Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is ending support for Windows 8 and older versions of Internet Explorer today.
Windows 8 users who haven't upgraded to Windows 8.1 and Internet Explorer users who aren't running the latest version of the web browser — IE 11, in most cases — will no longer have access to patches and updates to keep their software secure from malware and hackers when new vulnerabilities are discovered.
Windows 8 was released in 2012, and Microsoft typically supports an operating system for a minimum of 10 years after its release, but Windows 8 has been considered a "prior service pack" ever since Windows 8.1 was released in 2013. Prior service packs are only supported for 24 months once a new service pack is released.
Users can download the upgrade from the online Windows Store, and once Windows 8.1 has been installed, users also have the option of upgrading for free to Windows 10, released in July.
Regarding Internet Explorer, users of Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 will have to upgrade to IE 11, as they'll no longer get support for IE 8, 9, or 10. IE 9 and 10 will still be supported on some operating systems that don't support IE 11, such as Windows Vista SP2.
The company known as "Mr. Softie" says IE 11 will be the last version of Internet Explorer.
Its shares opened Tuesday trade up 38 cents, at $52.68 U.S., within a 52-week trading range of $39.72 U.S. to $56.85 U.S.
