Tech giant Microsoft withdraws Security updates for Windows 7 and 8.1 starting from January 10,2023. Although the customers will be given a choice to upgrade to a more recent OS version, like Windows 11, or remain unprotected against security update risks.
Microsoft launched Windows 7 in October 2009 and reached its end of support in January 2015 and extended end of support dates in January 2020. This forced Windows 7 users to turn to Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program. The updates for this program, however, will end alongside the EOS of Windows 8.1.
According to the Microsoft website, “most Windows 7 devices will not meet the hardware requirements for upgrading to Windows 11; however, compatible Windows 7 PCs can be upgraded to Windows 10 by purchasing and installing the full version of the software… Before investing in a Windows 10 upgrade, please consider that Windows 10 will reach its end of support date on October 14, 2025.”
Windows 11 Security –
Although upgrading to Windows 11 requires purchasing a new computer, Microsoft emphasizes upgrading to more modern devices with more advanced hardware. “To maintain the reliability and stability of Microsoft 365, we strongly recommend you take advantage of the latest hardware capabilities by moving to a new PC with Windows 11,” Microsoft explains. “PCs have changed substantially since Windows 7 was first released ten years ago. Today’s computers are faster, more powerful, and sleeker—plus they come with Windows 11 already installed.”
