Since its 2009 release, Windows 7—the final operating system to really embody Microsoft’s original Windows design—has seen four (if you consider Windows 8.1) successors. Despite its age, a few businesses continue to utilise the operating system; however, given that Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7’s Extended Security, they may choose to migrate to something else.
For Windows 7 users who needed to keep using the operating system after its support period had finished, Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) programme is—er, was—a “last resort alternative.” After Windows 7’s end of support on January 14, 2020, ESU would continue to release crucial security updates for up to three years in an effort to prolong the life of legacy products. But now that the three-year grace period has passed, it’s time for Microsoft to stop.
The extended security updates for Windows 7 Professional and Enterprise editions will stop as of today. Windows advises users of Microsoft 365 on Windows 7 computers to upgrade to Windows 10, as most Windows 7-running computers lack the necessary hardware for Windows 11. Microsoft has a straightforward answer for individuals who can’t even update to Windows 10 or would prefer not to use that version: just get a new PC.
Additionally, web browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are getting ready to stop supporting Windows 7. The final version of Microsoft Edge that is compatible with Windows 7 will be released on January 12 by Microsoft. The OS will no longer be supported in Google Chrome’s 110th edition, which is scheduled for release in February.
The end of support for Windows 8.1, which was released back in October 2013, also occurred today. Although it’s unknown whether Microsoft intends to offer an ESU programme for Windows 8.1 as it did for Windows 7, it seems doubtful given the much lower usage rate of Windows 8.1.
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