Is Windows 7 Still Supported By Microsoft

Information technology'due south been almost ii years since Microsoft officially concluded support for Windows 7 in January 2020. The end shouldn't have come up as a surprise to Windows users: Microsoft promised 10 years of product support for Windows 7 when it was released in October 2009, before shifting focus to supporting newer technologies, like Windows xi.

That means Microsoft no longer offers technical assistance or software updates to your device, and the company encouraged people to upgrade to Windows 10 to keep their PCs and laptops secure. (If you're a Windows eight.1 user, extended support for that OS won't stop until January 2023.) Only don't worry -- you can still use this fob to download Windows x for gratis if you want to. And with Windows 10, you tin can upgrade to Windows xi for free.

Go on reading for everything y'all need to know about the finish of Windows 7 support, and how to make the switch to Windows 10.

The customizable Start card on Windows 10.
Nate Ralph/CNET

Read more: How to download Windows x for complimentary

Why did Microsoft end support for Windows 7?

Microsoft has a long-established Fixed Lifestyle Policy for many of its products. For each version of its Bone, the company offers a minimum of 10 years of support (at least v years of Mainstream back up, followed by 5 years of Extended support). Both types include security and program updates, self-assist online topics and actress help you can pay for.

Windows 7 was released in October 2009, so its 10-year life cycle has come to a close. Windows 10 was released in 2015, and extended support for the latest version of the OS is slated to end in 2025.

Read more than:New to Windows x? Here'south how long Microsoft will support it

Volition my Windows 7 computer stop working?

Your Windows 7 reckoner will keep working, but Microsoft won't provide security updates or fixes, or technical support for any problems -- leaving your computer at greater risk from viruses and malware that may circulate to take advantage of any flaws that are after discovered.

That's why information technology's critically of import for you to switch to an Os version that Microsoft will nevertheless put resource behind.

Read more than: Windows vii back up is dead, but these seven security tips volition nevertheless protect your laptop

Do I take to brand the switch to Windows 10?

No one can force yous to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, but yous're leaving your devices and potentially your privacy vulnerable if you don't make the jump. Without security updates or fixes, you're putting your computer at run a risk -- an especially dangerous selection, as many forms of malware target Windows devices.

Windows x also has a number of built-in security tools: Windows Defender Antivirus protects against malware and spyware across electronic mail, apps, the cloud and the web, while Windows Hello offers a password-free sign-in option to unlock your devices with your face up or a fingerprint reader. A Find My Device service tin can lock and erase your Windows device remotely, or map the location of your device.

Read more:The all-time antivirus protection of 2021 for Windows 10

Isn't Windows 10 pretty buggy?

Some people accept been hesitant to make the switch due to reports of several bugs in earlier versions of Windows ten. But Microsoft has made several changes to its update approach since then. The biggest change came with the May 2019 release, including slower rollouts with additional testing, more options for pausing updates and more disclosure of known issues, and then your feel should be smoother.

Many of the issues were due to the fact that updates are happening more frequently, said Gartner Inquiry analyst Steve Kleynhans. "Merely overall most users seem pretty happy with the Bone and like the experience it brings, especially on newer devices," he added.

Read more than: half-dozen simple security changes all Windows x users need to make

What'due south the difference between Windows 7 and Windows 10, anyway?

Also a suite of security tools, Windows x also offers more features. One is the Your Phone app, which allows you to access texts, notifications and apps from your telephone using your PC -- similar to Apple's Continuity features. A feature called Calls allows you to identify and answer Android calls on your PC (and yous can connect your iPhone to your Windows PC as well). A dictation feature lets you easily record ideas.

Microsoft's digital assistant Cortana is besides available on Windows 10 PCs. The OS also integrates ameliorate with Microsoft OneDrive and other cloud tools.

Read more: eleven like shooting fish in a barrel Windows 10 tricks you lot didn't know nearly

The most recent Windows 10 November 2021 update includes features like new Wi-Fi security standards and other changes aimed at management and security.

Unlike previous versions of the Bone, Windows 10 offers automatic updates past default, to keep systems more secure. (You can plough these off if yous want to, by going to Windows Update Settings > Avant-garde Options and changing from Automatic to another pick in the drib-downward carte.)

Read more than: 5 Windows 10 features that beat what yous had on Windows 7

How do I upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10? How much will it cost me?

You can buy and download Windows ten via Microsoft's website for $139. While Microsoft technically ended its gratis Windows 10 upgrade programme in July 2016, as of November 2021, CNET has confirmed the free update is still available for Windows seven, 8, and 8.1 users. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to upgrade to Windows ten for complimentary.

Read more: 20 pro tips to make Windows x work the style y'all want (free PDF) (TechRepublic)