Microsoft has officially discontinued official support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 starting today. So what is the fate of its millions of loyal users?
Microsoft actually ended Windows 7 support in January 2015 and Windows 8.1 January 2018. However, users can still purchase Extended Security Update (ESU) to continue receiving official support from Microsoft.
But that extension has expired. Starting January 10, 2023, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will enter end of support. Devices running these operating systems can still be used as usual but will not receive official support from Microsoft in the form of:
Technical support for any problem
Software updates
Security updates or fixes
Although devices with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 can still run as usual, Microsoft warns that devices that do not receive software or security updates are more at risk of being infected with viruses or malware.
The company made by Bill Gates also advises Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users to update their device's operating system to Windows 10 if possible or upgrade to a new device that supports Windows 11.
"Most Windows 7 devices will not meet the hardware requirements for upgrading to Windows 11, alternatively, a compatible Windows 7 PC can be upgraded to Windows 10 by purchasing and installing the full version of the software," Microsoft said in a statement. (10/1/2023).
"Before investing in a Windows 10 upgrade, please consider that Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025," he continued.
Windows 7 itself was first released in 2009 and 14 years later this operating system is still popular. According to a study conducted in 2021, there are still around 100 million devices running Windows 7.
The Lansweeper survey of 27 million Windows devices also found more devices running Windows XP, Windows 7 or Windows 8 than Windows 11.