Is Windows 8 safe w/o security updates?

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littlejoelgriffo

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Jan 21, 2014
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Microsoft have announced that they are dropping support for windows 8 and will only give security updates to 8.1. My PC for whatever reason cannot update to 8.1, as in there is no option in the store and I've done reasearch and tried different things, but trust me, it cant upgrade.

Anyways, I'm all updated with all the 8 updates, but do you think its dangerous run windows w/o the future security updates?

Or could that be completely fixed by just getting a free antivirus?
 
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WinOutreach6
Littlejoelgriffo,

As long as Windows 8 is fully updated with its most up to date updates, then it’s completely safe to use. The problem comes once you continue to use Windows 8 past its end of support date and security patches are no longer available.

Take a look at Windows XP for example. Not long after its end of support date, there was an Internet Explorer vulnerability that was exposed. Microsoft did release an update to patch that vulnerability but that was only because of how close to the Windows XP end of support date we were at that point.

If you continue to have issues with upgrading to Windows 8.1, take a look at this tutorial. It explains step by step the procedures to take in order to successfully...
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danny2000

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Yes, it is dangerous to run the o/s without the updates.
No, antivirus programs don't patch, fix, or replace the updates from Microsoft for Windows.

You might try resetting your Windows Store application. Reset Windows Store cache



1. Press Windows key + R.

2. Type wsreset.exe.Press Enter.
Reboot just to be sure, and then try again.
Make sure that you look in Windows Updates and the section for "Optional Updates" and see if any updates are in that section for Windows..
 
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littlejoelgriffo

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Jan 21, 2014
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Oh, so you mean to say that 8.1 users need to install an update in order to continue getting security updates but 8 users are still getting them.

So basically with their updates they're treating 8.1 as a completely different OS?
 
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WinOutreach6

WinOutreach6

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Apr 10, 2013
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Littlejoelgriffo,

As ThatVietGuy pointed out, the article is about Windows 8.1, not Windows 8. Support for Windows 8 will continue until October 30, 2014, at which point you’ll need to make sure you have the latest updates to remain supported. Check out the Windows Lifecycle Fact Sheet for more information on support availability for Windows 8 and other Windows versions.

You mention that your computer will not update to Windows 8.1. The system requirements for both Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 are quite similar with the exception of some additional requirements to use certain features. One other difference in system requirements is that your processor should have CMPXCHG16b support for the 64-bit version of Windows 8.1. Most modern 64-bit processors do support CMPXCHG16b but you’ll need to verify that your hardware supports it as well.

As far as Windows 8.1 goes, there is an update available and it is required to have it installed to continue receiving security updates. More information regarding the Windows 8.1 update can be found here.

I hope this helps to alleviate some of your concerns.

Mike
Windows Outreach Team – IT Pro
The Springboard Series on TechNet
 
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littlejoelgriffo

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Jan 21, 2014
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Thankyou all for your great answers, especially WinOutreach6, I just misunderstood this article here:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9247520/Microsoft_requires_migration_to_Windows_8.1_Update_within_5_weeks

But nonetheless, Windows 8 (not 8.1) support will be dropped on October 30, as winoutreach6 pointed out.

So my original question stands, is it safe to run windows without the latest security updates that only 8.1 has?

btw I'm sure my PC could handle 8.1, I only bought it last year and its cpu is an AMD FX-6300. Just windows wont let me update.
 
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4fwd

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May 15, 2014
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Had the same problem installing 8.1 update on a desktop (OK on 2 laptops) until I read this post:-

http://tipsandtricksforum.com/thread-154-post-1137.html#pid1137

I disconnected all other drives and downloaded the upgrade and it worked first time!!!

fwd
 
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WinOutreach6

WinOutreach6

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Apr 10, 2013
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Littlejoelgriffo,

As long as Windows 8 is fully updated with its most up to date updates, then it’s completely safe to use. The problem comes once you continue to use Windows 8 past its end of support date and security patches are no longer available.

Take a look at Windows XP for example. Not long after its end of support date, there was an Internet Explorer vulnerability that was exposed. Microsoft did release an update to patch that vulnerability but that was only because of how close to the Windows XP end of support date we were at that point.

If you continue to have issues with upgrading to Windows 8.1, take a look at this tutorial. It explains step by step the procedures to take in order to successfully upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 8.1. You may find that you’re overlooking something you hadn’t realized before.

Mike
Windows Outreach Team – IT Pro
The Springboard Series on TechNet
 
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