The Windows 7 operating system is one of Microsoft's most successful developments. Despite the fact that it was launched back in 2009, many still use it. However, Microsoft hastened to disappoint its customers: in the near future, they still have to switch to newer products. So, when will Windows 7 support end?
Product Support End
It is worth noting that the company ceased basic support for the operating system in January 2015. But extended support is still valid. What does this mean for ordinary users?
Basic support is valid for five years after the release of the product. During this time, the manufacturer is ready to solve the user's problems and consider his wishes, and help on general issues is free of charge. These actions are aimed at improving the product. Extended support implies paid assistance to users. For free, they can only use the Microsoft Knowledge Base. In other words, for Windows 7, the support center is now only paid.
In fact, in 2015, the company made it clear that it would no longer work to improve the operating system. In stores, you can no longer purchase this product, as well as download the distribution from the official website. And after a few years, extended support for Windows 7 will cease. Until what year will users be able to officially use their favorite OS? Alas, on January 14, 2020 they will have to purchase more modern software. Updates for Windows 7 will not come anymore.
Why close Windows 7?
The developers claim that Windows 7 is already completely out of date, it does not meet current security criteria. The operating system cannot successfully resist hacker attacks and viruses.
However, you should not discount the commercial side of the issue. It is beneficial for the company to transfer billions of customers to Windows 10. And for this, much to the disappointment of many users, you need to close the popular, but already outdated product.
Do I have to upgrade to Windows 10 now?
Of course, owners of serious companies should already think about data security and switch to more modern products. For ordinary users, the question is not so fundamental. A few years remain before the final cessation of support. Updates for Windows 7 will be available until 2020, so there is no need to rush. Most likely, by this time new versions of the OS will be released.
However, it is important to keep in mind that by the time support for Windows 7 ends, the OS will become even more vulnerable. Accordingly, data will be more at risk of cyber attacks.
What is more popular - Windows 7 or 10?
Microsoft claims that now Windows 10 is leading the market, and Windows 7 is losing ground. Therefore, when support for Windows 7 ends, users will not notice a significant difference. But is it really so?
“Windows 7” for a long time held the status of leader: at first, users did not express much confidence in the new version of the OS. But in the summer of 2017, the picture changed radically: Windows 10 still managed to get around its main competitor.
Should we be afraid of change?
We need to look at the situation objectively: any product sooner or later becomes obsolete, even the most popular. At one time, XP suffered the same fate, the darling of most Microsoft product owners. The output of “Vista” was met rather coldly: customers did not appreciate the innovations, considering them boring and annoying. Even today, some use XP, despite its irrelevance.
Most likely, with Windows 7 everything will turn out similarly: it is unlikely that all owners of this OS will abandon it. The calculation is made for those who use licensed programs, but a significant part of users do not mind installing pirated programs, despite all the risks. By the way, not all Microsoft users today use licensed Windows 7. Such people in 2020, when support for Windows 7 ends, will not feel any changes at all.
Those who recognize only licensed software can go in two ways: purchase new versions of Microsoft products or install Linux. The latter option, of course, is not very convenient for people who are used to Windows for many years. But there is a noticeable advantage: Linux is distributed free of charge.
Conclusion
Within a few years, Microsoft will officially abandon Windows 7. Despite the great popularity of this OS, the manufacturer considers it more appropriate to promote new versions of the product. This is also an advantage for users, since data security plays an important role in the era of cyber attacks.