Yes. Kaspersky’s current US consumer Windows antivirus requirements list Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 as compatible, provided the computer meets the product’s requirements. That answers whether the listed Kaspersky product may run; it does not mean Microsoft still supports Windows 8 or that antivirus can replace missing Windows security updates.
Which Windows 8 versions does Kaspersky list?
Kaspersky’s current US consumer Windows antivirus requirements list Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, including Pro and Enterprise editions and Windows 8.1 Update. The listing applies to the consumer product represented on that page; it should not be treated as confirmation for every Kaspersky business product, older release, or feature. Check the requirements for the exact product and version you intend to use.
Kaspersky’s version-specific requirements for version 21.5 also listed Windows 8 and 8.1. That page gives old browser-extension ranges—Edge 77–96, Firefox 52–95, Firefox ESR 52/60/68/78/91, and Chrome 48–96—and says newer browser versions may work if they support the relevant technology. Those historical ranges do not establish compatibility with current browsers.
What hardware and account requirements apply?
Kaspersky’s current US consumer requirements specify these minimums for the listed Windows product:
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- Processor: x86 processor at 1 GHz or faster.
- Memory: 1 GB RAM for 32-bit Windows or 2 GB for 64-bit Windows.
- Storage: 1,500 MB of free disk space.
Internet access is required for activation, updates, and some features, and the plan requires a My Kaspersky account. Kaspersky also cautions that some features may not work on 64-bit operating systems. These are stated requirements, not a guarantee that every configuration or feature will work.
Does Kaspersky support mean Windows 8 is still supported?
No. Kaspersky product compatibility and Microsoft operating-system support are separate. Microsoft ended support for Windows 8 on January 12, 2016, and for Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023. Microsoft says unsupported Windows devices continue to function but no longer receive Microsoft technical support, software updates, or security updates and fixes. It warns that the lack of continued updates leaves a device more vulnerable to viruses and malware.
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Microsoft also said Windows 8.1 would receive no security or non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates after its end-of-support date, and that there would be no Extended Security Updates program for Windows 8.1. Installing Kaspersky does not restart Microsoft’s update service, patch Windows itself, or make an unsupported installation equivalent to a supported one.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should you do if your PC still runs Windows 8?
- Identify your Windows edition and architecture. Check whether the system is Windows 8 or 8.1 and whether it is 32-bit or 64-bit, then compare those details with the requirements for your exact Kaspersky product and version.
- Check the computer against Kaspersky’s listed minimums. Confirm processor speed, memory, and free storage, and account for the internet and My Kaspersky account requirements. Do not assume every feature will work, particularly on 64-bit Windows.
- Prioritize moving to a supported operating system. Check whether your existing computer can run a currently supported Windows release. If it cannot meet the requirements for a current supported release, Microsoft advises considering a Windows 11-capable replacement.
Compatibility with Kaspersky can be useful as a product-specific answer, but it is not a reason to treat an unpatched operating system as safe. No installation or performance testing is implied by Kaspersky’s requirements listing.
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Sources
- Kaspersky: system requirements for its current US consumer Windows antivirus product.
- Kaspersky: version 21.5 system requirements.
- Microsoft Support: What does it mean if Windows isn’t supported?.
- Microsoft: Windows 8.1 support will end on January 10, 2023.
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