Microsoft released Windows 8.1 all the way back in 2013, and it has since been replaced by Windows 10 and 11. Now the operating system is reaching the end of its support cycle, and Microsoft really wants you to upgrade.
Microsoft is preparing to send reminders to anyone still using Windows 8.1, reminding them that support will end on January 10, 2023. After that point, Windows 8.1 won’t receive any more system updates, including critical security patches. The initial version of Windows 8 reached the end of mainstream support in 2016.
Depending on the PC, upgrading from Windows 8.1 is an easy upgrade to Windows 10.
Your Help Group can assist you in upgrading to Windows 10 from Windows 7, 8 or 8.1. Come to the Club on Wednesdays or Fridays starting at 7:30am. Check in must be prior to 8:30am. Be prepared to spend a few hours at the Club as these upgrades take time depending on the speed of your system.
Switching to a Linux distribution is also an option if you don’t need Windows-specific software, and there are several distributions designed for old computers, like MINT as recommended by the LINUX Help Group.
Interested in LINUX? The Linux Help Group meets each Friday at 8:00am in Room B.
Windows 7 was released back in 2009, and despite no longer having support from Microsoft, it still boasts millions of users. Running Windows 7 on your computer, however, can be a huge security risk.
If you’re running Windows 7 for whatever reason, you don’t have much to lose by upgrading. Windows 7’s layout and themes may be familiar, but the lack of support means there’s little recourse if your computer gets infected with malware.
The PC Help Group can still update members Windows 7 desktops or laptops to Windows 10 for free. Help is available Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30 am. You must check-in before 8:30am on a first come first served basis. It may take up to 2 hours to upgrade depending on your machine and availability of our volunteers.
Microsoft may stop this free upgrade at any time.
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