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Goodbye Windows 8.1 – Hello Windows 10
Click this link to the PC magazine article.
January 2023 With less than 3% of computers still running Windows 8.1 there are unlikely to be many PC users affected by its final demise this month. When released even this improved version of Windows 8 was hated by loyal followers of Windows 7, one of Microsoft’s most popular operating systems(OS).
Support for the software ends this month. As there’ll be no more security updates users should either stop using the PC on the internet, upgrade to a newer operating system or, as a last resort in difficult times, buy a new desktop or tablet. Don’t assume that your PC is too old to support a new OS or that upgrading will be so expensive a new machine is the better option. It will depend on the specification and one local resident reports upgrading a budget seven year old laptop to Windows 10 without a problem. That’s good news, especially as the upgrade was free of charge.
Windows 10 will continue to receive security updates to October 2025 so, with luck, the purchase of a new PC could be postponed for a further 2 years. Very old computers will be unlikely to support Windows 11, but at least it’s possible to put off any major expense until 2025.
Upgrading is not a complicated process, as your PC does most of the work, and should check whether you can run Windows 10. It doesn’t demand a high level of knowledge but it does need patience, and the best advice is to set it going and then make a cup of tea. And then make lunch!
Beware of scams and parting with money when you upgrade. Get Windows 10 direct from Microsoft. On their website PC magazine has an excellent article on upgrading, which takes you through each step and provides direct links to the right pages on the Microsoft website. This keeps you safe.
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