use the arrow keys to navigate through the pivots and tab to focus on focusable content inside a pivot section
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 7
What does Windows 8.1 end of support mean for you?
Change can be difficult, but we’re here to help you take the next steps. After January 10, 2023, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for Windows 8.1. You might be able to upgrade your Windows 8.1 device to a newer version of Windows, but we recommend moving to a new PC that can run Windows 11 as the best option.
Meet with a product expert for free, personalized help
Connect one-on-one with a Microsoft Store associate online. Our experts can help you choose and order a new device. And if you need setup assistance or want to learn how to use a product, our team is here for that too.
Long-lasting battery
No more being on the lookout for places to plug in. Buy a new device and enjoy extended battery life.5
Store your files
Don’t worry about losing or accessing your files when you back them up with OneDrive.
Minimize the risk
Keep your files protected and minimize the risk of viruses and malware.
Efficiency comes standard
Find what you need quickly and make tasks easier with the new Windows 11 layout and navigation help.
Portability
Are you someone who is always on the go? We recommend looking at the @@Device Name@@.
Storage
If you value having a large amount of storage on your PC, we’ve got just the right recommendation. Check out the @@Device Name@@.
Affordability
The @@Device Name@@ is a great PC option for those who want to keep it simple and affordable.
Portability
Are you someone who is always on the go? We recommend looking at the @@Device Name@@.
Storage
If you value having a large amount of storage on your PC, we’ve got just the right recommendation. Check out the @@Device Name@@.
Affordability
The @@Device Name@@ is a great PC option for those who want to keep it simple and affordable.
Portability
Are you someone who is always on the go? We recommend looking at the @@Device Name@@.
Storage
If you value having a large amount of storage on your PC, we’ve got just the right recommendation. Check out the @@Device Name@@.
Affordability
The @@Device Name@@ is a great PC option for those who want to keep it simple and affordable.
Portability
Are you someone who is always on the go? We recommend looking at the @@Device Name@@.
Storage
If you value having a large amount of storage on your PC, we’ve got just the right recommendation. Check out the @@Device Name@@.
Affordability
The @@Device Name@@ is a great PC option for those who want to keep it simple and affordable.
Trade-in or recycle your old Lenovo PC
Lenovo can help you easily trade in your old PC or responsibly recycle it through trusted partners.
Trade-in or recycle your old Lenovo PC
Lenovo can help you easily trade in your old PC or responsibly recycle it through trusted partners.
Ready to move to a Windows 11 PC?
We’re here to help you take the first steps in transitioning to our most loved operating system yet.1
Back up your files with OneDrive
Backing up your files and photos to OneDrive means you’ll have them on your new PC and won’t have to worry about losing them.6
Discover Windows 11 tips and tricks
Optimize screen space, maximize productivity, and bring balance to your desktop with the easy-to-use tools in Windows 11.
After January 10, 2023, computers running Windows 8.1 will still function, but Microsoft will no longer provide the following:
- Technical support of any issue
- Software updates
- Security updates or fixes
While you could continue to use a PC running Windows 8.1, without continued software and security updates, your PC will be at greater risk for viruses and malware. We recommend upgrading to a version of Windows that is still supported. A new device that can run Windows 11 makes for an easy transition and a great experience.
No. Support for Windows 8.1 is discontinued, but the software will continue to function. However, after January 10, 2023, your computer running Windows 8.1 will no longer receive security updates. In addition, Microsoft customer service will no longer be available to provide Windows 8.1 technical support.
There are a few options for using a supported version of Windows:
- Recommended: New PC with Windows 11 Windows 11 is the most current version of Windows. If you have an older PC, we recommend you move to Windows 11 by buying a new PC. Hardware and software have improved a lot since Windows 8.1 was released, and today’s computers are faster, more powerful, and more secure.
View Windows 11 PCs
- Installing Windows 11 on your current PC You can also see if your current PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. PCs that are running Windows 8.1 are unlikely to meet these requirements, but if yours does, you can purchase and download a full version of Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro or buy from a retailer. If you do choose this path, note that you will need to reinstall your apps (in some cases a newer version may be required) and take steps to transition files, data, and settings since the installation will overwrite the contents of your existing storage drive. It may be easier for you to first upgrade to Windows 10 (see below) and then upgrade to Windows 11.
There are two ways you can get to Windows 11:
- Recommended: New PC with Windows 11 Windows 11 is the most current version of Windows. If you have an older PC, we recommend you move to Windows 11 by buying a new PC. Hardware and software have improved a lot since Windows 8.1 was released, and today’s computers are faster, more powerful, and more secure.
View Windows 11 PCs
- Installing Windows 11 on your current PC You can also see if your current PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. If it does, you can purchase and download a full version of Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro or buy from a retailer. If you do choose this path, note that you will need to reinstall your apps (in some cases a newer version may be required) and take steps to transition files, data, and settings since the installation will overwrite the contents of your existing storage drive. It may be easier for you to first upgrade to Windows 10 (see question above for more details) and then upgrade to Windows 11.
We do not currently offer free upgrades from Windows 8.1 to either Windows 10 or Windows 11. If you want to purchase a copy of Windows 11, please see links above or contact a retailer to find out about options. Note: The upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is currently free.
PCs originally built with Windows 8.1 are designed with technology that is about 10 years old. Once you move to a new PC, there will be many aspects of Windows that you will find familiar, but also with important software and hardware innovations and capabilities that were not available a decade ago. Some of the innovative new features available with Windows 11 on a new computer:
- Newer PC hardware that is faster, more capable, and more compatible with the latest industry technology.
- To help you keep your computer secure, you can take advantage of the latest security capabilities:
- Get built-in security at no extra cost. Your Windows computer comes with built-in security features, including firewall and internet protections to help safeguard against viruses, malware, and ransomware.
- Use facial recognition or your fingerprint for more-secure sign-ins into Windows 11 on a PC compatible with Windows Hello. You can also use a localized PIN or your phone as a key.
- Organize your image files with the Photos app and they’ll be ready for easy viewing and sharing—even across devices. You can also search for certain themes and people in your photos. You just need to make sure your images are stored on OneDrive and you’re signed into your Microsoft account.
Need more reasons? See the list of features available with Windows 11.
Windows 11 is the most secure Windows ever built, with comprehensive end-to-end security that covers antivirus, firewall, internet protections, and more. This means more security features, dashboard displays, and ongoing updates3 to help safeguard against future threats—all built-in at no extra cost. To receive updates, internet access is required, and service fees may apply.
Read more about Windows Security
Windows 11 Home is the perfect operating system for personal and household use, while Windows 11 Pro offers all the familiar features of Windows 11 Home, plus additional features such as BitLocker, remote desktop, and domain join to support professionals.
Compare editions of Windows 11
It’s easy to bring your files and photos to a new PC using OneDrive, a cloud storage service. With internet access and a few clicks, you can back up and protect your files online in the cloud and then, when you’re ready, sync onto a new PC. Syncing the files between your new PC and the cloud allows you to store the file locally for offline use when you don’t have internet access as well as on the OneDrive service in the cloud where you can restore them if something happens. OneDrive can automatically keep the two versions in sync as changes are made.
Learn how to move files with OneDrive
If OneDrive is not the best fit for you, you can use an external hard drive or USB key to copy files.
Microsoft Edge is the faster, safer browser to get things done on the internet in newer versions of Windows. If you’re moving to a new Windows PC, you can easily move your Internet Explorer (IE) favorites with you. These instructions will guide you through moving IE favorites onto Microsoft Edge.
Learn more about Microsoft Edge
On devices that support Windows Hello, you can automatically bypass the login screen without typing a password. Use your face, fingerprint, or companion device to unlock your Windows 11 computer in the fastest,4 most secure way.
Find a device that supports Windows Hello
You can install new apps and games on a Windows 8.1 PC from the Microsoft Store until January 10, 2023, and you can continue to use installed apps and games on a Windows 8.1 PC after that date. You will not be able to make any new app purchases or any in-app purchases after January 10, 2023. Installed apps and games will receive publisher updates through June 30, 2023 (or later if support is provided independently by the developer). Once updates are no longer available, app quality and usability may be degraded. Customers who move to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC can use and reinstall previously purchased apps and games on their new or upgraded PC.
Неподдерживаемая версия Windows больше не будет получать обновления программного обеспечения из Центра обновления Windows. К таким обновлениям относятся обновления для системы безопасности, помогающие защитить компьютер от опасных вирусов, программ-шпионов и другого вредоносного программного обеспечения, которое может похитить ваши персональные данные. Помимо этого, из Центра обновления Windows также устанавливаются новейшие обновления программного обеспечения, повышающие надежность Windows, например новые драйверы для оборудования.
Когда заканчивается поддержка моей версии Windows?
Проверьте даты окончания поддержки для вашей версии Windows.
Если используемая версия Windows еще поддерживается, обязательно установите все последние обновления или пакеты обновления для Windows. Их можно скачать и установить через Центр обновления Windows.
Можно ли будет по-прежнему использовать Windows после окончания поддержки?
Да. Если вы по-прежнему будете использовать неподспоряемую версию Windows, ваш компьютер по-прежнему будет работать, но он станет более уязвимым для угроз безопасности и вирусов. Ваш компьютер будет по-прежнему запускаться и работать, но вы больше не будете получать обновления ПО, включая обновления для системы безопасности, от корпорации Майкрософт.
Подробные сведения о политике поддержки см. в вопросе о политике жизненного цикла поддержки Майкрософт.
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Найдите решения распространенных проблем или получите помощь от агента поддержки.
Microsoft объявила сроки окончания поддержки ОС Windows 10 Home и Pro. Это произойдет 14 октября 2025 года. После этой даты компания не будет выпускать обновления безопасности, патчи с исправлениями прошлых ошибок и прекратит оптимизировать работу ОС Windows 10 Home и Pro, включая версии Pro Education и Pro for Workstations.
Ранее в этом документе фигурировали только даты окончания поддержки определенных версий Windows 10.
Последние обновления Windows 10 21H1 и 20H2 будут поддерживаться до 13 декабря 2022 года и 10 мая 2022 года, соответственно. Microsoft пояснила, что собирается поддерживать именно последнее полугодовое обновление Windows 10 до октября 2025 года, но не уточнила, какое именно.
На своей конференции 24 июня 2021 года Microsoft пообещала представить «Windows следующего поколения». Вероятно это будет новая версия Windows под кодовым названием Sun Valley или каким-то другим именем, не связанным с Windows 10. Ожидается, что это будет Windows 11, по крайней мере, с точки зрения маркетинга и брендинга, но существенных различий от Windows 10 там будет не много. Правда разработчики обещали значительные изменения пользовательского интерфейса и переработанный магазин приложений Windows Store.
11 июня Microsoft опубликовала на своем официальном канале в YouTube 11-минутный ролик c замедленными на 4000 % звуками заставок операционных систем Windows 95, XP и 7.
В середине мая Microsoft подтвердила, что не планирует выпускать Windows 10X. Изначально предполагалось, что эта операционная система, построенная на базе легковесной модульной Windows Core OS, появится вместе с новыми устройствами с двумя экранами, такими как Surface Neo, и будет иметь упрощенный интерфейс и функциональность.
14 января 2020 года закончился период расширенной поддержки операционной системы Windows 7. 12 января 2016 года Microsoft перестала поддерживать Windows 8, а 9 января 2018 года закончилась поддержка Windows 8.1, хотя Microsoft сейчас продлила поддержку ее корпоративных версий до 10 января 2023 года.
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Microsoft is done with major Windows 10 updates
/
Microsoft will end support for the operating system in 2025.
By Jay Peters, a news editor who writes about technology, video games, and virtual worlds. He’s submitted several accepted emoji proposals to the Unicode Consortium.
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Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge
Windows 10 22H2 will be the final version of the operating system, Microsoft said in a blog post on Thursday. Moving forward, all editions of Windows 10 will be supported with monthly security updates until October 14th, 2025, when Microsoft will end support. (Some releases on the Long-Term Servicing Channel, or LTSC, will get updates past that end of support date.)
Microsoft is encouraging users to now transition to Windows 11 because Windows 10 won’t be getting any new features.
Now that Windows 11 has been out for more than a year and a half, it’s not too surprising that the company is starting to wind things down for Windows 10, an operating system that first launched in 2015. The company took a step toward moving on when it stopped selling Windows 10 downloads in January, and now, we know when support for Windows 10 will officially end.
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When is Windows 10 end of life?
October 14, 2025
Microsoft will continue to support at least one Windows 10 release until October 14, 2025.
- Start Date: Jul 29, 2015
- Retirement Date: Oct 14, 2025
First, Where to buy a Cheaper and Legit Windows 11 Key or Windows 10 Key
Now, when is windows 10 end of life
As a Windows user, it’s important to stay up to date on when Microsoft ends support for different versions of its operating system. That way, you can be prepared and make the switch to a newer version before it’s too late. In this blog post, we’ll outline when Windows 10 support is set to end and what you can do to prepare yourself.
Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025. This means that the operating system will no longer receive security updates or other support from Microsoft after that date. If you are using Windows 10, it is important to start planning now for how you will transition to a new operating system.
Windows 11 began its long, steady rollout to compatible devices in 2021, meaning that Windows 10 will eventually be put to rest with Windows 7 and Windows XP in Microsoft’s graveyard of operating systems. This is the support lifecycle of all the Windows operating systems released by the company.
But don’t worry if you’re still running Microsoft’s previous OS! Until October 14, 2025, Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10. This recent announcement gives you approximately four years to get off of Windows 10 and onto something new.
What end of lifecycle means for Windows
When a Windows operating system (Windows OS) reaches its end of lifecycle support, does that mean the OS won’t run new programs?
Answer: No
The operating system will still be able to run new programs.
However, once a Microsoft operating system (OS) reaches the end of support, customers no longer receive security updates. Although the OS will still work with programs and hardware after the sale or support of the operating system has been discontinued, these programs won’t receive security support.
But there’s a greater possibility that new programs and hardware will not be performant on an older OS.
This frequently occurs because new hardware and software manufacturers make product-design decisions that take advantage of the increased functionality and features in newer operating systems. So, really, manufacturers may discontinue support of their products on older Windows operating systems after Microsoft discontinues their support.
What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows?
Windows products and lifecycle support are governed by both Modern and Fixed Lifecycle Policies. Search for the product lifecycle for your specific Windows product and its corresponding Lifecycle Policy and end-of-support dates.
What is the difference between a Windows quality update and a Windows feature update?
A Windows quality update is an incremental update to Windows products that includes bug fixes, feature improvements, and security issue resolutions.
To receive monthly quality updates, customers must be on a supported version of Windows. Also, Windows quality updates are cumulative, with each update built upon the quality updates preceding it.
A Windows feature update is an update that contains new features. A feature update also includes all previous quality updates, as applicable.
Windows 10 Releases, lifecycles, and end of life
The following are Windows 10 home, pro, education, and workstation releases’ start and end dates according to Microsoft:
Version |
Start Date |
End Date |
Version 21H2 |
Nov 16, 2021 |
Jun 13, 2023 |
Version 21H1 |
May 18, 2021 |
Dec 13, 2022 |
Version 20H2 |
Oct 20, 2020 |
May 10, 2022 |
Version 2004 |
May 27, 2020 |
Dec 14, 2021 |
Version 1909 |
Nov 12, 2019 |
May 11, 2021 |
Version 1903 |
May 21, 2019 |
Dec 8, 2020 |
Version 1809 |
Nov 13, 2018 |
Nov 10, 2020 |
Version 1803 |
Apr 30, 2018 |
Nov 12, 2019 |
Version 1709 |
Oct 17, 2017 |
Apr 9, 2019 |
Version 1703 |
Apr 11, 2017 |
Oct 9, 2018 |
Version 1607 |
Aug 2, 2016 |
Apr 10, 2018 |
Version 1511 |
Nov 10, 2015 |
Oct 10, 2017 |
Version 1507 |
Jul 29, 2015 |
May 9, 2017 |
What Happens to Not Compatible With Windows 11 by 2025?
If your device is not compatible with Windows 11 by the time support ends for Windows 10, it will no longer receive security updates. This, among some other things, means that your device will be at risk for malware and other security threats.
Microsoft has not announced any plans to continue supporting Windows 10 devices that are incompatible with Windows 11 past October 14th, 2025. As such, it is important to review your choices and plan ahead and upgrade to a new OS or device before support for Windows 10 ends.
Eventually, you can expect Microsoft to no longer roll out Microsoft Office for Windows 10 systems as well. While this is in the distant future, the next version of Office may no longer work on Windows 10. Make sure to read the support document and initial release announcement.
It’s hard to tell the time Microsoft will take before Windows 10 fades into obscurity like Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 did, so it’s best to start thinking now. Will you wait to see how long your system will remain supported, or are you making the move now?
How to Prepare for the End of Windows 10 Support
If you are still using Windows 10, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the end of support before it rolls around in a few more years:
- Check if your device is compatible with Windows 11. You can do this by visiting Microsoft’s website.
- If your device is compatible with Windows 11, start planning for the upgrade. This may involve backing up files, uninstalling apps, and more.
- If your device is not compatible with Windows 11, start planning to replace or upgrade it. This may involve shopping for a new device, computer parts, and more.
- Stay up to date on the latest news about Windows 10 and Microsoft products. This will help you be prepared for any changes that may come before support ends in the second half of 2025.
Most users will consider migrating to Windows 11, as the new OS is expected to receive extended support and security patches. With no confirmed end-of-life date, you can expect the new system to receive support and updates for a long period of time — maybe even longer than Windows 10 did.
If you make the move to the new system, you’ll continue to receive security patches on all versions of Windows 11, including enterprise versions and education editions. As mentioned, Windows 11 isn’t ending support for a long time. Now is the best time to make the change before the Windows 10 retirement date rolls around.
Windows 11 is a Microsoft-developed operating system with Operating System that Microsoft moved focus to Windows 10 to 11 in early 2021. Customers on a Windows 10 laptop will receive a free upgrade on Windows 11, however, Microsoft did change its requirement on Windows 10.
Although there are options for bypassing the requirements it opens a can of worms since certain features might not work properly and some updates could not be installed via Windows Update on incompatible devices in the future.
Things To Do After Support Ends for Windows 10
So what should you do if you’re still using Windows 10 when support ends?
Consider upgrading to Windows 11. It’s the newest version of Microsoft’s operating system and offers a number of new features and improvements over Windows 10. If you’re not ready to make the switch right away, you can continue to use Windows 10, but you should be aware that it will no longer be supported by Microsoft after 2025.
If you’re not ready to upgrade or simply don’t want to, you can still stay safe after support ends by taking some simple precautions.
First, make sure that your system has all the latest security updates installed. You can do this by opening the Windows Update tool and checking for new updates. If any are available, install them right away. You should always be on the latest version of Windows 10 to make sure you have the latest official updates. Keep in mind that you’ll no longer get a new version of Windows 10 or receive any feature upgrades after the end of support date.
Second, install an antivirus program and keep it up to date. This will help protect your computer from malware and other threats even if Windows Defender is no longer receiving updates. There are many free antivirus programs available, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get started. You can also purchase advanced solutions to protect your PC from our site such as Avast Antivirus.
Even if your PC no longer gets feature updates, or your system is no longer supported, antivirus apps may continue to release updates and new versions to help you protect yourself.
Third, be careful about what you download and install on your computer. Only download files and programs from trusted sources. And be sure to read any user reviews before installing any new software. If you’re careful with what software you install, you can stay safe even on unsupported versions of Windows.
Finally, remember that you can always contact SoftwareKeep if you run into problems after support ends. Our company has a dedicated support team that can help you troubleshoot any issues you may encounter even past the end of support of your Windows version.
Keep these things in mind and you’ll be able to continue using Windows 10 even after support ends!
How To Upgrade from Windows 10?
If you’re ready to upgrade from Windows 10 to the newest version of Windows, there are a few things you need to do first.
Make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. You can find these listed on Microsoft’s website. If your system doesn’t meet the requirements, you won’t be able to install the new operating system.
Check for any compatible updates for your devices and software. You can do this by visiting the websites of the manufacturers of your devices and software and looking for any updates or compatibility issues.
Once you’ve checked for updates and made sure your system meets the minimum requirements, you’re ready to upgrade!
To upgrade, open the Windows Update tool and check for new updates. If any are available, install them right away. Once the updates are installed, you’ll be prompted to restart your computer. After restarting, your system will be running the newest version of Windows!
Upgrade Incompatible Systems to Windows 11
Some Windows users may want to continue getting extended support through the new version of the system, but don’t know how to. If your PC doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements, you can still receive updates after you upgrade to Windows 11.
Unfortunately, the general availability of the current version of Windows is rather limited, as older versions have much fewer requirements to meet. As the end date of support for Windows 10 approaches, it’s important to make sure your devices can be upgraded if you want to keep receiving updates.
Luckily, you can get the latest feature update even if Microsoft says otherwise. Just check out our guide on how to get Windows 11 on an unsupported device to get started!
Final Thoughts
That’s it: Windows 10 support will officially end on October 14th, 2025.
If you have any questions or concerns about the retirement date, be sure to reach out to us for more information. In the meantime, be sure to stay up-to-date with our blog for more articles like this one. Thanks for reading!
Follow our Blog for more great articles like this one! In addition, you can check our Help Center for a wealth of information on how to troubleshoot various issues.
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