Windows 8 has reach end of support, which means Windows 8 devices no longer receive important security updates. We recommend making the free upgrade to Windows 8.1 to continue receiving security updates and support.
The next thing we asked ourselves was; is it safe to use Windows 8 without updates?
The answer is with no more security updates, continuing to use Windows 8 or 8.1 could be risky. The biggest problem you’ll find is the development and discovery of security flaws in the operating system. Since Microsoft will no longer patch them, it’s a persistent hole in your system’s defenses.
Can I still download Windows 8 apps?
Beginning in July 2019, the Windows 8 Store is officially closed. While you can no longer install or update applications from the Windows 8 Store, you can continue using those already installed. However, since Windows 8 has been out of support since January 2016, we encourage you to update to Windows 8.1 for free.
While we were writing we ran into the question “Do I need to restart my computer to update Windows 8?”.
If you’re running Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 and you get updates automatically, you don’t need to do anything; Windows Update will download and install the update for you within the next few weeks. It won’t interrupt what you’re doing except to tell you that you need to restart your PC to finish the installation.
However, since Windows 8 has been out of support since January 2016, we encourage you to update to Windows 8.1 for free.
A inquiry we ran across in our research was “How do I update to Windows 8 1?”.
After you install Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, remember to turn your antivirus program back on. The Store is no longer open for Windows 8, so you’ll need to download Windows 8.1 as a free update. Go to the Windows 8.1 download page and select your Windows edition. Select Confirm and follow the remaining prompts to begin the download.
When does Windows 8 support end?
Windows 8.1 still enjoys security updates, but that will end on the 10th of January, 2023. That date will mark the end of extended support, which means security updates, bug fixes, and paid support.