Still running Windows 8.1? Microsoft plans on notifying you about the operating system’s approaching end of support, which is scheduled for January 10, 2023.
Microsoft is preparing a campaign to send the reminder alerts, according to ZDNet, which was first to report the news. The company also told PCMag the notifications will start arriving for Windows 8.1 users next month.
The end of support means that while Windows 8.1 will continue to run, Microsoft will no longer provide security patches, software updates, or technical support to the OS. This could leave your device vulnerable in the event a serious flaw is uncovered in the software. So you may want to consider upgrading your device with Windows 10 or 11, although you’ll have to pay up.
Other alternatives include installing an antivirus product or simply being careful with how you use the Windows 8.1 device and what data it stores.
The upcoming notifications from Microsoft will be designed to provide information only. Users who see them will be able to click “Learn more,” “Remind me later,” or “Remind me after the end of support date.”
Still, the end of support change isn’t expected to affect many users. Steam’s hardware survey says Windows 8.1 only has a 0.53% share across its user base.
Microsoft adds that the end of support date also means Microsoft 365 apps on a Windows 8.1 device will no longer receive updates once the January deadline arrives. For more information on Windows 8.1’s end of support, Microsoft has created an FAQ devoted to the topic. The company also posted an explainer on how to move files off of a Windows 8.1 device through OneDrive.