Windows 8.1 has lost all support. Find out why

Both SMEs and large enterprises share the same cybersecurity problem. They have computers still running older operating systems, whether it's staff who use these devices occasionally or the company running custom software that doesn't work on the most recent versions of the operating system.

The problem is that when an operating system becomes obsolete, it's open to cyberattacks. When Microsoft or another developer retires an operating system, it's no longer supported. This means there will be no more feature updates, and no more security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities.  

The latest operating system to lose all support is Windows 8.1. Microsoft launched the operating system in 2013 and it was officially retired on January 10 , 2023. Microsoft issued the following warning to businesses:  

“Continuing to use Windows 8.1 after January 10, 2023, may increase an organization’s exposure to security risks or impact its ability to meet compliance obligations.”  

Here are some facts you need to know about what the Windows 8.1 retirement means.

The operating system will still technically work

When an operating system reaches the end of its life, it doesn't stop working. As such, many companies continue to use it without realizing the security risk this poses. Technically, the operating system will still function as it did the day before it was retired, but it is much less secure due to the loss of support.  

Your system will no longer receive security patches

Vulnerabilities in software and operating systems are constantly being sought out and exploited. This is what hackers do for a living. The vulnerability cycle typically begins when hackers discover a flaw in the software. They then code to exploit it, allowing them some type of access to the system.  

The software developer adds this, usually once hackers begin to intrude on the system. They code to fix this vulnerability. The developers then send the fix to users via an update, which they install. This protects the device against one or more hacker exploits.  

When an operating system nears its end of life, these patches are no longer provided. The developer has decided to focus on its new products. Thus, the vulnerability remains. This leaves a device vulnerable to hacks for days, months, or years afterward.  

About 61% of corporate network security breaches are more than five years old.  

Upgrade options

If you have a computer that's still running Windows 8.1, you have two options for upgrading. You can opt for Windows 10 or Windows 11. If the computer is running an operating system that's that old, your system may not meet the requirements for one or both. In this case, you'll likely need to buy a new device.  

Microsoft states that there is no free option to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to 10 or 11. Some of the benefits you get when upgrading include:

• Better integrated security
• Faster processing
• Capacity for more modern features (like facial recognition)
• Improved accessibility features
• Updated productivity tools (like instant page updates in Windows 11)

What happens if I don't upgrade my operating system?

Security and Compliance Issues

The security of your data is at risk if you stay on Windows 8.1. Without any security updates, all vulnerabilities will remain unpatched. This leaves your system highly vulnerable to a breach. A hacked system on a network can also cause the breach or malware infection to spread to newer devices.  

If you have to comply with a data privacy regulation, such as HIPAA, you'll also run into problems. Data privacy rules require reasonable efforts to protect data. Using a device with an outdated operating system compromises meeting compliance.  

Slowed productivity

The older systems get, the slower they become. Employees who have to work with outdated software often complain that it hinders productivity. 77% of employees surveyed were frustrated by outdated technology. Employees struggling with outdated systems may even quit. They are 450% more likely to want to leave and work elsewhere.

An outdated operating system can hold your staff back. They miss out on modern, time-saving features. They may also encounter issues with bugs that will no longer be fixed.  

Incompatibility with new tools

Software and hardware developers aren't looking back. Once Microsoft retires an operating system, they no longer prioritize its compatibility. In fact, some may not want their product to be compatible with it because of the liability they might incur.  

When you encounter problems using modern software and hardware, it hurts your business. You become less competitive and start to fall behind. Staying on an outdated operating system keeps you stuck in the past.  

Get help with your Windows upgrades

We can help you seamlessly transition from an old operating system to a new one. If you need a new system, we can point you in the right direction for the best value. Contact us now to schedule a discussion about upgrades and your cybersecurity status .  

About Nexxo

Nexxo Computer Solutions specializes in providing IT and technology services to Quebec businesses. Its mission is to offer Quebec companies IT services tailored to their needs. Acting as an external IT department, it handles all of a company's IT tasks, allowing it to focus on its business activities. It achieves this by collaborating closely with its clients and putting their interests at the center of its concerns.