The countdown to the end of Windows 7 is now well and truly underway. Microsoft will stop supporting this ageing operating systems in one month. With the deadline fast approaching, the US company has unveiled a clever new plan to get users to make the switch.
January 14 is the date when support ends for Windows 7 and, from that day, Microsoft will begin filling screens with an alert that warns users about the need to upgrade. The full-screen warning will tell users that their “Windows 7 PC is out of support.”
The message then goes on to warn Windows users that not upgrading will make their computers more vulnerable to viruses and malware.
This is due to the fact that Microsoft will no longer push out security updates, software updates or have any tech support. The alert ends by saying: “Microsoft strongly recommends using Windows 10 on a new PC for the latest security features and protection against malicious software.”
This alert will say rooted to the screen until the user either clicks to learn more or asks to be reminded later – it’s unclear how often it will pop up if users decide not to upgrade.
Many might be surprised to see just how many people are still using Windows 7. According to NetMarketShare, as of November, this ageing OS was still being used by 26.86 percent of Windows fans.
JUST IN: Windows 7 end of life: Microsoft fans don’t have long to make the jump to Windows 10
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Windows 10: Microsoft is updating your PC and here’s the reason why
Windows 10 now has a 53 percent share. Explaining more about the end of Windows 7, the US firm said: “Microsoft made a commitment to provide 10 years of product support for Windows 7 when it was released on October 22, 2009.
“When this 10-year period ends, Microsoft will discontinue Windows 7 support so that we can focus our investment on supporting newer technologies and great new experiences.
“The specific end of support day for Windows 7 will be January 14, 2020. After that, technical assistance and software updates from Windows Update that help protect your PC will no longer be available for the product.
“Microsoft strongly recommends that you move to Windows 10 sometime before January 2020 to avoid a situation where you need service or support that is no longer available.
“You can continue to use Windows 7, but after support has ended, your PC will become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Windows will continue to start and run, but you will no longer receive software updates, including security updates, from Microsoft.”
Although it’s clear that updating to Windows 10 is now a wise choice, there is a very high price to pay for some wanting to make the switch.
Microsoft’s free upgrade ran out a while ago meaning those moving across to the new OS will need to pay and it’s not cheap.
Windows 10 Home edition costs £119.99 which is licensed to one PC. This price rises to £219.99 for Windows 10 Pro and £339 for Windows 10 Pro for Workstations.
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