Question about when Windows support ends?

[Dustin_H]

I'm sure this has been asked before, but I was wondering, once Windows support ends for an OS, like 8.1 just did a few weeks ago, is it still ok to use that operating system for awhile longer?  The only reason I ask, is I know Windows 10 will be supported for another 2 years 10 months with security updates before it is not supported, and I might need to use it longer than that.  I don't want to switch to Windows 11 or 12 yet.  So is it ok to use an unsupported OS for like 6 months beyond support end date?  Thanks

[Oshino Shinobu]

It really depends on what vulnerabilities are found after it goes out of support. Someones we can go months without anything nasty coming up, but you also have things like EternalBlue pop up, which WannaCry used to spread itself.

 

I'd always advise moving to a currently supported platform before your exisitng one goes out of support, but my job revolves around security so it's been ingrained into me.

 

In terms of functionality, it will be fine, assuming it already does everything you need it to. Though really mainstream support for 8/8.1 was finished long before Microsoft made it EoL.

[Radium_Angel]

My opinion?

 

As long as you have a good firewall, lots of ad-blocking on your browser, and don't download stupid shit from online, you'll be fine

[wseaton]

It will take MS 2 years to fix all the issues with Win11, and/or it will update some night on its own. /sarcasm.

 

I have a lot of platforms still on Win 2012 R2. Not sure what to do with those next year.