Google+ Top Story: No more security updates for Windows 8 By Justin Ferris ~ High Tech House Calls
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» » Top Story: No more security updates for Windows 8 By Justin Ferris

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Top Story: No more security updates for Windows 8 By Justin Ferris

1:00 PM  High Tech House Calls, Expert Computer Consulting  


 If you read our news last week, you know that today is the day that Microsoft puts Internet Explorers 8, 9 and 10 to rest. Microsoft will no longer release security updates for these browsers (unless you're using IE 9 on Vista), which means they'll have increasingly fewer defenses against hackers.

However, today is also the day that Microsoft stops providing security updates for the 3-year-old Windows 8. Before you panic, however, we should be clear that it isn't ending support for Windows 8.1, which is supported through January 10, 2023. So, how do you know if this affects you?

If you aren't sure whether you have Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, go to the Start screen and in the upper-right corner next to your name and picture see if there's a search icon that looks like a magnifying glass. If there is, then it's 8.1, and if not then you have 8.

From the Start screen you can also type the word "Computer" to bring up an automatic search. In the right search result column, find "Computer" or "This PC" and right-click on it (or press and hold on a touch screen) and select "Properties." In the System properties window, look under Windows edition to see if it's Windows 8 or 8.1.

If you're still using Windows 8, you'll need to upgrade immediately to 8.1 or 10. Both options are free.

Before you do upgrade, you'll want to make sure your important files are backed up. While it's usually a painless process, you shouldn't want to take chances.

To upgrade to 8.1, go to the Windows 8 Start screen and click on the "Store" app. On the store home page you should see a notice for the 8.1 upgrade. Click "Download" to start and Windows should do the rest and then ask you to restart. Simply sign in and follow the directions to complete the setup.

If you want to upgrade to Windows 10, you'll have to upgrade to 8.1 first, so follow the instructions above. Once 8.1 is installed, you can find the Windows 10 upgrade in the Windows Update area.
However, it might be easier to go to this page and click the "Upgrade Now" button. Once the download competes, run it to start the upgrade process.

HTHC Comments 
Windows 8.1 runs so much better than Windows 8. I see very little risk in this upgrade. Seat of the pants upgrades from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 resulted in a slower performing machine. Older computers may have a problem with BlueTooth working. Some computer vendors aren't bothering with Windows 10 drivers for older computers.

We are here to help. Call/email/text us if we can be of any assistance.

Carl Thorne
Expert Computer Consulting 



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