In the face of increased demand, Microsoft may have extended the licensing of Windows 7 Professional and Windows 8.1 to OEMs by two years, but all of that is finally ending now. The support, which ended on October 31st, 2016, leaves Windows 10 as the only option for users looking forward.
Previous versions of Windows 7, namely the Home Basic, Home Premium and Ultimate, were already discontinued two years ago, while support for Windows 8 was ended at the end of June this year. The move, which was originally done to facilitate reluctant users of previous Windows versions, now won’t be allowing users to buy a machine running Windows 7 Pro and 8.1 straight from the manufacturer.
Mainstream support for Windows 7 had already ceased on January 13th, 2015, while that of Windows 8.1 will last a bit more till January 9th, 2018. Mainstream support covers most security essentials and provides security checks, patches, UI changes and additional features. Extended support for both the operating systems will last till 2020 and 2023, respectively.
Microsoft has already shuffled things a bit with its Windows 10 operating system, which acts as a service and continually adds features throughout its product life, coupled with the regular security fixes and support for years. Its mainstream support is said to end at around the same time in 2020.
If anything, a new report from Duo Security, which reports 600 security vulnerabilities in Windows 7, should further convince users to migrate to the much improved Windows 10.
