Windows 8: No More Security Updates; 8.1 Upgrade a Must
by John Lister on January, 13 2016 at 07:01AM EST
Microsoft has officially dropped support for Windows 8. The move leaves an estimated 30 to 50 million devices needing an upgrade to get security and usability updates.
The move, which takes effect with this weeks updates, is potentially confusing as Windows 7 is still supported by Microsoft. Additionally, this isn't the usual support timetable that applies to older editions of Windows.
Instead, Microsoft is simply dropping support for Windows 8 where users haven't applied the first major batch of updates. Previously that was known as a service pack, but in this case Microsoft chose to rebrand the updated system as Windows 8.1, which will continue to receive updates until 2023.
The changes in the Windows 8.1 update were relatively significant, including big alterations to the unpopular new user interface aimed heavily at touchscreen devices.
Windows 8 Still Widely Used
Estimates vary as to how many people are still running the original Windows 8 rather than 8.1. Its thought to be at least 30 million, with one source noting that around four times as many visitors to monitored websites came from Windows 8.1 than from Windows 8, which would put the figure as high as 48 million. (Source: computerworld.com)
Windows 8 users who want to continue getting bug fixes, and most importantly security updates, must first upgrade to Windows 8.1. That's free of charge to do, shouldn't affect any files or settings, and can be done in the background with a restart needed when complete. The upgrade does require 3 to 3.8 gigabytes of free hard drive space depending on the version. (Source: microsoft.com)
Windows 7 Gets No New Features
Only after upgrading from Windows 8 to 8.1 can users then take advantage of the current free offer to upgrade consumer editions of Windows to Windows 10.
Microsoft is also dropping some support for Windows 7, but the consequences aren't as severe. The system is simply moving from mainstream to extended support. That means Microsoft won't offer free troubleshooting advice on the telephone and will no longer be adding new features. It will continue to issue security updates until 2020, though only for people who have installed at least the first Service Pack.
