Certain programs including Microsoft 365 apps, will stop receiving updates. For instance, it will become increasingly difficult to find software that is compatible with the old operating system. Other issues might also end up crippling your PC. Of course, you can deploy an antivirus program to fill the void left by discontinued security updates, but that will only get you so far. This will leave your PC vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. While this does not render your PC completely worthless, using an unsupported version of Windows may not be a good idea.įor starters, Windows 8.1 will stop receiving security patches or technical updates after the cutoff date has passed. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 8.1 after its end-of-life (EOL) date. You can reenable encryption after you’re done.Why Should You Upgrade From Windows 8.1 to Windows 11? Usually installing a newer version of Windows over Windows 8.1 goes off without a hitch, but some people have run into issues when Bitlocker is active. And if you never made a copy at all? Create two now, with each saved to different media.Īlso, a note for just before you upgrade: You may want to suspend Bitlocker (that is, temporarily disable it) before rolling on to Windows 10 or 11.
It’ll be linked to your Microsoft account, saved somewhere as a file, or on a print out. And yes, you should have one already-creating a copy of your encryption key should have happened during setup. If you’ve got a Pro license of Windows 8.1 and have encrypted your PC’s drive(s), be sure you know where your copy of your Bitlocker key lives. Saving your Bitlocker encryption key is the same in Windows 8.1 as newer versions, so if you run into trouble, you can still reference this Microsoft how-to. Upgrading to Windows 10 should be a cinch, though Microsoft warns that “Most Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 devices will not meet the hardware requirements for upgrading to Windows 11.” Fortunately, Windows 10 will still be supported until 2025. And it should be free, thanks to Microsoft’s lax policies around free upgrades. Fortunately, it’s easy to move on to Windows 10 or 11. If your computer still runs Windows 8.1, it’s a massive risk now. In today’s environment, a lack of regular security updates is a disaster waiting to happen. This lack of support makes upgrading to a newer version of Windows a huge priority. And to further drive the nail in the coffin, any Microsoft 365 software installed on your PC (like Office or Mail) will also no longer get security updates. Starting on January 10, Microsoft will end its support, cutting off all future technical, software, and security updates. After years of living in the shadow of Windows 7, 10, and 11, the day of its death is here.
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