Home Blog End of support for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7

End of support for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7

2025/01/20 Microsoft Cloud Solutions 176 visit(s) 5 min to read

By:Ctelecoms

Ctelecoms

Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025

Is your computer running Windows 10?

Important news: Microsoft will stop supporting it in October 2025. After October 14, 2025, you'll stop receiving free updates, technical help, and—most importantly—security fixes.

Your computer will still work, but it's strongly recommended to upgrade to Windows 11. Windows 11 is designed to be more secure and has lots of cool new features.

Compare Windows

Want to learn more? Check out the differences between Windows 10 and 11:

Feature	Windows 11	Windows 10
New UI Windows 11 is easier on the eyes and easier to use. We took the best elements of Windows 10 and refined them to create a soothing place to work and play.	√
Smart recommendations in File Explorer & Start Menu Find the files you’re looking for faster with smart recommendations in your Start menu and File explorer. You can also mark favorite files and use File explorer tabs, only on Windows 11, to keep your files organized and separate.	√
Passkeys integrated with Windows Hello Passkeys are the cross-platform future of secure sign-in management. Windows 11 users will be able to replace passwords with passkeys for their web sites and apps if offered by the web site or application. Instead of using a username and password to sign-in to a website or app you will use a username and passkey, The sign-in experience is made seamless using Windows Hello or your mobile phone. Users will be able to manage their passkeys in Windows Settings. Passkeys on Windows 11 devices will work on multiple browsers including Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, and others.	√
Wake on approach. Lock on leave. Windows 11 can automatically wake up when you approach your device and lock when you leave it.	√
Smart App Control Smart App Control provides a layer of security by only permitting apps with good reputations to be installed on your Windows 11 PC.	√
Seamless redocking When you connect your PC to an external display or monitor, Windows 11 remembers how you like things arranged when you leave, come back, and reconnect. This feature is new and exclusive to Windows 11.	√
Live Captions With Live Captionson Windows 11, speech–like that through a Teams call–can be instantly transcribed into captions.	√
Windows Studio Effects Windows Studio Effects elevate your video calls. You can eliminate distracting sights and sounds, stay in focus with automatic framing, and maintain eye contact even if you’re reading from notes.	√
Auto HDR Auto HDR increases the range of colors both new and old games can produce. Available only on Windows 11, this new calibration app increases control of color.	√
Dynamic Lighting If you have RGB LEDs in your mouse, keyboard, or tower, coordinate their colors with the Dynamic Lighting menu in Settings. Once linked, game and app integrations work seamlessly to react to music or what happens in-game.	√
Cross Adapter Scan Out (CASO) CASO can reduce latency and increase frame rates on gaming laptops (with integrated and discrete GPUs) for 2000+ Directx11 and later games.	√
Optimizations for windowed games Optimizations for windowed games reduces latency and increase framerates on 2,000+ DirectX 11 and later games, and enables you to play windowed games at higher framerates and use features like Auto HDR.	√
Controller bar The Windows 11 Control bar helps you easily jump back into the game you last played or into a new one.	√
Touchscreen While Windows 10 worked well with touch inputs, Windows 11 was designed with them in mind for a true mouse-less or keyboard-less experience.	√	√
Search The Search bar in Windows 11 is in a new, easy-to-find location. Located in the Start Menu, it can find what you can’t, including files, apps, or anything you want online.	√	√
Widgets Widgets are new for Windows 11. They’ll help you stay up to date with all the things you need to keep tabs on, like schedules, weather, stocks, sports—even celebrity gossip.	√	Although Widgets aren’t available on Windows 10, you can reference News & Interests, which connects to the Microsoft newsfeed. It does not have additional app or widget integrations.
Energy recommendations Windows 11 makes it easier to keep track of your energy efficiency with the introduction of Energy recommendations. Energy recommendations identifies settings that have an outsized impact on power consumption in one place, making it easy to adjust your power consumption and improve battery life.	√	√
TPM 2.0 A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) helps prevent unwanted tampering. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, which provides next-gen security and privacy for you, your apps and your system’s hardware.	√	√
Advanced network security Windows 11 has an improved experience and protocols, including more secure and reliable connection methods and advanced network security, including encryption and firewall protection and built-in Virtual Private Network (VPN) protocols. Includes support for Hyper-V, Firewall, Wi-Fi6, WPA3, and an encrypted DNS protocol, and support for more Bluetooth connections including Secure Simple Pairing, Secure Connections, and Core Spec compliance up through version 5.3.	√	√
Windows Hello for Microsoft account Windows Hello provides a secure, convenient sign-in experience by augmenting or replacing passwords with a stronger authentication model based on a PIN or biometric sign-in such as facial or fingerprint recognition. Windows 11 includes improved security using the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0.	√	√
Windows Security app The Windows Security app serves as the security dashboard and is available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.	√	√
Snap assist Snap assist makes the most of your screen space by arranging your open windows into perfectly aligned grids. On Windows 11, Snap remembers your layout, so you can seamlessly stay in your flow.	√	√
Microsoft Edge Microsoft Edge is optimized for Windows 11 to bring you the browsing speed and security you crave. And, with Copilot in Edge, get the help you need to answer complex questions and everyday tasks.	√	√
Sync your PC and phone Make and take calls. Reply to texts. Check and dismiss notifications. Use Phone Link to do it all from your Windows PC without even taking your phone out of your pocket. Now available for Android™ and iPhone® devices only on Windows 11.	√ Android and iPhone	√ Android only
Windows on ARM Devices with a thin, light design and amazing battery life that run the apps you care about.	√	√
Narrator To read, or to be read to? Narrator can turn text into spoken words. Only on Windows 11 does Narrator use natural, human voices to read text on the screen aloud.	√	√
Contrast themes High contrast themes are available in both Windows 10 and 11 to help those with low vision see more easily.	√	√
Voice access Along with the voice typing and speech-to-text for typing functions on Windows 10, you can now use voice access commands to perform basic functions on your Windows 11 PC; like open apps, minimize windows, and scroll.	√	Although voice access isn’t available on Windows 10, voice typing and speech-to-text for typing purposes is available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11
Microsoft Store The new Microsoft Store has been redesigned for Windows 11 and makes finding apps, movies, and TV shows you love easy.	√	√
Universal Media Search No more “endless scrolling.” Universal media search in the Microsoft store looks across the catalogs of multiple streaming services all at once to help you find what you want to stream, fast.	√	√
Photos app Crop, erase, adjust colors and lighting—Photos can help you get your pictures just right. Enjoy the latest features, like iCloud sync, OneDrive search, and Background Blur, on Windows 11, to help you organize and revisit your favorite moments.	√	√
Paint Paint includes some powerful but simple-to-use tools. You can easily remove backgrounds, and scale with better quality to help your project look more professional. Now in Windows 11, Paint can generate images based on a text prompt to help you bring your creativity to life.	√ Cocreator, Background Removal, and Layers	√
Snipping Tool Snipping Tool is available on both Windows 10 and 11 to help users crop screenshots to share with others exactly what you’re seeing. On Windows 11, you can Screen Record and copy or redact text from any screenshot image.	√	√
Clipchamp Microsoft Clipchamp comes built into Windows 11 with new functionality that can help you put together unique videos with just a couple of prompts. With dynamic templates and dazzling effects, Clipchamp makes it easy for anyone to edit videos like a pro.	√	√
Digital pen Draw, design, and navigate the smart way using a digital pen, now with an improved inking experience only on Windows 11.	√	√
Emojis Whenever words won’t do, emojis are just a couple of clicks away with the Emoji Clipboard on Windows 11. With a simple keystroke [Win + V], you'll find your favorites and get access libraries of faces, GIFs, keymojis, and symbols to help you say what you really mean.	√	√
DirectStorage Games with larger worlds that load in less time. It’s possible with DirectStorage.	√	√
DirectX 12 Ultimate This is what harnesses your hardware to produce stunning graphics for your games.	√	√
3D spatial sound This technology makes it possible for you to perceive where the sources of sound in games are with compatible headphones.	√	√
PC Game Pass PC Game Pass grants you access to over a hundred games for one low monthly membership fee.	√	√
Xbox game bar No need to alt + tab to change songs, check graphics performance, or find friends. Just use the hotkey Win + G to ring up the overlay made for better play.	√	√
Get Started app The Get Started app is designed to help you get to know Windows better.	√	√
Windows Backup Feel at home instantly on your new PC. Windows 11 gives you the choice of bringing over the files, apps, and preferences you want with you.	√ Backup and restore	√ Backup only
Microsoft account A Microsoft account can be your one passport to all things Microsoft, from Office to Xbox and more.	√	√

Transfer your data with Windows backup:

- How to use Windows Backup

The latest update for Windows 10 and 11 includes Windows Backup. It helps you safely save and move your important stuff when you sign in with your Microsoft account.

- Back up your PC files to OneDrive

OneDrive is the best and safest way to back up your Windows 10 PC. It lets you easily move your files and memories to the cloud, so you can get to them on your new computer.

- Save your files, settings, and apps

Don't worry about transferring your files to your new computer—Windows Backup does it automatically! It saves you time and effort by moving everything over for you.

- Feel instantly at home on your new PC

Setting up your new Windows 11 PC is easy—you can restore your files and enjoy the best Windows experience ever.

3 steps to secure and move your data with Windows Backup

When you’re ready to make the move, follow these instructions to save, then transfer your files and most settings and apps to your new Windows 11 PC.

Update your Windows 10 PC

Make sure you’re using the most up-to-date version of Windows 10.

Save to Windows Backup

Use the Search bar in Windows 10 to locate and open Windows Backup, then follow the steps to save your data to your Microsoft account.

You’re ready to transfer your data

The first time you start your new Windows 11 PC, sign in and follow the setup instructions to bring your stuff with you.

FAQ

Do I need a Microsoft account for Windows 11?

Yes. A Microsoft account gives you access to Microsoft services, including Windows 11.⁴ It's free and comes with 5 GB of OneDrive storage! If you don't have a Microsoft account, it’s easy to sign up using your existing or new email address .

What is OneDrive?

OneDrive is a Microsoft cloud storage service that lets you store your personal files in one place, share them with others, and get to them from any device connected to the internet.

How do I create an account for OneDrive?

Check out this brief video that will walk you through a few quick steps to set up an account.

How much storage is available on OneDrive?

A free OneDrive basic account offers 5 GB of storage. Need more space? As a Microsoft Gold Partner, we can help you find the best Microsoft 365 solutions and apps for your needs.

Can I transfer my files without using OneDrive?

If OneDrive is not the best fit for you, there are other options available. For example, you can use an external hard drive along with Windows Backup. There are also other programs designed to help with backing up your files and data and some retailers have service desks that will do the work for you.

Can I use Microsoft Office on a new computer?

Yes. You can install or activate compatible versions of Office on your new computer using your product key.

Can I transfer older programs and applications to a new Windows computer?

Windows Backup helps you get your app list back on your new Windows 11 PC. It's important to know that it doesn't actually transfer or reinstall the apps for you. When you first open some of your old apps, they'll automatically reinstall from the Microsoft Store. But for other apps, you might need to go to the app's website or the Microsoft Store and reinstall them yourself.

Support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 has ended

- After 10 years, security updates and technical support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020. We know change can be difficult, but we're here to help you take the next steps with ease.

- As of January 10, 2023, Microsoft no longer provides security updates or technical support for Windows 8.1. You might be able to upgrade your Windows 8.1 device to a newer version of Windows, but we recommend moving to a new PC that can run Windows 11 as the best option.

Windows 7 & Windows 8 FAQ

What does end of support mean for my Windows 8.1 PC?

After January 10, 2023, Windows 8.1 will still work, but Microsoft will stop providing support, software updates, and security fixes. This means your PC will be more vulnerable to viruses and malware. We recommend upgrading to a supported version of Windows, like Windows 11 on a new device.

Will my Windows 8.1 computer stop working?

After January 10, 2023, your Windows 8.1 PC will still turn on, but it won't get any more updates or security protection from Microsoft. This makes it more vulnerable to viruses and malware. We recommend upgrading to a supported version of Windows, like Windows 11 on a new device.

What options do I have for staying supported on a Windows operating system?

There are a few options for using a supported version of Windows:

Windows 11 is the most current version of Windows. If you have an older PC, we recommend you move to Windows 11 by buying a new PC. Hardware and software have improved a lot sinceWindows7 and Windows 8.1 was released, and today’s computers are faster, more powerful, and more secure.

How do I get Windows 11?

Installing Windows 11 on your current PC Most PCs that run Windows 8.1 are not able to run Windows 11, but you can check to see if your computer is eligible by comparing its hardware specifications to the Windows 11 minimum system requirements. If your PC is capable of running Windows 11, you can purchase and download a full version of Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.

Are there free options to upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 or Windows 11?

There aren't any free upgrades from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 or 11. If you want Windows 11, you'll need to buy a copy.

Why should I consider a new computer?

PCs that came with Windows 8.1 are about 10 years old. Moving to a new PC with Windows 11 brings lots of improvements! You'll find some familiar things, but also much faster hardware and new features that weren't around a decade ago. Here are some highlights:

Faster and more compatible hardware: New PCs are simply faster and work better with the latest technology.
Built-in security: Windows 11 comes with free built-in security features like firewall and internet protection against viruses, malware, and ransomware. You can also use facial recognition, fingerprint login (with compatible PCs), a PIN, or even your phone to sign in securely with Windows Hello.
Easy photo organization: The Photos app helps you organize, view, and share your photos easily, even across different devices. Just store your photos on OneDrive and sign in with your Microsoft account.

How is Windows 11 security better than Windows 8.1?

Windows 11 is the most secure Windows yet, with built-in protection against viruses, firewalls, and online threats. You get regular security updates at no extra cost to help keep you safe. (You'll need internet access to get updates, and your internet provider might charge fees.)

Which edition of Windows 11 is right for me?

Windows 11 Home is the perfect operating system for personal and household use, while Windows 11 Pro offers all the familiar features of Windows 11 Home, plus additional features such as BitLocker, remote desktop, and domain join to support professionals.

How do I transfer my personal files to a new computer?

Moving your files and photos to a new PC is easy with OneDrive. With an internet connection, you can back up and protect your files in the cloud with just a few clicks. Then, you can easily sync them to your new PC. This keeps your files both on your computer for offline use and safely stored in OneDrive, so you can always get them back if needed. OneDrive can even keep both versions updated automatically.

Can I move my shortcuts and Internet Explorer favorites to a new PC?

Microsoft Edge is the faster, safer browser for newer versions of Windows. Moving to a new Windows PC? You can easily bring your Internet Explorer favorites with you.

Does Windows 11 support the use of a digital pen or stylus?

Absolutely! If you have a pen-capable Windows 11 PC or tablet, you can use a digital pen to write, draw, and sign things just like you would on paper. You can even mark up documents and websites directly. Plus, the new pen menu is customizable, so you can add shortcuts to the apps you use most. (Remember, the digital pen is sold separately.)

How do I sign into Windows 11 without a password?

On devices that support Windows Hello², you can automatically bypass the login screen without typing a password. Use your face, fingerprint, or companion device to unlock your Windows 11 computer in the fastest,⁴ most secure way.

How will end of support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 affect my Microsoft Office apps?

Your experience may be different depending on the Office version you're running.

Will I be able to continue using the apps and games I have installed from the Microsoft Store on my Windows 8.1 PC?

As of January 10, 2023, you will not be able to make any new app purchases or any in-app purchases from the Microsoft Store, but you can continue to use installed apps and games on a Windows 8.1 PC after that date. Installed apps and games will receive publisher updates through June 30, 2023 (or later if support is provided independently by the developer). Once updates are no longer available, app quality and usability may be degraded. Customers who move to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC can use and reinstall previously purchased apps and games on their new or upgraded PC.

With Microsoft ending support for from Windows 7, 8.1, and 10, upgrading to Windows 11 is important for maintaining security and maximizing productivity. Ctelecoms, as a trusted Microsoft Gold Partner in KSA, is here to help Saudi businesses of all sizes. We offer expert guidance and support to help you adopt the Microsoft solutions that best suit your specific needs, ensuring a secure, efficient, and modern IT environment.

Contact us!