XP was taken out back and shot, Windows 8.x pre-U1 given death sentence too

[CAM]

It seems Microsoft aren't happy with Windows 8. With all the fuss about XP being dropped they are quietly killing off pre-Update 1 versions too.

 

Microsoft: Windows version you probably haven't upgraded to yet is ALREADY OBSOLETE

 

If you do not upgrade Windows 8.0 and 8.1 to the new Windows 8.1 Update 1 then just like XP you won't get any security updates. Period. This also means Microsoft appear to be backtracking on their provision of security fixes for pirate copies of Windows.

 

Windows 8.1 should automatically upgrade to Update 1 but if you have Windows Update set to manual or you are running a non-legit copy of Windows 8 then you will be left with a vulnerable OS. I don't know if 8.0 users will get Update 1 automatically or if they still have to manually update from the Windows Store to 8.1.

 

Either way, if you are having compatibility problems with 8.1 you don't have long to fix them!

[jamesbmarshall]

For Windows 8.0 users, Windows 8.1 is a free and optional update delivered through the Windows Store.

 

For Windows 8.1 users, Windows 8.1 Update is a free and mandatory update delivered through Windows Update.

 

If you're running Windows 8.0 or looking at upgrading to it then there's no reason not to look straight towards Windows 8.1 Update since it adds a lot of great features that make it easier for keyboard & mouse users (like re-introducing the Start button, being able to pin and manage full-screen modern apps from the taskbar, boot-to-desktop, etc.).

[AngryTechnician]

If you're running Windows 8.0 or looking at upgrading to it then there's no reason not to look straight towards Windows 8.1 Update

 

One very good reason not to upgrade would be if you use OneDrive (the consumer version, not Pro). Ever since KB2923768, OneDrive does not work with roaming profiles. Update 1 has this patch included.

[mikeyd101]

I found a bit of a problem while checking out win8. I used a windows 8 mak key and couldnt update to 8.1 as it falls under a different mak and the 2 aren't compatible. Took me a few days to figure out too. if they stop supporting win8 all machines installed with a win8 mak will need to be re-installed. There maybe an easier way to update the key but i didnt find it.

 

Loving microsoft's version numbering, looking forward to win 8.1.u1.1 reminds me of windows 3.1.1 for workgroups

[cpjitservices]

SO what about Windows 7 Pro/Ultimate versions ? If they are stopping updates for 8.1..... Windows 7 is older.... whats going to happen to that!! ?? Is 7 going to carry on as is ? or is redmond going to come up with some bright idea to stop updates for 7 soon too!?

[free780]

I have no idea why 8.1 is only in the store. It should have been pushed out through windows update.

[Arthur]

Is 7 going to carry on as is?

7 is on death row waiting for its lethal injection on 14th January 2020.

 

Windows 7 almost certainly won't get any more service packs so it will just carry on as normal getting hotfixes through Windows Update.

[Arthur]

I have no idea why 8.1 is only in the store. It should have been pushed out through windows update.

Don't you think downloading a 3GB-4GB update through Windows Update would be a bit much?

[free780]

Not really. Apple do it and ms want to be apple.

[Arthur]

Apple do it and MS want to be Apple.

Major OS X updates (like Mavericks) are downloaded through the Mac App Store, not Software Update though.

[matt40k]

If you do not upgrade Windows 8.0 and 8.1 to the new Windows 8.1 Update 1 then just like XP you won't get any security updates. Period.

 

Your wrong. It's only Windows 8.1 that needs to apply Update 1. Windows 8 is ok. Read the link to the MS blog article: Information Regarding the Latest Update for Windows 8.1 - GLADIATOR@MSFT - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

 

For those users who are still using Windows 8 and Windows 2012 (and not Windows 8.1 and Windows 2012 R2) you are unaffected and will continue to receive updates as normal.

 

As I understand it, they are saying you need to apply Service Pack to get the next batch of security fixes.

[Arthur]

Windows 8 users have less than two years to upgrade to Windows 8.1 (Update 1).

 

Windows 8 Support Will End in Two Years « Tom's Hardware

 

With the 2-year limited support' date=' Microsoft is essentially forcing updates on those who typically drag their feet in upgrading. After October 2015, these users will no longer receive critical security patches, new features and improvements, and could possibly be locked out of third-party app updates as well. The only way to stay fresh and secure is to update to the latest version.[/quote']

 

Windows 8 customers now have two years to move to Windows 8.1 after its General Availability to continue to remain supported under the Windows 8 lifecycle. With the availability of Windows 8.1, it is time to start planning your deployment, and there are deployment tools and guidance available to help make these updates seamless for customers. (Source)

[AngryTechnician]

COMMENCE BACKPEDALING! Windows 8.1 Update: WSUS Availability, Extended Deployment Timing

 

We’ve decided to extend the timeframe for enterprise customers to deploy these new product updates from 30 to 120 days. In order to receive future updates, all customers managing updates using WSUS, Windows Intune, or System Center Configuration Manager have until August 12th to apply the new updates. For those that decide to defer installation, separate security updates will be published during the 120-day window.

 

Consumers still have to install by next month: the interim updates will not be available on regular Windows Update (which means less testing and more bugs, inevitably).