Move from Windows 8 to 8.1 NOW!!!

Windows 8 users face patch spigot shutoff in 7 months

Windows 8 users have a little less than seven months to move to Windows 8.1 or be cut off from Microsoft's stream of security updates.

Windows 8 users face patch spigot shutoff in 7 months - Techworld

8. Why are you requiring Windows 8 customers move to Windows 8.1 two years after the General Availability?

Historically, we’ve had a similar support approach related to Windows service packs; when a Windows service pack is released, Microsoft provides customers 24 months of support for the prior service pack or original RTM version. Unlike service packs that are typically just a collection of fixes, Windows 8.1 has new features and enhancements. We designed Windows 8.1 to give customers an ability to deploy this update in a manner that is similar to how customers deploy service packs, therefore we are applying the existing service pack support policy to Windows 8.1.

Windows 8.1 does not change any hardware requirements compared with Windows 8 or Windows 7 and existing Windows Store apps will work with Windows 8.1. The update has little to no impact on existing desktop apps and there is no direct software cost because business customers with Software Assurance licensing will receive Windows 8.1 as a free update. For organizations running legacy applications that need to be upgraded, there are tools to manage deployment in order to help mitigate cost and impact.

Windows Products Support Lifecycle FAQ

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?alpha=Windows 8&Filter=FilterNO​

Products Released	Lifecycle Start Date	Mainstream Support End Date	Extended Support End Date	Service Pack Support End Date	Notes
Windows 8	10/30/2012	1/9/2018	1/10/2023	1/12/2016	Customers have 24 months to move to Windows 8.1 after General Availability in order to remain supported. See the Windows 8.1 FAQ for more information.
Windows 8 Enterprise	10/30/2012	1/9/2018	1/10/2023	1/12/2016	Customers have 24 months to move to Windows 8.1 after General Availability in order to remain supported. See the Windows 8.1 FAQ for more information.
Windows 8 Enterprise N	10/30/2012	1/9/2018	1/10/2023	1/12/2016	Customers have 24 months to move to Windows 8.1 after General Availability in order to remain supported. See the Windows 8.1 FAQ for more information.
Windows 8 N	10/30/2012	1/9/2018	1/10/2023	1/12/2016	Customers have 24 months to move to Windows 8.1 after General Availability in order to remain supported. See the Windows 8.1 FAQ for more information.
Windows 8 Pro	10/30/2012	1/9/2018	1/10/2023	1/12/2016	Customers have 24 months to move to Windows 8.1 after General Availability in order to remain supported. See the Windows 8.1 FAQ for more information.
Windows 8 Pro N	10/30/2012	1/9/2018	1/10/2023	1/12/2016	Customers have 24 months to move to Windows 8.1 after General Availability in order to remain supported. See the Windows 8.1 FAQ for more information.

 

[alphanumeric]

If your reinstalling that often why not just clean install 8.1 then?

 

[nt62]

If you're reinstalling that often why not just clean install 8.1 then?

I am totally alone in NOT liking what user feedback has done to 8.
8.1 is bad.
8.1.1 is worse.
10 is awful.
All changed by whiners, complaints, and user feedback. The sheeple have spoken.

But that's another story / topic.

 

[alphanumeric]

What can I say, I didn't like Windows 8.0 at all. What they did in 8.1 changed that for me. Now it's my primary OS. If a lot of people are complaining about something that's usually a sign that its something that needs to be improved or changed. Anyway, if you like 8.0 more power too you.

 

[FuturDreamz]

If you're reinstalling that often why not just clean install 8.1 then?

I am totally alone in NOT liking what user feedback has done to 8.
8.1 is bad.
8.1.1 is worse.
10 is awful.
All changed by whiners, complaints, and user feedback. The sheeple have spoken.

But that's another story / topic.

Well that's an odd perspective. I'd understand Windows 7 but not Windows 8.0. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion, but you seem to take on a rather significant amount of work and risk just to avoid adapting to some minor changes. How the hell did you switch to Windows 8 in the first place?

 

[alphanumeric]

Microsoft cannot FORCE anyone to move to 8.1.
I will NOT be upgrading anything.
... been using 8.0 since its release.
On this system, build 9200 (8.0) works beautifully. Totally awesome. Totally rock solid.
Let's do this again in 2024.

View attachment 63190

If it's so rock solid why are you reinstalling every three weeks?

 

[nt62]

... but you seem to take on a rather significant amount of work and risk just to avoid adapting to some minor changes. How ... did you switch to Windows 8 in the first place?

What work? What risk? Adapt to what I don't want?

Well at RTM, MS had offers of 8 pro for $14.99 US. I almost don't remember.
I do remember paying $14.99 for 8 pro.
One laptop I have got a free upgrade from Windows 7.

But anyway, I always specify build 9200 because I use server 2012 not retail 8 pro.
(both use the same kernel - nt62)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Server_2012

I never liked all the junk MS was driving at.
... was given a free copy of server and basically use that all the time.
No phone stuff, No sync, No live tiles, No uninstallable apps, No Microsoft Accounts



I just want the metro tiling system as a launcher... Don't need groups.
Very much prefer immersion not windowing.

If you view the server start screen on Wikipedia,
it's just plain clean and basically launches desktop programs only.

I have learned how to use it differently as well.
It has features not available in retail systems.

Also, as builds went up, server 2012 R2 had a change
in build 9600 which removed some of the features in 9200. (Don't like R2)

There is no work for me here. Watching all the mania about builds at tenforums,
I would ask, what are they going to do when 10 remains 10 for years ?
Looking and getting excited about the next updates?

What risk? There is no risk in what I do here.
Being afraid to use Windows because one does not have the updates is computer comedy.

a rather significant amount of work

It's a hobby. I am not at the office working. I am old and retired at home.

 

[nt62]

If it's so rock solid why are you reinstalling every three weeks?

That's not in stone. Perhaps 3 weeks to 3 months would be a better average length of time.
Reference to 3 weeks should indicate that it is easy to do.
Ten minutes from USB boot to start screen is a cup of coffee.

It's just something to do in between
grocery shopping, visits to my bank, auto repair shop,
pet store, running Netflix, Hulu, Amazon or cutting grass.

I like to go thru the motions occasionally. ... do not have much installed.



... sympathies to those that install 50 to 100 programs and 20 games +
OR create tons of links to MUSIC multimedia

 

[nt62]

...Well that's an odd perspective. I'd understand Windows 7 but not Windows 8.0.

Why? Windows 8 is an improvement on 7. The only difference is the UI and customization options that were removed. One could say the same thing about 10. That 10 is an improvement on 8.x.

ok, fine, but the UI of 10 is from my perspective - retro - and a hybrid of 8 metro.

Of course there are improvements and added features in 10,
but if a list is made, say 15 improvements in 10 vs 8, 13 of them I don't need or want.

unicorns on the 10 menu. I dislike desktop menus.

an odd perspective

Of course, as well, it is amusing how so many tirades occurred to define metro tiles as kiddy land.
And now of course in 10, the kiddy tiles are still there and not a peep from any fans.

 

[FuturDreamz]

That just raises more questions.

Why are you using the Server version if you claimed to have upgrade keys for 8? They're not the same OS.

What are the changes in Server R2 that you do not like?

Why not just use a launcher replacement to make it work the way you like? You already have Stardock.

Why do you do a full install when you could simply set up an image?

Is your computer actually legitimately activated or do you simply reinstall before it starts to complain?

 

[nt62]

1) Like explained, I don't care for the MS ecosystem.
2) I have a key for 8 yes, and have used it. In fact I have backups of backups on USB sticks of the 8 pro iso
3) They use the same kernel and are quite the same.
The difference is in the underlying features - capabilities.

4) R2 is a clone of 8.1 (build 9600 kernel NT 6.3)
- don't like 8.1 - one feature of 8.1 that is nice is "show desktop on start" - (not available in R2)

5) Have been using desktop launchers for years - they are great
- the metro tile launcher is better - No desktop clutter.

6) As stated, I like to go thru the motions - it's a hobby - not unlike the hysteria over fast ring builds
- I have a dozen images made up, it requires no effort to restore - I like a challenge
Also as previously stated, 10 minutes from USB boot to start screen is easy

7) Yes, legit activation.

Not expressing that anyone else should be interested in what I like.

 

[Cliff S]

On your point 6

6) As stated, I like to go thru the motions - it's a hobby - not unlike the hysteria over fast ring builds
- I have a dozen images made up, it requires no effort to restore - I like a challenge

I can definitely understand this. I like testing different Linux distros (setting up things is fun) and with the Windows 10 preview I had to try different install scenarios and drivers and have become quite adept and fast at installing the OS, drivers, and software. It's a lot more fun and educational to me than playing games and stuff.

 

[zee31]

Please I denied users to have access to drive c. Now I cannot access the drive and all folders in the drive. What is the way ou without formatting it?

 

[alphanumeric]

Please I denied users to have access to drive c. Now I cannot access the drive and all folders in the drive. What is the way ou without formatting it?

Please start a new thread on your subject.

 

[MrBill]

I wonder how the Windows 10 upgrade will go because of this. I'm on the Insider Program and the most recent build works on my machine. However, it is very plain jane in regards to all ASUS parts, custom built. I can see many an HP, Dell etc. with specialized drivers having an interesting time of it. I would say if you are on 8.1 that 10 will work fine. If you are on 7, which I was, you are rolling the dice. If you are stuck on 8 because 8.1 didn't work, I would make a disk image before going to 10.

 

[RBS]

Sooooo, my machine came with Windows 8, I purchased Pro with Media Center. Then after being harassed with stupid update Now screens I updated to Windows 8.1. I also have purchased several 8.1 Store apps

BUT

if I need to re-install in the future, normally i would do a factory reset, do my 8 Pro upgrade with the key and add Media Center, then I would do my Windows 8.1 upgrade.

So, I can no longer upgrade in the future to 8.1, unless I purchase yet another upgrade>
Am I understanding this correctly? If yes, I am either stuck having to purchase the 8.1 upgrade pack, or simply throw any of my Windows 8.1 apps out the door, this is totally not cool.

And some wonder why I have come to distrust and dislike Microsoft so much.
I can see Class Action suits filed on this.

 

[alphanumeric]

Sooooo, my machine came with Windows 8, I purchased Pro with Media Center. Then after being harassed with stupid update Now screens I updated to Windows 8.1. I also have purchased several 8.1 Store apps

BUT

if I need to re-install in the future, normally i would do a factory reset, do my 8 Pro upgrade with the key and add Media Center, then I would do my Windows 8.1 upgrade.

So, I can no longer upgrade in the future to 8.1, unless I purchase yet another upgrade>
Am I understanding this correctly? If yes, I am either stuck having to purchase the 8.1 upgrade pack, or simply throw any of my Windows 8.1 apps out the door, this is totally not cool.

And some wonder why I have come to distrust and dislike Microsoft so much.
I can see Class Action suits filed on this.

No, you can download install media from here, Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help that will let you install Windows 8.1 with Windows 8.0 keys. It will also activate with the Windows 8.0 keys. You'll still have to install 8.1 Pro and use add features to add Media Center, but you can skip having to install 8.0 and upgrading to 8.1.

 

[RBS]

Sooooo, my machine came with Windows 8, I purchased Pro with Media Center. Then after being harassed with stupid update Now screens I updated to Windows 8.1. I also have purchased several 8.1 Store apps

BUT

if I need to re-install in the future, normally i would do a factory reset, do my 8 Pro upgrade with the key and add Media Center, then I would do my Windows 8.1 upgrade.

So, I can no longer upgrade in the future to 8.1, unless I purchase yet another upgrade>
Am I understanding this correctly? If yes, I am either stuck having to purchase the 8.1 upgrade pack, or simply throw any of my Windows 8.1 apps out the door, this is totally not cool.

And some wonder why I have come to distrust and dislike Microsoft so much.
I can see Class Action suits filed on this.

No, you can download install media from here, Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help that will let you install Windows 8.1 with Windows 8.0 keys. It will also activate with the Windows 8.0 keys. You'll still have to install 8.1 Pro and use add features to add Media Center, but you can skip having to install 8.0 and upgrading to 8.1.

I don't understand, I already would have 8.0 Pro and Media Center installed why would I want to overwrite that with 8.1 that is just plain foolish. So I would still have to buy 8.1 Pro to install that? is that what you are telling me?

 

[alphanumeric]

I don't understand anything you've said so far so I guess were even. So your PC came with Windows 8, then you bought the Pro Pack. Then you upgraded to 8.1. Then you asked what if I have to reinstall. There are two ways to do that.
1, Factory Reset to Windows 8, enter your Pro pack keys, upgrade to 8.1. Doesn't cost you anything, don't have any idea why you thought you had to buy 8.1 again?
2. Go to the download I linked to and download Windows 8.1 install media, its free by the way. Then install 8.1, it will use your Windows 8.0 OEM key automatically. Then enter your pro pack keys to get Pro and media center. You may even be able to download 8.1 Pro and install it with your Pro Pack key and save doing one of the upgrades. Still all free.

You don't have to buy 8.1 Pro again just because Windows 8.0 reached end of support.

 

[RBS]

I don't understand anything you've said so far so I guess were even. So your PC came with Windows 8, then you bought the Pro Pack. Then you upgraded to 8.1. Then you asked what if I have to reinstall. There are two ways to do that.
1, Factory Reset to Windows 8, enter your Pro pack keys, upgrade to 8.1. Doesn't cost you anything, don't have any idea why you thought you had to buy 8.1 again?
2. Go to the download I linked to and download Windows 8.1 install media, its free by the way. Then install 8.1, it will use your Windows 8.0 OEM key automatically. Then enter your pro pack keys to get Pro and media center. You may even be able to download 8.1 Pro and install it with your Pro Pack key and save doing one of the upgrades. Still all free.

You don't have to buy 8.1 Pro again just because Windows 8.0 reached end of support.

Okay, for some reason I got the wrong idea here.

I was thinking that they were not going to allow the free upgrade to Windows 8.1/8.1 Pro any longer. I don't know where I got that idea from. After re-reading the article, again, I believe all they are saying is that support is no longer provided. Stupid me, I still have no clue how or why I thought that. Sorry for the confusion, and thanks for helping me put my brain back in my head.

 

[alphanumeric]

Hey, no problem, stuff like that happens to all of use at some point. I ditched my factory Windows 8.0 OEM installs long ago. I just clean install Windows 8.1 when need be. I go right to Pro with my MSDN key then add Media Center.