Windows 7 reached the end of support about three years ago and it’s almost time for another Microsoft operating system to bite the dust. Windows 8.1 will reach the end of its life next week on January 10, 2023.

As a refresh, Windows 8.1 was released back in 2013 as a response to customer feedback on Windows 8. As such, it included the return of the Start button, a unified Bing-based search system, the ability to boot directly to the desktop. , and more. Although it was received more favorably than its predecessor, it failed to address several issues and as such, does not have the loyal customer base that Windows 7 enjoyed.

In terms of what the end of support means for Windows 8.1 users, they will no longer be offered security updates or technical support after the end of life of the operating system. Although Microsoft noted While some people may be able to upgrade to a newer version of Windows, it’s probably better to get a new computer instead. Of course, he recommends Windows 11 but it’s important to remember that Windows 10 is also still an option, as it is supported until October 14, 2025.

This is why Microsoft recommends purchasing a new PC instead of upgrading your existing system’s operating system:

PCs originally built with Windows 8.1 are designed with technology that is about 10 years old. Once you switch to a new PC, there will be many aspects of Windows that you’ll find familiar, but also with important software and hardware innovations and capabilities that weren’t available a decade ago. Some of the great new features available with Windows 11 on a new PC:

• Newer computer hardware is faster, more capable and more compatible with the latest technology in the industry.
• To help you keep your computer secure, you can take advantage of the latest security capabilities:
  • Get built-in security at no extra cost. Your Windows PC comes with built-in security features, including a firewall and Internet protections to help protect against viruses, malware, and ransomware.
  • Use facial recognition or your fingerprint for more secure Windows 11 logins on a Windows Hello-compatible PC. You can also use a local PIN or your phone as a key.
• Organize your photo files with the Photos app and they’ll be ready for easy viewing and sharing—even across devices. You can also search for specific subjects and people in your photos. You just need to make sure that your photos are stored in OneDrive and that you are signed in to your Microsoft account.

Microsoft has boasted that Windows 11 is the way to go because it’s its most secure operating system yet, saying it’s really easy to migrate your existing content and software to its latest operating system.

While your Windows 8.1 PC will continue to function in an unsupported mode after January 10, you may have broken experiences with some software. For example, in-app purchases and new purchases from the Microsoft Store will not be possible after this date, Microsoft Store app updates will stop after June 30, you may experience problems with Office apps and web browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge will soon end support as well in the old operating system.