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Windows 8.1 now shows full-screen 'End of Support' warnings

Starbuck

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Windows 8.1 is now displaying full-screen alerts when logging into the operating system, warning that the OS is reaching the end of support in January 2023 and will no longer receive security updates.

The notification was introduced yesterday as part of the Windows 8.1 KB5015874 cumulative update, which includes a new EOSnotify.exe program to display a warning that the operating system will soon be unsupported.

"January 10, 2023 is the last day Microsoft will offer security updates and technical support for PCs that run Windows 8.1.
We are reaching out now to thank you for your loyalty and help you prepare for what's next," reads the Windows 8.1 notification below.

win8.12.PNG

When displaying the notification, users can click on the 'Remind me later' option, which will cause the notification to be shown again in 35 days.
Users can also click on the 'Remind me after the end of support date' option to only show the notification after Windows 8.1 reaches the end of support.

Clicking on the 'Learn More' link will bring people to a Microsoft.com web page explaining that Windows 8.1 will soon reach the end of support.

Microsoft states that the notification will not appear on managed Pro and Enterprise devices, as well as Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Enterprise and Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro devices.

Finally, it is possible to prevent the notification from displaying at all by configuring the 'DiscontinueEOS' value, as shown below.

win8.13.PNG

While these alerts may be intrusive, users should upgrade to a newer version of Windows before it reaches the end of support.

Not doing so will only cause the operating system to become more vulnerable to exploits, malware, and other bugs that may appear over time.

Source:
 
Thanks Starbuck.
I've received only one of these warnings when firing up in a morning. So to avoid problems later & only being a mere keyboard tapper, what is my next move to update to a newer version?
 
So to avoid problems later & only being a mere keyboard tapper, what is my next move to update to a newer version?
Ok, 2 answers to this.
First the official answer .....
If you click on the 'Learn more' button on the notification it will take you to a MS web page.
Looking at the Q&A section you will find..

Are there free options to upgrade to Windows 10 or 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 10 or 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.

Now the other answer...
Microsoft's free upgrade offer for Windows 10 ended more than five years ago, but no one told the people who run the Windows activation servers.
As a result, you can still upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 and claim a free digital license for the latest Windows 10 version, without being forced to jump through any hoops.
Because the links you use to download the Win10 upgrade will come from a MS site, it's still perfectly legal.

This link will explain everything.

 
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