Simply put no more patches, fixes, updates, etc.
What is Windows 7’s end of life?
End of life is the term that Microsoft uses to identify the period when the company will no longer support an operating system or application.
How many people are still using Windows 7?
Windows 10 became the most popular Window version in the world at the end of the fourth quarter of 2018, taking the crown from Windows 7. At that time, Windows 10 captured 39% of market share, compared to 37% for Windows 7, according to Net Applications. It is estimated that there are more than 1 billion Windows users around the world. So, roughly 37,000,000 people are going to be affected by this change. Some 4% of pcs still run Windows XP! The last major update for Windows XP was released in 2008.
How do I go to Windows 10 from Windows 7?
So like it or not you will have to move to Windows 10. Even if you don’t want to! In the near future you’ll have no other options. PC makers will be bundling Windows 10 into their machines, with no option to downgrade to Windows 7. And Windows 7 will not be available for purchase from stand retail sellers. Meaning you are left to purchase from eBay or CraigsList.
Upgrading Windows 10 can be done for free – just search the internet for one of the million or so guides on how to do this. You do need a copy of Windows 7 or 8 with a valid key. You have to have a PC that meets all of the requirements. Download Windows 10
Windows 10 Minimum Specs
Processor: 1GHz process or faster
Memory: 1GB of RAM for a 32-bit installation and 2GB of RAM for a 64-bit installation
Hard Disk Space: Up to 20GB of space
Graphics Card: A screen with a resolution of 800 by 600 or higher, and a DirectX 9 graphics chip
Connectivity: Internet access
Can I keep using Windows 7 if I like it?
Sure, but you’ll be using an operating system that is no longer supported nor comes with security updates. This can put you on the wrong side of the law if you are a covered entity under HIPAA.
Windows 7 will continue to run after the end-of-life date. Keep in mind that over time over time you will start to see security problems.
Not only will Microsoft stop supporting Windows 7, third-party developers will do so as well. Microsoft won’t force developers to stop supporting their applications in Windows 7. But over time developers are bound to stop supporting Windows 7 updates in their apps, as well.
Will I be able to install and activate Windows 7 in the future?
Yes, but why? If you’re stuck on 7 it will still work – Microsoft has made clear that you can still install it and activate it on the device of your choosing.
What about Internet Explorer?
Since Microsoft moved to the Edge browser in Windows 10, they have been working to move away from Internet Explorer.
Can I get an extension on my Windows 7 support?
Yep – but $$$. You better be prepared to “invest” a significant amount of money. Microsoft will allow users of Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise to extend their Windows 7 security updates through January 2023.
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