From January 14, 2020 Microsfot will no longer support Windows 7. Those who want to receive security updates will have to pay an annual subscription
The die is cast: from January 14, 2020 Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7 development. No free security updates will be released and in case a bug is found there will be no fix. This will affect a rather large number of users: according to the latest data available, Windows 7 is still the most used operating system in the world, with a presence on PCs and laptops of almost 43%.
Although Microsoft has released Windows 10, an operating system better in many ways than Windows 7, there are many PCs that still use the old OS, released almost ten years ago. Especially in the business environment. The reason is very simple: there are dozens of programs that only support Windows 7 and upgrading computers to Windows 10 and changing software would cost too much for businesses. But with the end of OS support, businesses will be forced to upgrade their devices. Unless they want to pay an annual subscription to still receive support from Microsoft.
How much does extending support for Windows 7 cost
To cater to its users, the Redmond-based company has decided to continue supporting Windows 7 after January 14, 2020. But those who want to use this service will have to pay an annual subscription. For the time being, the service has been offered only to large companies, but it is not excluded that it will be released for private users as well.
Microsoft also announced the subscription prices for Windows 7 Extended Security Updates. The service will allow you to receive security updates and protect your computers from the attack of new types of viruses. For the first year the extended support will cost $25, while in the second year it will increase to $50. For those who still want to continue using Windows 7 from January 2022 to January 2023, the subscription price will rise to $100 per device. A definitely high price.
Microsoft's strategy is very clear: make it cheaper for companies to upgrade their computers to Windows 10, rather than continuing to pay for support for the old Windows 7. We'll see if companies will be convinced to take the plunge.