Windows 8.1 now shows full-screen 'End of Support' warnings

[starbuck]

 

Windows 8.1 is now displaying full-screen alerts when logging into the operating system, warning that the OS is reaching the end of support in January 2023 and will no longer receive security updates.

 

The notification was introduced yesterday as part of the Windows 8.1 KB5015874 cumulative update, which includes a new EOSnotify.exe program to display a warning that the operating system will soon be unsupported.

 

"January 10, 2023 is the last day Microsoft will offer security updates and technical support for PCs that run Windows 8.1.

We are reaching out now to thank you for your loyalty and help you prepare for what's next," reads the Windows 8.1 notification below.

 

 

When displaying the notification, users can click on the 'Remind me later' option, which will cause the notification to be shown again in 35 days.

Users can also click on the 'Remind me after the end of support date' option to only show the notification after Windows 8.1 reaches the end of support.

 

Clicking on the 'Learn More' link will bring people to a Microsoft.com web page explaining that Windows 8.1 will soon reach the end of support.

 

Microsoft states that the notification will not appear on managed Pro and Enterprise devices, as well as Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Enterprise and Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro devices.

 

Finally, it is possible to prevent the notification from displaying at all by configuring the 'DiscontinueEOS' value, as shown below.

 

 

While these alerts may be intrusive, users should upgrade to a newer version of Windows before it reaches the end of support.

 

Not doing so will only cause the operating system to become more vulnerable to exploits, malware, and other bugs that may appear over time.

 

Source:

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-81-now-shows-full-screen-end-of-support-warnings/