Windows 8 users, take note!!
Microsoft usually supports its operating systems for 10 years; however, this is not true for Windows 8. Even though it has only been out for three years, support for Windows 8 is being withdrawn as of January 12. Following that date, there will be no more patches or updates.
It is easy to get around this – updating to Windows 8.1 will allow continued security updates, as will upgrading to Windows 10.
This is happening because Microsoft has termed 8.1 a “service pack,” which has a policy of only allowing two years. ZDNet has the formal service pack policy as follows:
Unlike service packs that are typically just a collection of fixes, Windows 8.1 has new features and enhancements. We designed Windows 8.1 to give customers an ability to deploy this update in a manner that is similar to how customers deploy service packs, therefore we are applying the existing service pack support policy to Windows 8.1.
[For] Windows 8, support ends 24 months after the next service pack releases or at the end of the product’s support lifecycle, whichever comes first. If you are using software without the latest service pack you won’t be offered any new security or non-security updates, although preexisting updates will continue to be offered.
The two years for updating is about to expire, so if you are still running Windows 8.0x, sooner is better than later for updating. The update from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 is free, but must be obtained from the Windows Store instead of Windows Update. The only version that requires payment for upgrade is Windows 8 Volume License that does not include Software Assurance.
If you need assistance in upgrading, please give us a call at 256-520-7327.