“All good things must come to an end, even Windows 7. After January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs running Windows 7,” wrote Microsoft in an announcement in regards the support for the Operating System.
Arguably one of the most comfortable systems that have been there to use, Windows 7 was first released in October 2009, coming in after Vista, and has been around for a close to over 9 years.
Based on NetMarketShare’s September 2018 data, 40.88% of Windows users were still opting for Windows 7 in comparison to the 37.44% who have migrated to Windows 10. The data trends have shifted a bit, like we told you.
But just like the other operating systems before it, Windows 7 will eventually reach that point when it has to rest, with any further use becoming a risky venture for your PC.
Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 7 on January 13, 2015, but extended support won’t end until January 14, 2020. Mainstream support and extended support define the amount of time Microsoft gives for its Windows operating systems before they are ruled out of service.
When your computer’s operating system is within the mainstream support period, it means Microsoft is still providing security updates for any bugs that emerge, releasing design changes and warranty claims.
Microsoft usually ends mainstream support five years after the release of an operating system, which then pushes it into extended support for another five years, but with less support reduced to just bug fixes and patches.
Microsoft says support for Internet Explorer on Windows 7 devices will as well be discontinued on January 14, 2020.
