When did Windows 8 expire?

Windows 8 was ultimately succeeded by Windows 10 in July 2015. Support for RTM editions of Windows 8 ended on January 12, 2016, and with the exception of Windows Embedded 8 Standard users, all users are required to install the Windows 8.1 update.

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.

Is Windows 8 being discontinued?

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 upgrade from Windows 8 to 11?

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.

How do I upgrade from 8.1 to 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.

windows 8.1 end of support 2023 | windows 8.1 support end of life | windows 8.1 license will expire

Can I upgrade my Windows 8 for free?

If your computer is currently running Windows 8, you can upgrade to Windows 8.1 for free. Once you've installed Windows 8.1, we recommend that you then upgrade your computer to Windows 10, which is also a free upgrade.

Can I get Windows 10 for free?

No matter how or whether you pay for it, you can download Windows 10 (opens in new tab) or download Windows 11 (opens in new tab) for free from Microsoft.com.

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.

Is Windows 8 too old?

Support for Windows 8.1 ends January 10, 2023.

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.

What will happen if my Windows expires?

Once the license expires, Windows will reboot automatically about every three hours and anything you're working on when it reboots will be lost. After two weeks longer, Windows will stop booting at all. AT that point, you'll need to purchase another license and reinstall Windows.

Can I keep using Windows 10 after 2025?

Windows 10, Windows 11 -- as long as you're paying Microsoft for subscriptions, it's all the same. Though Microsoft released the new Windows 11 2022 Update to consumers today, there's no obligation to upgrade. Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 through October 2025, company executives said.

Can I upgrade Windows 8 to 10?

You can upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or a later operating system. This includes upgrading from one release of Windows 10 to later release of Windows 10.

Should I upgrade from Windows 8?

Support for Windows 8.1 ended on January 10, 2023. We recommend you move to a Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft. Windows 8 has reached end of support, which means Windows 8 devices no longer receive important security updates.

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).

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.

Is Windows 10 or 11 better?

Better virtual desktop support

You'll find it easier to create and toggle between different virtual desktops in Windows 11 than in Windows 10. Windows 11 lets you set up virtual desktops in a way that's similar to on a Mac. It allows you to toggle between multiple desktops at once for personal, work, school or gaming.

Will upgrading to Windows 11 delete my files?

Upgrading your system from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will not erase all your files. After the update is completed, you should have access to all user files that were previously available in Windows 10.

How much is Windows 10 license?

A Windows 10 Home download license costs $139, while Windows 10 Pro costs $199.99. However, visiting either purchase page reveals a note stating, "January 31, 2023 will be the last day this Windows 10 download is offered for sale.

How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 7 to 10?

Why Microsoft is giving away Windows 10 for free?

But if Microsoft offering Windows for free means more people upgrading, developers will be able to work much faster and create better applications. That helps Microsoft because it's moving towards selling apps through its own store — allowing it to take a cut, just as Apple does.

How to activate Windows 8 for free permanently?

How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 11?

(Windows 11 is free for Windows 8 users.) After downloading and installing Windows 10, search and select Windows Update Setting and select Windows Updates. When a Windows 11 update is found, download the Windows 11 file and follow the prompts to install the new operating system.

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.