Microsoft is announcing that will be slowly retiring the app Store for Windows 8.x and Windows Phone 8.x devices.
According to the company, starting October 31, 2018, the Microsoft Store will stop accepting new app submissions for the older version of the OS.
Starting July 1, 2019, apps for Windows Phone 8.x will stop receiving updates. However, developers can continue to push updates, but they will only be available on mobile devices running Windows 10.
Finally, on July 1, 2023, Microsoft will no longer distribute updates for apps on Windows 8.x devices, which is not surprising, since the extended support for this version of the OS ends on January 10, 2023.
If you’re still running Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, it’s now the time to upgrade to Windows 10, not only to keep getting app updates, but also to take advantage of many of the new features and security enhancements.
Are you still running Windows 8.x? If yes, why you’ve not upgraded yet? Tell us in the comments.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].