Users of Windows 8 and older versions of Internet Explorer (8, 9, 10) need to upgrade to Windows 8.1 and IE 11 if they wish to continue keeping their software and Internet browsing secure and duly updated.
Last January 12, Microsoft ended its support for Windows 8 and Internet Explorer versions 8, 9, and 10. That means users of these versions will no longer have access to updates and patches meant to keep their software safe and secure against malware and hackers.
Normally, Microsoft supports an Operating System for a minimum period of 10 years after the software’s release. But since the release of Windows 8.1 (released in 2013), Windows 8 (2012) has been considered a “prior service pack.” Once a new service pack is released, the prior one is only supported for a period of 24 months.
In a statement, Microsoft said Windows 8.1 comes with new features and enhancements, unlike its service pack predecessors which were mainly just a collection of fixes.
Users initially gave a lukewarm reception to Windows 8 due to its confusing tile-based interface and the absence of other familiar features like the “Start button.” In Windows 8.1, the Start button was brought back along with a “desktop mode” boot up option.
Users who haven’t upgraded may do so from the Windows Store online.
Upon installation of Windows 8.1, users will have the option to get a free Windows 10 upgrade.
As for Internet Explorer, users would have to upgrade to IE 11 if they’re still using Windows 7, 8.1, or 10. This is because they will no longer get support for previous versions on Internet Explorer; except for IE 9 and 10 which will still be supported on select Operating Systems that do not support IE 11, like Windows Vista SP2.
According to Microsoft, IE 11 will be the last version of Internet Explorer as Windows 10 already comes with a new browser named Microsoft Edge.
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