Windows 7 EOL: Since its release in 2009, the popularity of Windows 7 has grown to a point where Microsoft offered extended support for it. Those who refused to upgrade to Windows 10, maybe now is the time for them to finally do it.
Almost 5 years ago, Microsoft announced the end of mainstream support for Windows 7. Since its end, Windows 7 was covered by extended support which included bug fixes and security updates.
With 2019 soon ending, Microsoft is completely discontinuing development for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020. Existing users can still continue using it but won’t receive any further security patches and fixes. Windows 7 still runs on over 35% of PCs running Microsoft’s Windows operating system. This means that millions of PC users are now a possible threat to new security vulnerabilities, malware, and ransomware as Microsoft is no longer going to provide security patches for Windows 7.
If you are of those who still run the decade-old operating system, then this guide covers some suggestions to help you tackle the Windows 7 EOL issue. Continue reading this guide to learn more.
Upgrade to Windows 10
Microsoft has released an update for all the editions of Windows 7, including Windows 7 Home (KB4493132), Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate (KB4524752). If you have automatic updates enabled, then the update might have already been installed on your PC. You can also manually install the update through Windows Updates. This update reminds users to take necessary actions to upgrade to Windows 10.
Now, there are reasons why you should upgrade to Windows 10. The first thing is security, which Windows 7 now significantly lacks due to the fact that Microsoft is not going to push any security updates for it. You can continue using Windows 7 without upgrading, but it makes your PC more susceptible to malware and other threats. Windows 10 has a built-in antivirus software called Windows Security (formerly known as Windows Defender), which is one of the best antivirus solutions currently available. Not only it protects you from malware and spyware but it also protects your files from being tampered by ransomware.
The second reason is that Windows 10 is now actually fast and reliable. Some Windows 7 users may have upgraded to Windows 10 a few years ago, but then it wasn’t reliable at all. This is why a lot of people rolled back to Windows 7 and chose to prefer it over Microsoft’s latest Windows operating system. Windows 8 and 8.1 was a terrible mistake from Microsoft, and no one should talk about it.
Windows 10 is an evolving operating system, where Microsoft pushes cumulative updates every week to patch bugs and vendor-related microcodes. It also intelligently detects your hardware and installs the correct drivers for it to work properly. The major feature updates are also deployed twice a year via the semi-annual channel.
If you want to upgrade to Windows 10, then click here to download the Windows 10 Update Assistant tool. The setup is pretty straightforward, and you will get to keep your files in the upgrade process. Although it is reliable, we suggest that you back up your important files in case of an unfortunate event.
Before you upgrade to Windows 10, check out the minimum requirements below.
| Processor | 1Ghz Dual-core processor or faster |
| RAM | 4GB RAM (64-bit) or higher |
| Graphics | DirectX 9 or later |
| Hard Drive Space | 32GB (64-bit) |
| Display Resolution | 800×600 |
If you using PC hardware from 2010 or later, then you can probably use Windows 10 to do simple tasks and even some lightweight gaming. If you use a very old PC, then it might be a good time to upgrade to a new one.
Pay for Windows 7 Security Updates
For those who run a business with Windows 7 PCs, applying for Microsoft’s ESU (Extended Security Updates) is the best option. It requires users to pay for a yearly plan per device. Check out the plans below.
| Windows 7 Enterprise | Windows 7 Pro | |
| Year 1 (Jan ‘20 – Jan ‘21) | $25 | $50 |
| Year 2 (Jan ‘21 – Jan ‘22) | $50 | $100 |
| Year 3 (Jan ‘22 – Jan ‘23) | $100 | $200 |
Although non-business users can also apply with an Enterprise account, it is a very expensive solution. Our recommendation for you is to embrace Windows 10 rather than paying such a huge amount for security updates.
For the latest tech news and updates, Install TechCodex App, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Also, if you like our efforts, consider sharing this story with your friends, this will encourage us to bring more exciting updates for you.
Talha Ali is your tech generalist, covering a wide spectrum of topics within the ever-evolving world of technology. With a curiosity for the latest innovations, industry trends, and breakthroughs. Whether it’s hardware, software, emerging technologies, or the intersection of tech with daily life, Talha’s articles provide readers with a well-rounded perspective on the dynamic landscape of the tech industry.
