Yes, Windows 8 and 8. 1 are still supported by Microsoft. Microsoft officially discontinued mainstream support for Windows 8 and 8. 1 on Tuesday, January 9, 2018. However, extended support for Windows 8 is still available from Microsoft until January 10, 2023.
After this date, Windows 8 and 8. 1 will be considered out-of-date and will no longer be eligible for security updates, bug fixes, and other support from Microsoft. Microsoft highly recommends that users upgrade to the latest version of Windows, such as Windows 10, before the extended support period ends in 2023.
Can Windows 8.1 be upgraded?
Yes, Windows 8. 1 can be upgraded. Microsoft released the Windows 8. 1 update in April 2014, which provided a variety of improvements and enhanced features, and enables users to upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.
1 for free. One major improvement was the return of the Start button, which was absent from the original Windows 8 operating system. Other improvements included improved search options, enhanced personalization options, improved multitasking, and the ability to sync apps between multiple devices.
To upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8. 1, users can obtain the update via Windows Update or download the installation media from Microsoft.
Is Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 same?
No, Windows 8 and Windows 8. 1 are not the same. Windows 8 is the original version of the operating system, released in 2012. Windows 8. 1 is a major update to Windows 8, released in 2013, which adds features and functionality to the operating system.
Windows 8. 1 is the latest version of Windows 8 while the original version of Windows 8 is no longer supported by Microsoft. Despite this, many users continue to use Windows 8 as their operating system of choice.
Some of the key differences between Windows 8 and Windows 8. 1 include improved performance, support for high resolution displays, the addition of the Start button, more customization options, more Apps, integration of SkyDrive, and the new Internet Explorer 11.
How long is Windows 8.1 supported?
Microsoft has officially announced that Windows 8. 1 is currently in extended support, which means that it will be fully supported with security updates, non-security hotfixes, free assisted support options and online technical content updates until January 10, 2023.
After that date, Windows 8. 1 will be considered to be in “end of support” status. This means that Microsoft will no longer provide technical support or security updates for the product. Although it is possible to continue to use the operating system, it is not recommended as any vulnerabilities may remain unpatched, leaving the user with a potentially insecure environment.
Did Windows 8.1 Fail?
Windows 8. 1 was released by Microsoft in 2013 as an update to their original Windows 8 operating system. Although it attempted to address user complaints and provide greater customization options, it ultimately failed to gain much traction with consumers.
One of the biggest issues with Windows 8. 1 was its interface. It attempted to combine a traditional desktop interface with a modern, tile-based touch-friendly design, and it complicated even simple tasks like getting to the desktop.
On top of that, users were frustrated that the majority of user settings were hidden behind several nested menus.
The failure of Windows 8. 1 wasn’t only because of its design, however. Microsoft also received criticism for their app selection. At the launch of Windows 8. 1, the app selection was incredibly sparse and many were low quality or outdated.
This was in stark contrast to the app selection of other mobile OSes like iOS and Android, which had thousands of high quality apps.
Ultimately, Windows 8. 1 was too complicated and not intuitive enough for most users, and it failed to make a strong impact in the market. Microsoft released Windows 10 to address the issues with Windows 8.
1, and that operating system has been much more successful.
Should I upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10?
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade from Windows 8. 1 to Windows 10 depends on your specific needs and preferences, but generally speaking, upgrading from Windows 8. 1 to Windows 10 is likely to be beneficial for most users.
Windows 10 offers a variety of improvements over Windows 8. 1, including a cleaner and more modern interface, improved search capabilities, enhanced security and privacy settings, faster operating system performance, improved support for touchscreens, an improved user experience on high-definition displays, and more.
Additionally, Windows 10 offers access to a wide variety of apps and services, giving users access to a growing library of content. If you’re keen to upgrade for the new features, then Windows 10 is likely the right choice for you.
Is Windows 8.1 free now?
Yes, Windows 8. 1 is free now. Microsoft made Windows 8. 1 free to download and install in 2016, while they were getting ready to launch Windows 10. You can get the Windows 8. 1 installation files from the Microsoft website, and you don’t have to pay anything to install or run Windows 8.
1. You’ll need a valid Windows 8. 1 product key to activate the software, which you can purchase or get for free from third-party sources. Windows 8. 1 is a popular and stable operating system with many features, like a revamped Start screen, a digital assistant called Cortana, and a new version of the Internet Explorer web browser.
It’s a great choice for those who prefer a more traditional desktop experience, compared to the more touchscreen-oriented Windows 10.
What happens when Windows 8.1 license expires?
When a Windows 8. 1 license expires, the user experiences a gradual decrease in functionality until it is no longer usable. This includes restrictions on certain customizations, access to certain features, and security updates.
The operating system will still function, but with limited capabilities and an overall deterioration in performance. After expiration, the user will not be able to continue using the license, and will have to purchase a renewal from Microsoft, or accept new terms and conditions if provided.
Renewing a Windows 8. 1 license usually requires either a one-time payment or a subscription, depending on the user’s needs and desires. If the license expires and is not renewed, the user will be relegated to using an older version of Windows, or may have to purchase a completely new version, such as Windows 10.
Is it worth upgrading Windows 8.1 to 10?
Whether or not it is worth upgrading from Windows 8. 1 to Windows 10 is largely dependent on personal preference and what you are looking for from an operating system. Windows 10 does bring some great new features, such as Cortana, improved multitasking, Microsoft Edge browser, and more.
It also provides more security with the Windows Defender application and more control over user privacy.
Overall, Windows 10 is a more modern operating system than Windows 8. 1 and offers a more unified experience across platforms. If you find the current system lacking, then it might be worth it for you to upgrade.
On the other hand, if you are content with Windows 8. 1, then you may not see much benefit in upgrading. Ultimately, it is up to you to consider what features you need and see if an upgrade is worth it for you.
How to update Windows 8.1 to 11 for free?
Upgrading to Windows 11 for free is unfortunately not possible. However, you can upgrade to Windows 8. 1 for free. Microsoft offers a free upgrade to Windows 8. 1 through the Windows Store. To take advantage of this offer, ensure that your PC is running Windows 8.
1 Pro or Windows 8. 1 Home. Then open the Windows Store, search for “Windows 8. 1 Update,” and click the ‘Download’ button. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade. After the upgrade is complete, you can find available updates for Windows 8.
1 within the Windows Update section of the Control Panel. From there, you can manually download and install any available updates for Windows 8. 1.
How can I tell if Windows 8.1 is compatible with Windows 11?
Unfortunately, there is no version of Windows 11 released yet and thus it is impossible to know at this time if Windows 8. 1 is compatible with it. Microsoft typically does not release information about compatibility between versions until the new version of their operating system is officially released.
However, Microsoft does have a support page dedicated to Windows 8. 1 compatibility with Windows 10 and the Windows 8. 1 developer blog that you can reference for more information. Additionally, since the Windows 10 and 8.
1 operating systems are closely related and Windows 10 is the most recent OS release from Microsoft, you can reasonably assume that any features, programs, and other software compatible with Windows 8.
1 will continue to be compatible with the upcoming Windows 11.
How do I know when my Windows 8.1 expires?
If you have a licensed version of Windows 8. 1 installed on your computer, your license will not expire. However, you may have received a trial version of Windows 8. 1 with your computer, which will expire after a certain period of time.
To find out how much time you have left on your trial, you can check the Windows activation page. To do this, go to the Start Screen and type in ‘activation’. Then, click on the link that reads “Activate Windows”.
A window will open with your expiration date clearly listed. If it states “expired” or the date has passed, then your Windows 8. 1 trial has expired and you will need to purchase and install a licensed version in order to continue to use your computer.
Why Netflix is not working on my PC?
It could be that your internet connection is not strong enough to support streaming Netflix. You could also have out of date software or hardware, such as a web browser or graphics card. You could also have an outdated version of Netflix installed.
If you have an antivirus or firewall software installed, this may be preventing Netflix from working by blocking certain content or settings. You should also make sure that you have the correct type of subscription and that your payment information is up to date.
Finally, if you have recently changed any settings on your PC, it could be that this has caused a conflict with Netflix. If you cannot pinpoint the exact problem, then it may be best to contact Netflix support for further assistance.
What’s wrong with Netflix today?
One is that the streaming service is offering fewer new options and more reruns than in the past. Some users have also reported that Netflix’s buffering speed is slower than other streaming services, leading to choppy playback.
Additionally, some customers have said that the user interface is not as intuitive or easy to navigate as other programs. Finally, some users have voiced concerns that Netflix is losing some of its more popular content, which can make it more difficult to find something to watch.
How do u reboot Netflix?
Rebooting Netflix is an easy process. Depending on the device you are using, you may have a few different ways to reboot.
If you are using a laptop or desktop computer, you can reboot Netflix by going to the website, selecting the “Sign out of all devices” option, and then attempting to sign back in. You may also need to restart your web browser to ensure that it has the most recent versions of the Netflix software.
If you are using a streaming device such as a smart TV, game console, or streaming box, you can reboot Netflix by going to the device’s home screen and selecting the power option. Depending on the device, this may be a red button on the remote control or a power button on the device itself.
Some streaming devices may require you to unplug and then plug back in the power cable to completely reboot.
Finally, if you are using a mobile device such as a phone or tablet, you can reboot Netflix by launching the app, selecting the settings options, and then choosing the “sign out” option. After signing out, you can then sign back in to reboot Netflix.
In all cases, once you have rebooted Netflix, you should be able to access the streaming service without any issues.