Microsoft officially retires Windows 8

Using the 1.5 billion number that Microsoft claims as the total number of PCs which run Windows worldwide, Windows 8 was on approximately 48 million systems last month, Windows 8.1 on about 180 million. Before you panic, however, we should be clear that it isn’t ending support for Windows 8.1, which is supported through January 10, 2023.

Windows 8.1 (with Update) is a significant improvement over Windows 8, and Windows 10 – even with all its flaws – is a very good OS. One would anticipate that a Microsoft desktop operating system can get at least 10 years of support.

For those who are the users of the same OS and are getting anxious over the issue, you still have a lot of time to change and opt for the other options.

And truth be told, Windows 8.1 also bring a plethora of improvements that many Windows 8 users could like, including a Start button that makes it easier to access the Start screen (no, there’s still no Start menu available in Windows 8.1). Despite releasing in the year 2012, the life cycle of Windows 8 is shorter than normal.

Windows 10 now holds 9.96 percent of the OS market, but Windows 7 remains the dominant OS with over 50 percent.

The story behind the story: This probably sets the stage for the release of Windows 10 Mobile on older devices, which are now due in early 2016 after an earlier delay. In addition, 750 million people have downloaded and installed the app on their iOS, Android or Windows Phone handset.

All of this results in the pushy updates for Windows 10, with users seeing multiple pop-ups a week.

However, we are not so sure if Windows 7 will remain alive for long, so upgrading to the better version is the best choice you have got for now.