Microsoft no longer supports Windows 8.1. If you're still running it on your PC, you're long overdue for an upgrade. Lance is an experienced writer who tries to unravel the mysteries of personal tech.

Dan Ackerman leads CNET's coverage of computers and gaming hardware. A New York native and former radio DJ, he's also a regular TV talking head and the author of "The Tetris Effect" ...

Windows 10 retail is almost upon us and today we wanted to take another look at Windows 8.1 - as it stands this year. Based on our polls a substantial percentage of KitGuru readers didn't move to ...

Microsoft Windows 10 may be around the corner, but the company is still issuing Windows 8.1 updates on a fairly regular basis. If you're already using Windows 8.1, and aren't sure you're running the ...

It's the end of the line for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. These older versions of Windows (plus Windows RT) stop receiving all security updates today, over a decade after their original releases.

According to StatCounter, Windows 8 and 8.1 still account for about 4.3 percent of the Windows install base worldwide, far less than Windows 11, Windows 10, or even Windows 7. But for the people still ...

Using a Microsoft account to log in to Windows 8.1 offers some advantages over using local accounts. If those advantages don't appeal to you, you can switch back to a local account. Ed Rhee Ed Rhee, a ...

It should be hard for Microsoft to make any more mistakes with its Windows 10 push, but it keeps finding new ways. After nagging everyone incessantly about upgrading, updating computers without asking ...

Windows 8.1 and enterprise buyers of Windows 7 Extended Security Updates will no longer get new security patches or technical support, so it's time to upgrade or buy a new PC. When he's not battling ...

Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. is a senior editor and author of Notepad, who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 ...

I usually advise readers, but this time a reader gave me advice. Joe Rubenstein told me that “There is a Start Menu in Windows 8.1,” then explained how to make it work. Yes, it’s true. You can add a ...