Is Windows 8 retired?

Important: Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020. Support for Windows 8 ended on January 12, 2016, and support for Windows 8.1 has ended on January 10, 2023. Learn more.

Can I still use Windows 8 after 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.

What is the death of Windows 8?

Mainstream support ended on July 10, 2018. Extended support until July 11, 2023.

Is Windows 7 going to end of life?

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).

Will Windows 8 update to Windows 10?

As a result, you can still upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 and claim a free digital license for the latest Windows 10 version, without being forced to jump through any hoops.

So Long Windows 8.1 - An End of Support Retrospective

How much longer will Windows 8 be supported?

Support for Windows 8 ended on January 12, 2016, and support for Windows 8.1 has ended on January 10, 2023. Learn more.

Can I upgrade Windows 8 to 10 without losing everything?

Although upgrading from Windows 7/8.1 to Windows 10 will not result in data loss, it is always a good idea to backup your crucial data just in case the upgrade does not run properly. This is also true for Windows 11 upgrading - if you want to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 securely, system backup is a must-do step.

Is Windows 7 still safe to use 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.

Is Windows XP still supported?

After April 8, 2014, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or Microsoft vender provided technical support for Windows XP.

How long will Windows 11 be free?

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.

Why was Windows 8 a failure?

Windows 8's failure was a result of an amalgamation of design and usability issues. From the badly designed UI to the unjustified removal of staple features like the Start Button, Microsoft dropped the ball hard with its 2012 OS.

Why people don't use Windows 8?

The biggest problem with Windows 8 was the UI. I like the idea of the “one operating system”. But Microsoft was banking on a really wrong concept. With the popularity of smart phones and tablets, Microsoft was hoping that by having the same os running on all its devices, it would revolutionize the whole industry.

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 8 too old?

Support for Windows 8.1 ends January 10, 2023.

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.

How can I upgrade my Windows 8.1 to 11 for free?

Install Windows 11

To check if Windows 11 is ready for your device, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. If the upgrade is available for your device and you want to proceed, download and install it.

Is Windows 11 ending?

20, 2022, you'll be supported until Oct. 8, 2024, even if you have Windows 11 Home or Pro. And Enterprise and Education editions go up to Oct. 14, 2025.

Which is the oldest version of Windows?

The first independent version of Microsoft Windows, version 1.0, released on November 20, 1985, achieved little popularity.

Is Windows XP free now?

XP is not for free; unless you take the path of software pirating as you have. You will NOT get XP free from Microsoft. In fact you will not get XP in any form from Microsoft.

Is Microsoft discontinuing Edge?

Go here for Microsoft Edge Lifecycle Policy details. Support for the legacy version of the Microsoft Edge desktop app ended on March 9, 2021. The Microsoft Edge Legacy application will no longer receive security updates after that date.

What happens if your operating system is no longer supported?

An unsupported version of Windows will no longer receive software updates from Windows Update. These updates include security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software which can steal your personal information.

How to get Windows 10 for free?

Upgrade from a Prior Windows Version: Free

If you are still on Windows 7 or 8, you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Whether you're going from 7 / 8 to 10 or 10 to 11, you can upgrade either by using an install disk (created with the media creation tool) or with Windows update.

Can I go back to Windows 8 after installing 10?

Select the Start button > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under Go back to the previous version of Windows 10,Go back to Windows 8.1, select Get started. By following the prompts, you'll keep your personal files but remove apps and drivers installed after the upgrade, plus any changes you made to settings.

How much space do you need for an upgrade from Windows 8 to 10?

Can I upgrade? Most likely. Windows 10's minimum requirements are pretty much the same as Windows 7 and 8: A 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM (2GB for the 64-bit version) and around 20GB of free space.

How do I uninstall Windows 8 after upgrading to Windows 10?