End of support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1

This page has the information, tools and tips you need for transitioning from Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 to Windows 11 with ease.

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Windows 8 laptop computer on a desk

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 10 January 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.

Discover new capabilities with a new Windows 11 computer

Make the easy transition to a Windows 11 device to get dependability, plus new and exciting tools.

Battery fully charged

Long-lasting battery

No more being on the lookout for places to plug in. Buy a new device and enjoy extended battery life.5

Cloud

Store your files

Don’t worry about losing or accessing your files when you back them up with OneDrive.

Security shield

Minimise the risk

Keep your files protected and minimise the risk of viruses and malware.

Circle with pointer representing efficiency

Efficiency comes as standard

Find what you need quickly and make tasks easier with the new Windows 11 layout and navigation help.

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

Microsoft OneDrive file folders

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

Windows 11 Accessibility screen

Discover Windows 11 tips and tricks

Optimise screen space, maximise productivity, and bring balance to your desktop with the easy-to-use tools in Windows 11.

Looking for additional help?

Get help with your transition to Windows 11, search support articles, and get assistance with other Microsoft products.

Windows 8 FAQ

After 10 January 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 10 January 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 localised PIN or your phone as a key.
  • Organise 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) favourites with you. These instructions will guide you through moving IE favourites onto Microsoft Edge.

Learn more about Microsoft Edge

Yes. Windows 11 on a pen-capable PC or tablet allows you to use a digital pen to naturally write, draw and sign just as you do on paper. You can mark up documents and even websites. The new pen menu can be customised with shortcuts to your favourite apps. (Digital pen sold separately.)

Lean more about the Windows Pen experience

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.

Your experience may be different depending on the Office version you're running. To learn more, see Windows 8.1 end of support and Office.

You can install new apps and games on a Windows 8.1 PC from the Microsoft Store until 10 January 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 10 January 2023. Installed apps and games will receive publisher updates until 30 June 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.



  • Screens simulated. Features and app availability may vary by region.
  • 1 Windows 11 satisfaction claims are based on the U.S. Microsoft Customer Usage & Satisfaction Program Survey, February 2022.
  • 2 Windows Hello requires specialised hardware including a Windows Hello capable device, fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices.
  • 3 For the supported lifetime of the device.
  • 4 Based on average time comparison between typing a password respectively detecting a face or fingerprint to authentication success.
  • 5 Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
  • 6 Internet access required, fees may apply. Requires Microsoft account.