Is it possible?

I did buy a used Dell notebook that has OEM Windows 8.1 from Ebay and will be at my place later this week but am I stuck with that OS forever? Or can I still upgrade to Windows 10?


AMD A4-6210 1.8gHz

4GB DDR3L ram can go up to 8GB

500GB hard drive

Windows 8.1

AMD Radeon R3 graphics

15.6" LED LCD TouchScreen

 

You can change the OS on a computer anytime you want. Now, iirc the free Windows 10 license is over, so you'd have to pay for it.

 

Oh ok so there's no way to get it free anymore. Oh well then I guess I have to keep Windows 8.1 since It's expensive to upgrade.

Will Windows 8.1 be supported for many years? Like even 10 years from now?

 

MS support until 2023. 8.1 is imo excellent+++, fast and stable.
Just needs a few fixes (example, boot to desktop, remove unwanted tile (cr)apps, add Classic Shell start menu, etc)

 

Microsoft will be doing everything they can to force people into Windows 10. Expect lots of 8.1 slow down coming in future updates.

 

Lik what 6730b said, you're supported until 2023 (if you have extended support; regular is 2018). https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet

And you can always replace it with a free OS. Linux-based and BSD-based operating systems come to mind.

 

How do you get extended support? I don't think people like me gets that right meaning normal guy? Do I have to pay for it? If so I can't so it will be 2018 I guess.

Also does it mean I won't get updates anymore after 2018? So my PC won't be safe anymore?

 

A decent antivirus program and common sense can keep even XP safe...

 

Mainstream support includes both security and non-security updates. Extended support will continue the security updates, but you won't get further non-security updates unless you buy that support from Microsoft. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it.

Hell, I don't even bother with AV on my desktop (7), and I'm about to uninstall Avast on my laptop (10) since it's annoying as hell.

 

So even after 2018 I will continue to get security updates only? Just no non-security updates?

I always used Windows defender but before I used Avast but I like Windows defender since it doesn't use much system resource.

 

Windows Defender is bloated. I use Avast in Silent/Gaming mode. No issues. Defender is horrible.

 

Yes you can still get W10 for free. Read here to learn how...
http://www.ghacks.net/2016/07/29/you-can-still-grab-a-free-windows-10-upgrade-after-july-29-2016/

 

Oh ok but is that version of Windows 10 any different than normal one that you get for free that lasted a year? I know this is free also but is it the same version?

 

I just want to make sure it's not a version that I have to prove or click something to show something since I won't be able to but is this upgrade version the same as the one that was made when it was free? Meaning it will install Windows 10 exact same was as before July 29?

 

As far as I know it is

 

Can I use Windows 10 ISO that I have in the flash drive to install Windows 10? I have it from yesterday but can I use it or do I have to use that exe file that is from that page? Thanks

 

Since then I will save the time to have to download over 3gb.

 

All the info you are looking for is at Microsoft, including the definitions.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet

Per Windows 7 Mainstream Export ending Jan 13, 2015 - yup last year - Extended support is continuing with security updates until Jan 14, 2020, plenty of time yet for Microsoft to get their Windows 10 act together.

Windows 8.1 has Mainstream Support through Jan 9, 2018, and Extended Support through Jan 10, 2023.

Enjoy Windows 8.1 and before, and lets see how things play out before "going along to get along" with Windows 10+

 

I would download it from that link when you get the laptop but that's just me.

 

Yeah I would get it from the link as well. It's not going to activate if you use the standard install would be my guess.