Beware Windows 8.1 users… your time is almost up

The latest version of Windows to almost reach the end of the support assembly line this time around is Windows 8.1. That means if you’re using this version of Windows, you better get ready to upgrade.

And that is because as of January 10th 2023, Microsoft will no longer be providing any support for Windows 8.1. Crucially, this means no security updates. And as we’ve said numerous times on this site, this means hackers and all sorts of cyber-criminals will be able to exploit known vulnerabilities in the software, putting anyone who uses Windows 8.1 at risk, as well as anyone that communicates with someone who uses the operating system (for example, over the same local network.)

It was only in June of 2022 that Microsoft killed off Internet Explorer for good. And it seems only a short while ago that Windows 7 was officially killed off (it was actually January 14th 2020.) It seems these retirement dates seem to approach faster and faster as time goes on, though that may just be us getting older.

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In 2025 – October 10th to be exact – we’ll be regurgitating the same message again since that is the date Windows 10 will fall from grace.

So if you’re using Windows 8.1, prepare yourself. You’re almost certainly already aware of the impending deadline since in the last update Microsoft installed a warning screen that appears on boot-up, so you’ll be reminded of the ticking clock whenever you turn your computer on.

Microsoft will of course want to cradle you within the arms of Windows 11, but there are other non-Microsoft operating systems out there too should you feel compelled to learn them. But unless you’re planning on keeping your computer running offline and off any network, we strongly recommend upgrading any Windows 8.1 machine before January.

You have been warned!