Once look back at Windows operating-system over the past decade may even, it's commonly understood that Windows was loathed, Windows 7 was observed as return to Windows 2000's glory days (and is particularly still popular today), while Window 8.x was greeted using a collective "meh". Windows 8 was initially released in late October 2012, and was with Windows 8.1 (essentially an email finder service pack) in October 2013.

For those who have made the transition from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 and offer stuck with the computer instead of upgrading to Windows 10, the next step is to reevaluate for you to decide. Mainstream Support for Windows 8.1 ended yesterday, January 9th 2018. With Mainstream Support, customers have access to extra features, non-security updates, complimentary support from Microsoft from any issues that may arise.

Windows 8.1 now has moved throughout the Extended Support phase in their lifecycle, which means that customers still can't request to have changes manufactured to the OS or add extra features. Non-security updates simply available with Extended Hotfix Support, and complimentary support from Microsoft gives strategy paid support options. Be convenient good thing about Extended Support would be that security updates will pushed seem Windows 8.1 systems.

Consistent with Microsoft, Windows 8.1 Extended Support will finish five years from today, on January 10th, 2023. At this point, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates (except in extremely rare situations).

Overwhelmed are still running Windows 8.1, it is best to take advantage of Microsoft's offer to upgrade to Windows 10 free-of-charge. The promotion is intended for customers that employ assistive technologies, but there won't be any restrictions secure to prevent anyone from downloading and installing the operating system for free. The disposable upgrade offers are valid through January 16th, 2018, although we've found the feeling that Microsoft might extend it further once that deadline passes.