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No—not as a safe long-term setup for a PC that stays online or handles personal information. Kaspersky may provide malware detection, but it cannot replace security updates from Microsoft. Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 are both out of support, so the safer plan is to move to a supported operating system or replace the PC if it cannot run one.
What “Windows 8” means for support
Check whether the computer runs Windows 8 or Windows 8.1: their support ended on different dates. Microsoft says Windows 8 support ended January 12, 2016, while Windows 8.1 support ended January 10, 2023. Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 end-of-support guidance explains the latter date and recommends moving to a supported Windows release.
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An unsupported Windows installation can still start and run, but Microsoft no longer supplies its software and security updates. Microsoft warns that this leaves the PC at greater risk from viruses and malware. Microsoft’s explanation of unsupported Windows describes the consequences.
What Kaspersky can—and cannot—do
Antivirus is an additional layer of protection, not a way to restore operating-system servicing. It cannot deliver Microsoft’s missing Windows fixes, so having Kaspersky does not make an unsupported Windows 8 or 8.1 computer equivalent to a supported PC.
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Compatibility also depends on the exact Kaspersky product and version. Kaspersky’s documentation for Internet Security 21.2 and version 21.9 lists Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 among the operating systems for those releases. The 21.2 requirements say internet access is needed to install and activate the application and to update databases and application modules. These older, version-specific requirements do not establish support, download availability, or successful current updates for every Kaspersky product or for your particular PC.
Check the support information for your exact Kaspersky product and build, or ask Kaspersky support whether it can still install and receive current database and module updates on your system. Even if it can, that does not change Windows’ end-of-support status.
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What to do with the computer
Move to a supported operating system if the hardware allows
Microsoft recommends upgrading to a supported Windows release. Before choosing an upgrade, confirm the PC meets the operating system’s current requirements and that your essential applications and peripherals will work. Plan a backup and allow for transferring files, data, and settings; some applications may need to be reinstalled.
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Microsoft recommends replacing a Windows 8.1 device that cannot meet the requirements with one that supports Windows 11. Check compatibility and your software needs before buying; no particular model is required by this advice.
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Reduce exposure while arranging the move
- Avoid using the unsupported PC for banking, shopping, work accounts, or other sensitive activity.
- Keep independent backups of important files.
- Do not treat Kaspersky as a substitute for Windows security updates.
What about web browsers?
Microsoft says Edge 109 was the last supported Edge version for Windows 8.1. That statement is specific to Edge and Windows 8.1; it should not be taken as a claim about every browser or application.
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