January 13 marked the end of Microsoft support for Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1).
Windows 7 is the most popular operating system for PCs worldwide. It is more stable than the previous Windows Vista, and more familiar than the updated Windows 8. It’s no wonder why many people are in a panic over Microsoft “killing” their preferred operating system. But that’s just it, Microsoft isn’t killing off Windows 7, it is slowly phasing it out. There are two stages in retracting the operating system: mainstream support and extended support.
Windows 7 Mainstream Support
Mainstream support gives customers free security and non-security updates. You can contact Microsoft either online or via telephone support for specific products. Mainstream support expires after 5 years from release, or 2 years after successor product is launched.
Windows 7 Extended Support
Once mainstream support expires, Microsoft narrows the amount of service it offers on that product and calls it extended support. Microsoft will maintain free security updates for products in the extended support phase. This ensures that the operating system doesn’t become vulnerable to online hackers. Other support issues aren’t technically offered but can be resolved for a fee through Microsoft. Extended support expires a minimum of 5 years after general availability or for 2 years after the second successor product is launched, whichever is longer. Extended support is expected to end on January 14, 2020 for Windows 7.
See the differences in this chart from Microsoft:
Although Microsoft may not be immediately killing off Windows 7, it is making it more difficult for you computer to run on the older operating system.
What this means for you:
- No updated appearances or features
- Microsoft will charge for software support
- Security issues will still be serviced by Microsoft
- Occasional stability fixes for businesses with Extended Support contracts
- PCs will continue to be sold with the Windows 7 operating system
While Microsoft is slowly saying goodbye to Windows 7 we can be expecting a new operating system, Windows 10, later this year. Is this a coincidence or just a way to encourage more people to switch over? Either way, Windows 7 users will have to upgrade sooner or later. The initial introduction to this will be announced on January 21st. Stay tuned for more information on Windows 10.