Microsoft closes app store for Windows Phone 8.1 in mid-December

Microsoft will close the Windows Phone 8.1 Store on December 16. From then on it is no longer possible to download apps for the mobile operating system and no more updates can be released.

Windows Phone 8.1

Microsoft lists the final closing date on its support website. Windows Phone 8.1 devices will still work, as will the apps installed on them. Users are advised to download all desired apps before the closing date. Microsoft states that the operation of apps may deteriorate after the closing date, because updates can no longer be sent after the download store closes.

Users will not be able to reinstall previously downloaded apps after December 16 if they uninstall them. Performing a full reset or using the Windows Device Recovery Tool removes all apps and cannot be reinstalled.

Microsoft notes that some Lumia smartphones can still be upgraded to Windows 10 Mobile. That version will be supported until the end of this year and its download store is still active for the time being. Microsoft stopped supporting Windows Phone 8.1 in July 2017.