I’m sure you already know this, but just in case I remind you, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 are about to end their life cycle. will be next January 10, 2023 when both versions of Microsoft’s operating system say goodbye forever, at least as far as consumer editions and official support are concerned.
Thus, it will be in January when Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 receive the latest security update via Windows Update and, from that moment, Microsoft ignores it. Of course, the company recommends upgrading to more recent and supported versions, such as Windows 10 or, better, Windows 11 with PC refresh included. But they are not going to force anyone either, needless to add.
Both one version and the other still have a considerable user base, larger in the case of Windows 7. However, it is Windows 8.1 in which there is a different factor that is now being taken into account: Microsoft Store, the Windows app store which was released with Windows 8 and in which users can download, but also buy applications.
In fact, due to its centralized nature and the control that Microsoft exercises over it, the Microsoft Store is a recommended way to obtain and keep applications updated. For convenience, read comfort, and for safety. And what some Windows 8 users may be wondering is what will happen to the store? Can it continue to be used? And what about the software purchased there?
There is already an answer and it is quite logical, go ahead: yes, the Microsoft Store will continue to work after the end of support for Windows 8.1, but with important nuances: all applications purchased and downloaded before the end of support will continue to be installed and work correctly. In addition, they will receive updates until June 30, 2023. But until there.
In other words, after January 10, new applications from the Microsoft Store will no longer be downloadable and after June 30 they will no longer receive updates. They will be able to receive them through other channels, says Microsoft, or what is the same, beyond the Microsoft Store everything will continue to work as it has always done in the Windows environment and it will be up to the developer to decide how long to maintain their application.
For example, there are developers who drop Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 from day one, this is the case of Google and its Chrome, while there are others who are debating whether to extend its support for a while, it is the case of Mozilla and its Firefox. In the same way, the applications will continue to work even if they are not updated, but this situation is not recommended at all.
Secondly, purchases made in the Microsoft Store will still be available in the storebut in a version of the system that has support, so whoever has bought something will not lose it, as long as they use the same user account.
