Is Windows 8.1 ending?

As a reminder, Windows 8.1 will reach the end of support on January 10, 2023. After this date, this product will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates.

Can I still use Windows 8.1 after Jan 2023?

Will my Windows 8.1 computer stop working? No. Support for Windows 8.1 is discontinued, but the software will continue to function. However, after January 10, 2023, your computer running Windows 8.1 will no longer receive security updates.

Can I still upgrade my Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 for free?

To upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, open Media Creation Tool, select “Upgrade this PC now,” and click Install. Yes, you can still upgrade for free since the Windows 8.1 product key will activate Windows 10. Although files and apps will be preserved, you still want to create a backup of your computer.

Can I upgrade my Windows 8.1 to Windows 11 for free?

Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users, but you may still be able to activate it with a Windows 8.1 product key. Also, you will need to create a full backup in case something happens and you need to roll back or recover files for any reason.

Is Windows 7 and 8.1 no longer supported?

Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 7 expires today, January 10^th, 2023, and will no longer be available. Additionally, Windows 8.1 has reached end of life (EOL) as of today and Microsoft 365 apps will no longer be supported on Windows 8.1.

So Long Windows 8.1 - An End of Support Retrospective

Can I still use Windows 7 after 2023?

The end-of-support date—Jan. 10, 2023—means Microsoft will no longer supply security patches or technical support to the operating system, leaving those still running the aging OS vulnerable to potential security threats. Also today, Microsoft is ending support for enterprise users on Windows 7.

How long before Windows 7 is obsolete?

What will happen to Windows 7 systems at UCSF after January 14, 2023? Microsoft no longer provides security patches and your system is vulnerable. We will be blocking Windows 7 systems from the UCSF network on April 17 2023.

What happens when my Windows 7 expires?

You will not be able to make any new app purchases or any in-app purchases after January 10, 2023. Installed apps and games will receive publisher updates through June 30, 2023 (or later if support is provided independently by the developer).

Which is better Windows 7 or 8.1 or 10?

Performance

Overall, Windows 8.1 is better for everyday use and benchmarks than Windows 7, and extensive testing has revealed improvements such as PCMark Vantage and Sunspider. The difference, however, are minimal.

Why Windows 8.1 is better than 7?

Windows 8.1 offers more enterprise features than 7. The Enterprise edition of 8.1 has a feature called Windows To Go, allowing users to boot a personalised version of Windows from a USB on any other Windows 7/8 machine. IT admins can run Windows virtually without any third-party software.

Is upgrade from Windows 7 to 8.1 free?

It's also worth noting that if you're a Windows 8 user, the upgrade to 8.1 is free. You'll be taken to the Microsoft website, where you can purchase 8.1 following the onscreen instructions. Remember that after getting your product key to keep it backed up in case you need it later.

How long does it take to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10?

The process will take about 2 hours, depending on the speed of the internet connection. After Windows 10 is downloaded, click Start the upgrade now in the Windows Update window to begin installation.

How much does a Windows 11 cost?

Before anything else, the major difference between Windows 11 Home and Pro is pricing. If you want to buy a license by itself, the Windows 11 Home edition will cost $139.99, while Pro will cost $199.99. However, most laptops will just come with either one preinstalled.

Is upgrading to Windows 11 worth it?

Improved gaming features

If you want the best Windows OS for gaming, Windows 11 is for you. Recent Windows 11 updates included optimizations for running games in windowed mode, and it supports features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage — an upcoming feature that helps games load in less than one second.

How much does it cost to upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10?

It turns out there are several methods of upgrading from older versions of Windows (Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1) to Windows 10 Home without paying the $139 fee for the latest operating system. So let's give you the lowdown on how to update to Windows 10 for free.

How to get Windows 10 for free?

Should I stay with Windows 8.1 or upgrade to 10?

Windows 10 will enjoy full support until October 14, 2025, so even if your Windows 8/8.1 device is not compatible with Windows 11, you should still upgrade it to Windows 10.

Is Windows 10 faster than Windows 8.1 on older computers?

In most cases, the tests show that there is no obvious difference in performance between Windows 8.1 and 10. Sometimes Windows 10 is a bit faster and sometimes it is a bit slower. That is, you don't worry about a drop in performance if you want to upgrade to Windows 10. Up to now, Windows 10 always works pretty well.

Is Windows 10 going to end of life?

Microsoft will continue to support at least one Windows 10 release until October 14, 2025. Support dates are shown in the Pacific Time Zone (PT) - Redmond, WA, USA.

Why is there no Windows 9?

The reasons we have from official sources describe the motivation behind Microsoft skipping Windows 9 as simple marketing. According to acclaimed Microsoft insider Mary Jo Foley, the company went with “Windows 10” because it wanted to signify that the OS would be the last major Windows update.

Is Windows 11 still free?

Can I upgrade for free? Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 will be free. Due to the size of the download, however, ISP fees may apply for downloads that occur over metered connections.

Which Windows OS is fastest?

With the exception of Windows 11, which slightly edges it out, Windows 10 is the fastest Windows OS/operating system to date and is still a great choice for almost every user.

How long will Windows 11 be free?

However, Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer. This end date will be no sooner than October 5, 2022. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that the above statement represents Microsoft's plans for the free Windows 11 upgrade offer.

How to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free?

Head to the Windows 10 download page and select Download tool now. Once the file's downloaded, open it and agree to the various terms and conditions that are required. Select Upgrade this PC now when given the choice.