After a decade of success, Microsoft will end all support for Windows 7 in January 2020. Security updates and support for PCs with Windows 7 will no longer be provided. Computers running Windows 7 can still be used after this date, however, they will theoretically be vulnerable to security risks and breaches.

Primary support for Windows 7 ended on January 13, 2015, which stopped new features being added and invalidated warranty claims. Microsoft has since provided extended support, which has protected against new security risks – and this extended support will end officially on January 14, 2020.

Despite primary support ending nearly five years ago, Windows 7 is still very popular. Netmarketshare reports that Windows 7 is used on 39% of all PCs. There are a range of actions you can take to prepare for the end of life of Windows 7. You could consider upgrading to Windows 10, which may still be possible to do for free, or to another operating system such as Ubuntu, which is Linux based and free. The macOS operating system is only available on Apple hardware, so you would need to purchase a new device. You may also consider keeping Windows 7.

It is possible to continue running Windows 7 without this extended support. Microsoft will be offering “Windows 7 Extended Security Updates”, which will continue to deliver updates and patches for Windows 7 business users after January 2020. However, these updates will cost on a per device basis. On average Windows 7 per device will cost £20 for the first year, £40 for the second year and £80 for the third year. For users of Windows 7 Pro these prices double per year, starting at £40 per device for the first year.

Direction Forward will continue to support machines with Windows 7. Please contact us if you wish to discuss upgrade options.