Microsoft support

By Aysë Stenabaugh

Windows 8 made its debut in October 2012, making the software over a decade old. Users can reasonably expect most software to be supported by manufacturers for no more than 10 years. The Windows 8 operating system (OS) is no exception. Support for the first version of the OS ended in January 2016. Windows 8.1 has continued to be supported by Microsoft, however, that support will end as of January 2023.

What does this mean? While software support will end for the OS soon, users who are running Windows 8 should consider whether they should upgrade to a new operating system or replace their device. Your device will not just stop working. You will be able to continue using the operating system, however, security vulnerabilities, known bugs, and performance issues will no longer be patched and resolved by Microsoft. This also means that if you use other software or hardware with a Windows 8 computer currently, you will have increasingly limited support options and some companies may decline to offer any support at all.

Is it safe to continue using Windows 8? Once Microsoft stops delivering updates to Windows 8 users that are connected to the internet will potentially be vulnerable. Even if you have a good antivirus, there is the potential risk that your system could be infiltrated. If you use your computer offline and do not connect to the internet at all then you can continue to use Windows 8 for offline software. If you connect your device to the internet at any point after the end-of-life support for Windows 8 you could be putting your personal data and your device at risk.

How will continuing to use Windows 8 affect me? Users who continue using Windows 8 when there is no longer any support may find that the hardware/software companies that would normally resolve the issue will not. If you must replace hardware you use with your device, for example, a printer, drivers that are required to communicate with your computer are unlikely to be available for unsupported operating systems. Older hardware compatible with your devices will become more difficult to acquire and parts availability will dwindle. If you continue to use your device without being connected to the internet you can expect to get as much life out of your device as you can until you run into unresolvable issues.

Can your computer be upgraded? If your computer supports Windows 8, chances are your computer can also support Windows 10. In some cases, a Windows 8 machine can be upgraded to Windows 10 without the user needing to re-install any software or losing any data. If the upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 10 fails, you can consider a fresh installation of Windows 10 on your device. Since Windows 10 was a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users, you will not need to purchase a product key for Windows 10 if your device was activated prior to the installation of your updated OS. You may want to make some additional system upgrades such as an upgraded hard drive or increased ram to get better performance if you feel that the machine is slow after upgrading to the new OS. In some cases, it may be best to consider replacing your machine. If you have a slower processor or your machine is more than 10 years old, you may be better off investing in a replacement device.

Should I buy a new computer? If you are considering replacing your machine, you will want to ensure that your new device is Windows 11 compatible. There are still some new Windows 10 devices that are available for sale that may not meet the minimum system requirements to run Windows 11. If your system is not Windows 11 compatible you will find yourself in the same situation towards the end of 2025 when Microsoft plans to discontinue support for Windows 10. If you aren’t sure about your own personal needs and you are planning to purchase a new computer that has or supports Windows 11, consider consulting with a friend or computer support expert who can provide personalized advice.