Microsoft has released a security update warning users that as of January 14, 2020, support for Windows 7 will end. Here's what to do
On January 14, 2020, Microsoft's support for Windows 7 will end. This is certainly not news: it's been several months since the Redmond-based company made the official announcement and is pushing for users and businesses to upgrade their PCs to Windows 10, the latest release of the operating system.
These days the communication activity from Microsoft is increasing and it has released a security update in which it warns users that Windows 7 support is about to end: there are less than 300 days left. In the message that appears to users, Microsoft also offers its help in backing up files and preparing the PC for the operating system upgrade. Support for Windows 7 ends ten years after the release of the OS that still has a 40% market share, according to the latest Statscounter data. Within this 40% are many companies that have not wanted to upgrade their computers in recent years for fear of losing important information or because Windows 10 does not support specific programs.
Windows 7 will be paid
From April 18, 2019, Windows 7 users will receive daily alerts reminding them that support for the operating system is about to end. Microsoft hopes that this strategy will convince them to make the switch to Windows 10, an OS that offers many more features, but above all has more advanced security systems. Especially for businesses, it's important that their data is protected and safe.
For companies that are reticent and don't want to upgrade their PCs, Microsoft has planned another three years of support (until 2023) for a fee. The company pays an annual subscription and receives support for security patches. The cost of the subscription is expected to increase as the years go by. According to rumors coming out in recent months, the cost of the subscription to Windows 7 Extended Security Updates will be 25 dollars for the first year, $50 for the second year 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. Definitely a high price.
Microsoft wants to make it more affordable for businesses to upgrade computers to Windows 10, rather than continuing to pay for a Windows 7 subscription. We'll see if businesses and users decide to make the switch to Windows 10 in the coming months.