Windows 8.1 reached the end of Mainstream Support on January 9, 2018, and will reach end of Extended Support on January 10, 2023. With the general availability of Windows 8.1, customers on Windows 8 had until January 12, 2016, to move to Windows 8.1 to remain supported.
Is Windows 8 Pro still supported?
Microsoft will begin Windows 8 and 8.1’s end of life and support in January 2023. This means it will stop all support and updates to the operating system. Windows 8 and 8.1 already reached the end of Mainstream Support on January 9, 2018. Right now the operating system is in what is known as extended support.
Does Windows 8.1 still get updates?
Windows 8 has reach end of support, which means Windows 8 devices no longer receive important security updates. … Beginning in July 2019, the Windows 8 Store is officially closed. While you can no longer install or update applications from the Windows 8 Store, you can continue using those already installed.
What happens if Windows 8.1 Pro is not activated?
I would like to inform you that Windows 8 will last without activating, for 30 days. During the 30 day period, Windows will show the Activate Windows watermark about every 3 hours or so. … After 30 days, Windows will ask you to activate and every hour the computer will shut down (Turn off).
Can I go back to Windows 8.1 from Windows 10?
Note: The option to go back to your previous version of Windows is available only for a limited time following the upgrade (10 days, in most cases). Select the Start button > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under Go back to the previous version of Windows 10,Go back to Windows 8.1, select Get started.
Why was Windows 8 so bad?
It is wholly business unfriendly, the apps do not shut down, the integration of everything via a single login means that one vulnerability causes all applications to be insecure, the layout is appalling (at least you can get hold of Classic Shell to at least make a pc look like a pc), many reputable retailers will not …
Will there be Windows 11?
Microsoft has gone into the model of releasing 2 feature upgrades a year and almost monthly updates for bug fixes, security fixes, enhancements for Windows 10. No new Windows OS is going to be released. Existing Windows 10 will keep getting updated. Hence, there will be no Windows 11.
Can Windows 8.1 upgrade to 10 for free?
As a result, you can still upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 and claim a free digital license for the latest Windows 10 version, without being forced to jump through any hoops.
Is Windows 10 or 8.1 better?
Windows 10 – even in its first release – is a tad faster than Windows 8.1. But it isn’t magic. Some areas improved only marginally, though battery life did jump up noticeably for movies. Also, we tested a clean install of Windows 8.1 versus a clean install of Windows 10.
Can I upgrade from Windows 8 to 8.1 for free?
If your computer is currently running Windows 8, you can upgrade to Windows 8.1 for free. Once you’ve installed Windows 8.1, we recommend that you then upgrade your computer to Windows 10, which is also a free upgrade.
What do you lose if you don’t activate Windows?
There will be a ‘Windows isn’t activated, Activate Windows now’ notification in Settings. You will not be able to change the wallpaper, accent colors, themes, lock screen, and so on. Anything related to Personalization will be grayed out or not accessible. Some apps and features will stop working.
How long can I use Windows 8.1 without activation?
You don’t have to activate Windows 8
It is true that the installer requires you to enter a valid Windows 8 key before you can continue with installation. However, the key isn’t activated at install time and the installation goes just fine without Internet connection (or calling Microsoft).
Can I use Windows 8.1 without product key?
Use WinRAR or another tool to extract the contents of your ISO file to a folder. … Burn or mount the ISO file in a virtual machine and you will be able to install Windows 8 without a product key and also select the standard or pro edition. When asked for a key at the end of the install you will have the option to skip.
Should I upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 8?
If you’re running (real) Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 on a traditional PC. If you’re running Windows 8 and you can, you should update to 8.1 anyway. And if you’re running Windows 8.1 and your machine can handle it (check the compatibility guidelines), I’d recommend updating to Windows 10.
Can I reinstall Windows 10 for free if I revert back to Windows 8?
Reinstalling an upgraded version of Windows 10 on the same machine will be possible without having to buy a new copy of Windows, according to Microsoft. … There will be no need to purchase a new copy of Windows 10 provided it is being installed on the same Windows 7 or 8.1 machine that was upgraded to Windows 10.
Can I upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 8?
It should be noted that if you have a Windows 7 or 8 Home license, you can only update to Windows 10 Home, while Windows 7 or 8 Pro can only be updated to Windows 10 Pro. (The upgrade is not available for Windows Enterprise. Other users may experience blocks as well, depending on your machine.)