Microsoft Will Abandon Windows 8 Completely Next Week

[Dani Santos]

Content source

http://news.softpedia.com/news/microsoft-will-abandon-windows-8-completely-next-week-498662.shtml

Although it sounds weird to see a Windows version discontinued after only three years, it actually makes sense because Microsoft considers Windows 8.1 a service pack. So it applies the same strategy as in the case of Windows 7, which got its very own service pack too.

Windows 8.1 is offered free of charge to everyone on Windows 8, so the upgrade can be performed at any time by simply downloading the files from Microsoft's servers. If you do that, support is automatically guaranteed until January 10, 2023, the date when Microsoft end extended support (mainstream support ends on January 9, 2018).

The Windows 10 upgrade
At the same time, once you install Windows 8.1, you have another option and can upgrade to Windows 10, also free of charge and also with just a few clicks. Windows 10 will receive support until October 14, 2025, with mainstream support ending on October 13, 2020.

The good news is that, at this point, only a few users are still on Windows 8, with third-party statistics showing that the operating system launched in 2012 is only running on some 2 percent of the PCs across the world.

This means that it shouldn't take too long until everyone updates to Windows 8.1, but the biggest problem here is to make people aware of the end of support date. Microsoft isn't yet showing any EOL notifications on Windows 8, but the company could start doing this in order to make sure that everyone stays secure.

January 12, 2016, will be the last time Windows 8 receives security patches from Microsoft.

 

[Ink]

What is the support lifecycle policy for Windows 8.1?

Windows 8.1 falls under the same lifecycle policy as Windows 8, and will reach end of Mainstream Support on January 9, 2018, and end of Extended Support on January 10, 2023. With the General Availability of Windows 8.1, customers on Windows 8 have 2 years, until January 12, 2016, to move to Windows 8.1 in order to remain supported.

Find out more: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/gp/lifecycle-windows81-faq

Windows 8 users should consider upgrading to Windows 8.1. It's a fair painless procedure, but do your research to see the difference. For example: To use OneDrive (sync) on 8.1, users must Login with a Microsoft Account. However, you'll find ways to adapt to these changes.

If you like Windows 8, there's a high chance you'll grow to like Windows 8.1. No learning curve required.

Don't be incompetent like the majority of current Windows XP users.

 

[DracusNarcrym]

It's sad that Microsoft Windows 8.1 is probably the second best overall option (after Windows 7 of course) for the average user

► Windows 7 has proven its worth these past years, and its overall features, performance and usability have been well polished.

► Windows 8.1 is a step-up from Windows 7, however it has certain flaws which put definitely put it at a disadvantage when compared to Windows 7.

► Ah, Windows 10. The new bad-boy. Upon installing it you agree that Microsoft can blatantly violate your privacy at their leisure (though of course you can make that difficult for them with various tweaks and tools) and you are confronted with a multi-purpose hybrid PC/laptop/mobile device OS. It's got some neat features, like the Xbox One integration and built-in One Drive support, but anyway, it still requires some functions and modules to be retouched to avoid controversy and the like.


The discontinuation of Windows 8.1 security patches sure is going to disappoint several users who are actually satisfied with Windows 8.1 (including me at one point).
Nevertheless, a good OS is a good OS, so even without security patches, users can rely on a combination of safe computing habits and reliable 3rd party security solutions to make up for the lack of future security patches from Microsoft.
Don't let Microsoft get under your skin, the discontinuation of security patches doesn't mean it's the end for that OS!

(Just look at Windows XP, it's still around! )

 

[Ink]

The discontinuation of Windows 8.1 security patches sure is going to disappoint several users who are actually satisfied with Windows 8.1 (including me at one point).

Windows 8.1 is still supported, but before the end of it's support I would have already upgraded to something else.

 

[Exterminator]

I am not a fan of Windows 8 or 8.1 however I am comparing it to 7SP1 and 10.I will say this though and that is 8.1. is far better than 8 in terms of usability for a non touch screen computer.It also had some good improvements in security and start up times.
If you are still on Windows 8 you need to upgrade to 8.1 because besides the support issue it is much better and you will notice the improvements.

 

[Dani Santos]

It's sad that Microsoft Windows 8.1 is probably the second best overall option (after Windows 7 of course) for the average user

► Windows 7 has proven its worth these past years, and its overall features, performance and usability have been well polished.

► Windows 8.1 is a step-up from Windows 7, however it has certain flaws which put definitely put it at a disadvantage when compared to Windows 7.

► Ah, Windows 10. The new bad-boy. Upon installing it you agree that Microsoft can blatantly violate your privacy at their leisure (though of course you can make that difficult for them with various tweaks and tools) and you are confronted with a multi-purpose hybrid PC/laptop/mobile device OS. It's got some neat features, like the Xbox One integration and built-in One Drive support, but anyway, it still requires some functions and modules to be retouched to avoid controversy and the like.


The discontinuation of Windows 8.1 security patches sure is going to disappoint several users who are actually satisfied with Windows 8.1 (including me at one point).
Nevertheless, a good OS is a good OS, so even without security patches, users can rely on a combination of safe computing habits and reliable 3rd party security solutions to make up for the lack of future security patches from Microsoft.
Don't let Microsoft get under your skin, the discontinuation of security patches doesn't mean it's the end for that OS!

(Just look at Windows XP, it's still around! )

You should read the Windows privacy policy, because almost every os/website (android, ios, , osx, windows) gets your information, so if you want privacy simply do not use computers or phones, or install windows 95 on them... The thing is what they do with your info. E.g: Android and windows will use it to improve the os and know what you most use to suggest ads. They do not sell your information, they use it to improve your experience and get some extra money with ads that they know you like. I don't know what is the problem? Plus you can disable the ad on settings for both operating systems.

 

[upnorth]

Never used Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 on a pc and probably never will.

The fun part with XP is that everyone sayed it died 2014 but it's still possible to receive security updates from Microsoft until april 2019.

 

[Azure]

You should read the Windows privacy policy, because almost every os/website (android, ios, , osx, windows) gets your information, so if you want privacy simply do not use computers or phones, or install windows 95 on them... The thing is what they do with your info. E.g: Android and windows will use it to improve the os and know what you most use to suggest ads. They do not sell your information, they use it to improve your experience and get some extra money with ads that they know you like. I don't know what is the problem? Plus you can disable the ad on settings for both operating systems.

True. I don't think anyone is questioning that.

I think what people are wondering is the following
Microsoft walks a thin line between Windows 10 telemetry and snooping
"The fact that Microsoft snoops in Windows 10 is well known. What isn't so well known is the quantity and type of data being kept."

 

[Sana]

Although it sounds weird to see a Windows version discontinued after only three years

Either way it's getting its 5 years of mainstream support (2012~2018).

Sorry, but I used Windows 8 or 8.1 and couldn't stand it. I had to google on how to shutdown the damn thing

Why try to reinvent the damn wheel if it's not broken. It's the same thing they did with MS Office.

Microsoft snoops in Windows 10

Really, wasn't acquiring Facebook enough for these guys!

 

[Exterminator]

I am beginning to wonder if there isn't any software,software companies,email,browsers,Facebook,Twitter,snap chat,etc. that aren't snooping in one way or another.Microsoft seems to have been taking most of the heat on a topic that is far too prevalent now.
I bet the NSA is happy Windows 10 was released because we don't hear anything about them anymore with Windows 10 taking the brunt of the privacy concerns.
Personally I like the OS and since most of these issues can be mitigated 10 is really a good OS.How are we to ever know what any software program or company is really collecting.I loved XP and 7 but I am sold on 10 and not too worried about the privacy concerns.
You might have an easier time winning the lottery than Microsoft actually picking you out of all the Windows 10 users and invading your privacy.
Which reminds me the Powerball jackpot is 900 million.Going to run out and buy some tickets

 

[Sana]

Never used Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 on a pc and probably never will.

The fun part with XP is that everyone sayed it died 2014 but it's still possible to receive security updates from Microsoft until april 2019.

The magic number 5 plays a huge role in here

What is the difference between mainstream support and extended support?

• Mainstream support—Microsoft will offer mainstream support for a minimum of 5 years from the date of a product's general availability. For example, if you buy a new version of Windows and five years later another version is released, you will still have two years of support left for the previous version.
• Extended support—Microsoft will offer extended support for a minimum of 5 years from the date of a product's general availability.

Windows lifecycle fact sheet - Windows Help

(Just look at Windows XP, it's still around! )

Hey, I'd love to use Windows 3.1 if I could. The damn OS fit into 8 floppy sloppy disks
If only it could support the new hardware! If you have new hardware, you need new software and vice versa crap.

 

[Dani Santos]

I am beginning to wonder if there isn't any software,software companies,email,browsers,Facebook,Twitter,snap chat,etc. that aren't snooping in one way or another.Microsoft seems to have been taking most of the heat on a topic that is far too prevalent now.
I bet the NSA is happy Windows 10 was released because we don't hear anything about them anymore with Windows 10 taking the brunt of the privacy concerns.
Personally I like the OS and since most of these issues can be mitigated 10 is really a good OS.How are we to ever know what any software program or company is really collecting.I loved XP and 7 but I am sold on 10 and not too worried about the privacy concerns.
You might have an easier time winning the lottery than Microsoft actually picking you out of all the Windows 10 users and invading your privacy.
Which reminds me the Powerball jackpot is 900 million.Going to run out and buy some tickets

I agree 100%. Just the fact that you have internet to visit malware tips you already lost all your privacy. So I dont know why people are so worried about Windows 10, they don't need to sell your data, Microsoft is huge they want happy consumers to buy their products and not scared.

 

[jamescv7]

In that article published definitely Microsoft lifecycle may adjusted immediately due to numerous factors even though not to mentioned directly cause Windows 8 proves of numerous issues besides on privacy; and to admit that its a 'rush' OS that is open likely as beta rather official stable version.

Windows 8.1 is worth consider to be given the typical standard life cycle, totally survived the damages done by 8 and reflects already on the usage shares.

Meanwhile on the privacy concern, typical user is not conscious on privacy issues cause he/she knows that none of any action could trigger it + considering the acceptance on society in terms of technology.

A steal of information occur if a well and massive plan as conducted in a small time span but not on regular basis, cause the normal privacy collecting is use for improvements and statistics.