Microsoft extends Windows 8.1 Update deadline to June 10th

Martin Brinkmann
May 12, 2014
Updated • Aug 21, 2018
Windows, Windows 8
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When Microsoft released the first feature update for Windows 8.1, which it called Windows 8.1 Update, it announced that it would stop releasing updates for Windows 8.1 without that particular update shortly after release.

The decision meant that Windows 8.1 users had to install the feature update on their system to receive future updates after that point in time; this makes the Windows 8.1 update a mandatory update for all users of Windows 8.1 -- but not Windows 8 -- as it leaves the system vulnerable to security issues if not updated.

We have reviewed Windows 8.1 Update and found it to be a step in the right direction, even though it has its issues. But none of those issues break core functionality and for the majority there is not really any reason not to upgrade to it right away.

This is especially true for mouse and keyboard users as Microsoft introduced several new features that improve the usability of the operating system if you use these input devices.

Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc announced today that the company made the decision to extend the deadline by 30 days to June 10th.

This means that Windows 8.1 users who have not yet updated to Update 1 will receive this month's security patches and updates, and any patch that gets released for the next 30 days afterward.

Microsoft's original intention was to deliver this month's updates to Windows 8.1 users and block any future updates to those systems after the release if Update 1 is not installed.

The reason for the change of heart seems to be that there seems to be a sizable number of systems that have not been updated yet. Considering that those systems would be left vulnerable if Microsoft would stop the production of patches for those systems, it suggests that Microsoft's must have analyzed update metrics and come to the conclusion that it is in the best interest of the company and its users to extend the update deadline.

Microsoft has created a support page that offers information about the update and error messages that you may receive when you try to update the operating system.

Among other things, information to resolve the following errors and codes are offered:

  • Code 0x80073712
  • Code 0x800F0923
  • Error: We couldn't complete the updates. Undoing changes. Don't turn off your computer.
  • Error: Failure configuring Windows Updates. Reverting changes.

Enterprise customers do not have to worry about that time frame, as theirs has been extended by 120 days in April 2014 already. This means that system administrators have until August 12th to apply the new update to systems that are manged using WSUS, Windows Intune, or System Center Configuration Manager.

Summary
Microsoft extends Windows 8.1 Update deadline to June 10th
Article Name
Microsoft extends Windows 8.1 Update deadline to June 10th
Description
Microsoft announced today that it will extend the update deadline for consumer Windows 8.1 systems by 30 days to June 10th.
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Ghacks Technology News
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Comments

  1. Xi said on June 4, 2014 at 6:14 pm
    Reply

    I have some questions to be answered clearly.
    1. Will this impact the end-users who are still using Win8?
    2. If the Win8 user, who wish to upgrade later to Win8.1 will be affected by this deadline or not?
    3. I heard about the free upgrade deadline to upgrade to Win8.1 from Win8. Could you please recall the date?
    4. If a Win8/8.1 user formats the PC/laptop/tablet in future post deadline, will it still affect the user in getting future updates?

    1. Martin Brinkmann said on June 4, 2014 at 6:45 pm
      Reply

      1. No, it only affects Windows 8.1 users.
      2. No.
      3. There is no deadline.
      4. No.

      1. Xi said on June 4, 2014 at 7:34 pm
        Reply

        Thanks again!
        This is to make other users clear on this stance. Not for myself. Since many forums and sites have posts on the new Win8.1 deadline, I just want the readers to be aware of the correct info.

      2. Xi said on June 4, 2014 at 7:06 pm
        Reply

        Thank you so much, Martin.
        Also, if there is no deadline for Win8.1 upgrade, if the win8 life cycle ends, then will it affect the win8 users installing the win8.1 upgrade as the win8.1 can’t be directly installed without win8 installation.

        Am I correct? If so, please explain the support life cycle for Win8 and win8.1.

      3. Martin Brinkmann said on June 4, 2014 at 7:13 pm
        Reply

        XI, Windows 8.1 will still be available, but if you do not upgrade it, you won’t receive any more updates for Windows 8.1. You can still upgrade Windows 8 to 8.1 and then further without issues. So, no need to worry.

  2. GAMER said on May 13, 2014 at 8:49 pm
    Reply

    Microsoft recently released Windows 8.1 update 1 package and the Redmond pushes users to install to receive updates and patches, now gives another 30 days to install update

    Windows 8.1 update 1 deadline extended becauase

  3. Marti said on May 12, 2014 at 10:46 pm
    Reply

    I don’t have Win8 or Win8.1 but is Microsoft saying that they are going to end of life Windows 8 after this deadline? Does one have to pay for Windows Update now in Win8+?

    1. Martin Brinkmann said on May 12, 2014 at 11:09 pm
      Reply

      No you don’t have to pay.

  4. Robert Palmar said on May 12, 2014 at 5:40 pm
    Reply

    That’s an impressive start screen, Martin.
    You’ll have to outline how you constructed it or
    perhaps you have and I was not paying attention
    since I was not running Windows 8 yet but soon will.

    I am finally diving in and I will be running Windows 7
    with it in a dual boot set-up on a new system with
    Windows 7 running on a discrete second internal
    hard drive once I learn the best way to set that up.

    Feel free to run such a tutorial ;)

    I do love Windows 7 but I don’t get
    all the Windows 8 hate and in fact I
    am looking forward to a start screen
    constructed on the order of yours.

    1. Martin Brinkmann said on May 12, 2014 at 5:56 pm
      Reply

      Well it it almost the default one. The only changes that I made are the background, which you can do under Windows 8.1, and the custom images for which I used Photo Tile: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/95aa69bc-2aa6-48ce-8e19-c22becc8ccb6

      1. Robert Palmar said on May 12, 2014 at 6:45 pm
        Reply

        Say, thanks Martin. That’s really helpful.
        The background is what sets this up nicely.

        It’s good to know too the default screen
        had some thought behind it, I thought
        I would have to start from scratch
        piecing together the elements.

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