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The “end of support” for Windows 7 is in less than 2 months!

To be clear, Microsoft is not forcing you to stop using Windows 7, it’s simply ending what they call “extended support” – the process of fixing bugs, patching security problems in the code, and providing these “updates” to end users. Or at least, not providing it free to consumers…

So yes, you can continue to use Windows 7 after January 14, 2020 But without the ongoing fixes and patches, every day increases your risk of something bad happening. No IT professional would recommend you continue using Windows 7 very long after the end of support if that PC is connected to the Internet.

Microsoft is doing this primarily for economic reasons. That’s not an accusation; they are in business to make money just like all other companies. But it is critical for Microsoft’s long-term business model to get users on Windows 10.

The “open secret” about Windows 7 end of support is that Microsoft is actually fully committed to keeping Windows 7 patched and updated for the next three years! Certain users can pay a fee (which increase each year) to get the updates for the next few years, which increase each year. So, what is really going on is that Microsoft is simply not allowing consumers to get the Windows 7 updates which they are providing to other users for a fee.

In other words, the end of Windows 7 has nothing to do with Microsoft not keeping Windows 7 updated. It’s just that YOU (the consumer) won’t get those updates.

Doesn’t feel good, does it?

On the other hand, as good as Windows 7 was (or is), most people agree that Windows 10 is better. And over time, it will certainly be a lot less risky to use than Windows 7 will be very soon.  So don’t feel too bad about this, just accept that you need to move to Windows 10 if you haven’t already – and relax.  Everything will be fine!

And for users who are choosing to pay for updates and use Windows 7?  You may have literally bought some time, but that won’t last forever!

You can learn more about Windows 7 and support options here. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-windows-7-support