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CTOnews.com, December 14 (Xinhua)-- Microsoft reminded Win8.1 users again on Tuesday, the last patch of 2022, that the system is about to be discontinued. Microsoft stressed that Win8.1 support will be terminated on January 10, 2023, and urged users to upgrade to Win10 or Win11 as soon as possible.

CTOnews.com learned that support for Windows 8.1 will be terminated on January 10, 2023, when technical support and software updates will no longer be available. If you have devices running Windows 8.1, we recommend upgrading them to a newer, in-service, and supported version of Windows. If the device does not meet the technical requirements for running a later version of Windows, it is recommended that the device be replaced with a device that supports Windows 11.

Microsoft does not provide an extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 8.1. Continued use of Windows 8.1 after January 10, 2023 may increase the security risks faced by the organization or affect its ability to meet compliance obligations.

More detailed Win8.1 information can be found at: Windows 8.1 support will end on January 10, 2023-Microsoft support

What does termination mean?

As of January 10, 2023, computers running Windows 8.1 will still be operational, but Microsoft will no longer provide the following:

Technical support for any problem

Software update

Security updates or patches

Although you can continue to use computers running Windows 8.1, without ongoing software and security updates, your computer will be at greater risk of viruses and malware. It is recommended that you upgrade to a still supported version of Windows. New devices that can run Windows 11 provide easy conversion and an excellent experience.

Will my Windows 8.1 computer stop working?

I don't need it. Support for Windows 8.1 has been stopped, but the software will continue to operate normally. However, computers running Windows 8.1 will no longer receive security updates after January 10, 2023. In addition, Microsoft customer Service will no longer provide Windows 8.1 technical support.

What options do I have to maintain support on the Windows operating system?

There are several options for using supported Windows versions:

Suggestion: the new computer with Windows 11-Windows 11 is the latest version of Windows. If you have an older computer, we recommend moving to Windows 11 by purchasing a new computer. Since the release of Windows 8.1, the hardware and software have been greatly improved, and today's computers are faster, more powerful, and more secure.

Install Windows 11 on your current computer-you can also see if your current computer meets the minimum system requirements of Windows 11. Computers running Windows 8.1 are unlikely to meet these requirements, but if they do, you can purchase and download the full version of Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Professional or buy it from a retailer.

If you choose this path, please note that in some cases, you may need to reinstall the application (which may require a newer version) and take steps to convert files, data, and settings, as the installation will overwrite the contents of the existing storage drive. It may be easier to upgrade to Windows 10 () first to see the next option, and then upgrade to Windows 11.

Installing Windows 10-Windows 10 on your current computer is still available and will be supported by October 14, 2025. You can check whether the current computer meets the minimum system requirements of Windows 10. If so, you can purchase and download the full version of Windows 10 Home Edition or Windows 10 Professional Edition. You can also contact retailers to see if they still offer Windows 10 for sale.

How to get Windows 11?

You can obtain Windows 11 in two ways:

Suggestion: the new computer with Windows 11-Windows 11 is the latest version of Windows. If you have an older computer, we recommend moving to Windows 11 by purchasing a new computer. Since the release of Windows 8.1, the hardware and software have been greatly improved, and today's computers are faster, more powerful and more secure.

Install Windows 11 on your current computer-you can also see if your current computer meets the minimum system requirements of Windows 11. If so, you can purchase and download the full version of Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Professional or buy it from a retailer. If you choose this path, please note that in some cases, you may need to reinstall the application (which may require a newer version) and take steps to convert files, data, and settings, as the installation will overwrite the contents of the existing storage drive. First upgrade to Windows 10 (see my options to keep supported on the Windows operating system for more details) and then upgrade to Windows 11.

Is there a free option to upgrade to Windows 10 or Windows 11?

Microsoft currently does not offer a free upgrade path from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 or Windows 11. If you want to purchase a copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11, please refer to the link above or contact the retailer for options. Note: upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is currently free.

Why should I consider using a new computer?

Computers originally built using Windows 8.1 were designed with about 10 years of technology. After moving to a new computer, you will be familiar with many aspects of Windows, but also important software and hardware innovations and features that were not available a decade ago. Check out some of the innovative new features available in Windows 11 on new devices:

Newer computer hardware is faster, more powerful, and more compatible with the latest industry technologies.

To help you secure your device, you can take advantage of the latest security features:

Built-in security is available at no extra charge. Windows devices come with built-in security features, including firewall and Internet protection, to help protect against viruses, malware, and extortion software.

Use facial recognition or fingerprints to log in to Windows 11 more securely on Windows Hello-compatible computers.   can also use localized pushpins or mobile phones as keys.

Use the Photo application to organize image files, which are ready to be easily viewed and shared, and even across devices. You can also search for certain topics and people in photos. Just make sure that the image is stored on OneDrive and that you are logged into your Microsoft account.

Need more reasons? Refer to the list of features available in Windows 11.

How is the security of Windows 11 better than Windows 8.1?

Windows 11 is the most secure Windows ever, with comprehensive end-to-end security, including antivirus, firewall, Internet protection, and so on. This means more security features, dashboard displays, and continuous updates to help protect against future threats-all built-in features at no extra charge. To receive updates, you need to access Internet and may charge a service charge.

How will the termination of support for Windows 8.1 affect my Microsoft Office application?

Depending on the version of Office you are running, the experience may be different. For more information, see Windows 8.1 end of support and Office.

Can I continue to use applications and games installed from Microsoft Store on my Windows 8.1 computer?

You can install new applications and games on Windows 8.1 computers from Microsoft Store until January 10, 2023, and after that date, you can continue to use installed applications and games on Windows 8.1 computers.

After January 10, 2023, you will not be able to purchase any new apps or in-app purchases. If the developer provides independent support, installed applications and games will receive a publisher update on June 30, 2023 (or later). Application quality and availability may decrease after updates are no longer available. Customers who migrate to Windows 10 or Windows 11 computers can use and reinstall previously purchased applications and games on their new or upgraded computers.

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