Microsoft stopped Win8 official support: users need to upgrade Win8.1/Win10

Computer store news: It is reported that according to Microsoft's support for Win8 product support cycle, starting from January 12, 2016, Windows8 will no longer be protected by Microsoft. This means that the system will no longer receive the relevant update patches provided by Microsoft, and continued use will face major security risks.

In theory, Microsoft operating systems have a 10-year security support period, and Win8 is a special case. This is because after the system is released, Microsoft has provided an upgraded version of Win8.1. Users only need to download and install an upgrade package for free to continue to receive complete after-sales support. Users who have not upgraded can only get security patches before today, and there is no functional improvement service.

Users upgrading to Windows 8.1 can get mainstream support for the system before January 9, 2018, and will receive extended support until January 10, 2023, which includes only security patches. There is no functional improvement, but this will at least guarantee a safe and smooth operation of the system.

After the official release of Win10, Microsoft encouraged the majority of Win8.1 users to upgrade to Win10 as soon as possible, which can provide them with a more complete functional experience and higher security. Due to the unsatisfactory performance of Win8/Win8.1 in the market, coupled with the high popularity of Win10, many Win8.1 users have upgraded to the new system, and the market share of Win8.1 has become lower and lower.

Now, users who have not upgraded Win8.1 and Win10 can upgrade through Windows Update. Currently, both options are free (you must upgrade to Win8.1 before you can continue to upgrade Win10). The Win10 upgrade will be charged after July 29, 2016.