Windows 7 “End-of-Life” Date is January 14, 2020
Microsoft has set January 14, 2020 as the end of extended support (the End of Extended Support Means the same thing as “End of Life”) for Windows 7.
According to “LifeWire” ….
“…Though Microsoft says it will support Windows 7 until January 14, 2020… it was already starting to block older machines, such as those using Pentium III, in June 2018. It can block support for any machine it wants at any time, so Windows 7 users should be prepared for that eventuality.”
If You Are Using Windows 7…
After its “end of life,” you can continue to use Windows 7, but you do so at your own risk. After January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer issue any further updates or security patches for Windows 7. That means newly discovered exploits, threats and vulnerabilities in Windows 7 may be developed and compromise Windows 7 systems – even if good security software is in place. In short, after Windows 7 “end of Life”, Windows 7 systems will become increasingly vulnerable as time passes.
Also, as we’ve seen in the past with Windows Vista and Windows XP, software vendors stop updating software – or stop making software – for unsupported operating systems. Over time those who continue to use Windows 7, will find it harder and harder to find new and/or updated software for it.
As we saw with Windows Vista and Windows XP – antivirus software vendors were among the first to stop making software for unsupported operating systems.
Why? Because good security software partly relies on Microsoft providing patches for major exploits, threats, and vulnerabilities as they are discovered. After January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer be releasing security patches or updates for Windows 7. This makes it increasingly difficult for security software vendors to completely provide effective protection.
If you are still using Windows 7 still have time to make a decision. As of today, Windows 7 users can still upgrade to Windows 10 free of charge. See this page.
In most cases, Windows 7 users should not have any problems upgrading to Windows 10 should they choose to do so. However, upgrading an older Windows 7 computer with older, and possibly outdated hardware, may not be possible. If those using Windows 7 PCs with incompatible or outdated software try to upgrade, the upgrade will fail, however the update will be reversed and the computer will revert back to Windows 7.
If you’re still using Windows 7 you still have plenty of time to make a decision and plan a course of action. We just want to make sure all Windows 7 users are aware that the “End of Life” date for Windows 7 is January 14, 2020.
I just read somewhere that for around $200, you can keep 7 and Microsoft will back you.
As far as what I could find out, there has been no set “fee” for home users. I’ve not seen anything about paying a one time fee for home or professional users. What I have seen is this: Microsoft is supposed to offer extended support beyond Jan 14, 2020 for a yet undertermined monthly fee, but as it stands now, this offer is only available to Windows 7 Professional customers using Volume Licensing.
And further, according to to “Forbes” magazine:
Even if you could pay $200 it would be kind of a waste of money for an individual to keep an old computer with old hardware that’s not going to last much longer anyway. If the computer was purchased with windows 7 on it then it’s between 5 and 10 years old.
In my opinion, a mcuch wiser way to use the $200 is to upgrade to Windows 10 -free – then customize the graphical interface so it looks and works more like Windows 7. Save the $200 and put it toward buying a new computer. You can get a really nice laptop with 8GB of RAM and a 15 ” screen for less than $400.
Additionally, while Microsoft may “back” you for $200, those who make Antivirus software probably will not and you’ll be stuck using ineffective antivirus or Windows Defender which has had its ups and downs.
The Microsoft announcement was made last September.
Read this article
and
this one
to learn more.
Oh Well…… Looks like I will have to bite the bullet! When I do, I will contact you to make my new computer work/resemble Windows 7. I enjoy 7. I hate switching every time you turn around. If it ain’t broke, I don’t fix it. I have long passed the notion that I “must” upgrade every time something ‘new’ comes out. I’ve done enough of that in my ‘younger’ years. My ‘hard drive’ (my brain) is getting full.
Hi TC & EB,
I know it is difficult for many to finally discover that Windows 7 support is coming to and end.
However, black and white TVs became old and outdated, basic colour TVs the same.
The same thing happened to the old mobile ‘phones, many appliances and other products and as I explained to friends, family and aquaintances that the current Windows 10 is very easy to operate, and the My Office free saves
paying for Microsoft Office as was the case with Windows 7.
I shudder to think back to a Dial-Up internet connection on an old computer with tiny RAM and slow hard drive, and as current fast computers with lots of memory and large capacity hard drives coupled to fast-speed broadband connection (protected by Emsisoft Security) will eventually see the end of Windows 7.
The new journey with Windows 10 folks is a dream when guided by the endless good advice, tips and tricks from Darcy and TC at Cloudeight,
Darcy and TC, you both make my life easier just knowing that your there to help me transition from Windows 7 to Windows 10. I also hate to lose and old friend like 7 but I also hated to give up my flip phone back in the day. We all have to make adjustments at some time or another. I welcome Windows 10
So, How long will Windows 10 last before you have to up grade? Are they coming out with Windows 11 soon?
There will be no Windows 11. Windows 10 is Windows as a Service and Micrsoft will keep updating it without the user needing to buy a new version of Windows. Microsoft said in 2015 that it will not be releasing any more numbered versions of Windows. Each new version of Windows 10 has a version number. The current version is 1809 and the next version will be 1903. The first version of Windows 10 was 1507 released in July 2015.