer receives security updates, your system will become more vulnerable to viruses, ransomware, and other security threats.

In addition, if you encounter any problems with your PC, it will be difficult to get support without paying a premium. Finally, some apps may no longer work properly as some software vendors have ended support for Windows 8.1.

Released on October 17, 2013, Windows 8.1 was Microsoft’s response to many negative user complaints about Windows 8. It brought back the Start button (not the menu), giving users the option to boot directly from the desktop instead of Start. screen and a unified search engine based on Bing. In addition, Windows 8.1 also introduced tighter integration with SkyDrive (now OneDrive), transparent BitLocker-based device encryption on compatible devices, and 3D printing support.

According to Statcounter, as of December 2022, 2.59% of computers worldwide are still running Windows 8.1. If your PC is one of them, you can easily upgrade to Windows 10 for free with an up-to-date Windows 8.1 key. There’s also the Windows 11 option, but this path can be more difficult due to the strict system requirements of the operating system. By upgrading to a more modern operating system, you will once again have access to new features, security updates, and support.

Personally, I am grateful to Microsoft for the release of Windows 8.1. While we believe that with Windows 10 alone, Microsoft offers the best of both worlds for touch and traditional PC users, the Redmond-based giant acknowledged that Windows 8 needs a lot of work. It also showed that the company’s operating system, despite having a touch interface, still adheres to people using a keyboard and mouse combination.