Microsoft Windows 8.1 End of Life
Support dates and upgrade guidance — rebuilt from live data.
Microsoft Windows 8.1 reached end of life on 10 Jan 2023. It no longer receives security fixes.
Support timeline
Official dates from the Microsoft Windows release process.
| Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | 13 Nov 2013 | 12y 11mo ago |
| Active Support ended | 9 Jan 2018 | security fixes only after this |
| Security Support ended | 10 Jan 2023 | 3y 9mo ago |
| Latest release | 6.3.9600 | final |
Where to go from 8.1
Recommended target: Microsoft Windows 11-26h2-e (supported until 9 Oct 2029).
The newest actively supported branch is Microsoft Windows 11-26h2-e (latest release 10.0.26300).
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Windows 8.1 still safe to use?
Microsoft Windows 8.1 reached end of life on 10 Jan 2023, 1,367 days ago, and is no longer covered by standard support. Running it means no guaranteed security fixes.
Can I still download Microsoft Windows 8.1?
Yes — the final release (6.3.9600) generally remains available from vendor archives and OS package mirrors, but installing it means running software with known, unpatched vulnerabilities.
What should I upgrade Microsoft Windows 8.1 to?
Upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11-26h2-e, the newest actively supported branch (supported until 9 Oct 2029).