For Microsoft, 2023 marks the end of a messy era of Windows. The opportunity for millions of users to turn to a new, much more practical version. In any case, the historic computer giant issues a warning about the use of an obsolete operating system. Explanation !
Microsoft, notifies users on the end of the use of an operating system to switch to newer versions.
Microsoft issues warning about older Windows version
Windows 8 interface on computer. Source: spm
According to clubic, it’s official, Microsoft wants to turn the page on Windows 8.1, which it launched in 2013, deemed not very ergonomic. The company had announced that the end of updates for this version of Windows is scheduled for January 2023, at which time all those who still use it will no longer be protected against any failures and vulnerabilities that may arise. Although Microsoft sometimes relaunches an older version of Windows to release important fixes, this time Windows 8.1 will not be considered.
Switching to Windows 10 or 11 is now a must
The official end of support for Windows 8.1 is scheduled for January 10, 2023. This means that soon this operating system will no longer receive any updates. After this date, even the Microsoft 365 Office package will no longer have updates. To make it clear, anyone still using Windows 8.1 will have no choice but to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11, either by upgrading their computer’s operating system or by buying a new one if the old one doesn’t. not support these new versions. But what happens if we ignore this warning?
What are the risks of continuing to use Windows 8.1?
As long as a version of Windows is officially supported by Microsoft, the company regularly releases updates containing new features and security fixes. However, new features become scarce as soon as a new version of the operating system is released. End of support is a few years or more later for the most popular versions of Windows, as is the case, for example, for Windows XP; Microsoft had to postpone the end of support several times, finally getting rid of it in 2014. That said, there are consequences linked to this end of collaboration for computers that continue to operate under Windows 8.1.
Indeed, without your intervention, your computer will continue to run this obsolete version and of course, without security updates, it will be exposed to dangers and other breaches in the system from January 10, 2023; malware, unwanted bugs, viruses and other cyber attack risks. So what should you do in this case to protect your sensitive data?
Windows 11. Source: spm
New Windows versions deliver a great experience, but at what cost?
One way or another, to migrate to new versions of Windows, a checkout is mandatory. Indeed, as stated above, not all computers are compatible with newer versions of Windows. In other words, if you have an old computer, you will have to buy another one. Otherwise, to obtain Windows 10 or 11 licenses, you must provide 145 euros for the family version and 259 euros for the professional version, according to the media on technological innovation, numerama.
In addition, as relayed by Phonandroid and for information purposes, the end of support for Windows 10 is scheduled for October 14, 2025.
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Via SPM