On January 12, 2016, Microsoft ends support for Windows 8 and urges users to upgrade to Windows 8.1 Update or Windows 10. Originally launched in October 26, 2012, after today, Windows 8.0 will no longer receive security updates, fixes, or enhancements.
Unlike other versions of the operating system, Microsoft is killing support of the eighth version of Windows after only two years of its release. However, we’re talking about the original version without the latest major update. Those computers running Windows 8.1 Update will receive security updates, patches, and support until January 10, 2023.
Windows 8.1 was the first major update for the operating system that the company has been offering for free to all Windows 8.0 users and brings new features, bug fixes, and much needed improvements, such as the Start button and various refinements all around the operating system.
The software giant didn’t really consider Windows 8.1 as a Service Pack and it wasn’t mandatory to install it, but the Service Pack terms will apply. Normally, there is a period of two years for those who haven’t installed a Service Pack, and today, those two years are up.
If you’re still in Windows 8.0, you should really make the leap to Windows 8.1, as it’s also needed if you’re planning to install Windows 10 in a near future. Remember that you have until July 29, 2016, to claim your free upgrade with a genuine copy of Windows 8.1.
How to install Windows 8.1 Update
Installing Windows 8.1 Update should be an straightforward process.
1. Simply open Control Panel, go to Windows Update, and click Check for updates.
2. Select the update KB2919355, and then tap or click Install.
After the installation, you will need to restart your computer to complete the installation. If you don’t see the update KB2919355, then it’s possible that you don’t have one or more of the required updates. As such, following the previous steps, make sure to install update KB2919442 and KB2919355, before trying to install Windows 8.1.
If you prefer to upgrade manually, you can download Windows 8.1 Update from the Microsoft Download Center:
Finally, if you come across any errors trying to install the update, you can download and run the Windows 8.1 Update troubleshooter.
Alongside the end of support of Windows 8.0, Microsoft is also ending today support for older version of Internet Explorer 10, 9, and 8, and moving forward IE11 will be the only version to receive updates, security patches, and support. Of course, you can always jump to Windows 10 to get your hands in Microsoft Edge, the new default web browser for the operating system.
Are you still running Windows 8.0 without the update? If you haven’t upgrade, tell us why you have waited this long.
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].