Microsoft is Ending Support For Handsets Running on Windows 8.1

Nathan Ernest Olupot July 12, 2017

Less than a minute

Windows Phone handsets running on Windows 8.1 OS won't be receiving any sort of updates, security patches, bug fixes, non-security updates, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates effective July 11, 2017. (Photo Credit: Telecom Talk)

When it all comes to an end!

Redmond-based software firm, Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday (effective July 11th, 2017) announced it’s officially ending support for their most popular version of its mobile operating system (OS); Windows Phone 8.1 OS. Meaning, the firm won’t be pushing any sort of updates, security patches, bug fixes, non-security updates, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates to this OS.

Thus, Windows Phone handset holders running Windows 8.1 or older version of the OS will be left out unless their handset is eligible for a software update.

The end of support for Windows Phone 8.1, which according to estimates run on more than 80 percent of Windows Phone handsets.

It should be pointed out that a handful of handsets; Lumia 1520, Lumia 930, Lumia 830, and Lumia 735 — running Windows Phone 8.1 Denim update were slated to receive Windows 10 Mobile, though the aforementioned estimates suggest either most phones haven’t received the new software, or people are simply not updating.

Support for older versions like Windows Phone 8 and Windows Phone 7 ended in January, 2016 and October, 2014 respectively.