Windows 7’s end of mainstream support date was January 14th, 2020. This means that Microsoft no longer provides security updates or technical support for the operating system. However, extended support will continue until January 14th, 2023. This means that Windows 7 will still receive security updates, but not new features or other non-security related updates.
So, is Windows 7 still safe to use?
The answer is yes, for now. However, it’s important to keep in mind that extended support ends in just over a year and after that, there will be no more security updates released for Windows 7. This means that any new security vulnerabilities that are discovered will not be fixed and your computer will be at risk.
Who is still using Windows 7?
While Windows 7’s end of support date has passed, there are still a significant number of people using the operating system. According to StatCounter, Windows 7 is still the second most popular desktop operating system with a market share of 25.27%. This is down from 36.90% in January 2020, but it’s still a significant number of users.
It’s estimated that there are over 1 billion active Windows 10 devices, but this doesn’t mean that everyone has upgraded. Many people are still using older versions of Windows, like Windows 7. This can be for a variety of reasons, such as cost or compatibility issues.
With over 25% of desktop users still on Windows 7, it’s clear that there are a significant number of people who haven’t upgraded to the latest version of Windows. This means that there are a lot of people who will be affected when extended support ends.
How can I protect my computer after extended support ends?
There are some things you can do to help protect your computer after extended support for Windows 7 ends:
- Keep your software up to date: This includes Windows 7 as well as any other software you have installed. New versions of software are often released to fix security vulnerabilities, so it’s important to stay up to date.
- Use a security suite: A security suite can provide additional protection for your computer. It can help to block malware and protect you from online threats.
- Use a VPN: A VPN can help to encrypt your traffic and make it more difficult for someone to spy on your online activity.
- Be careful online: Avoid clicking on links or opening email attachments from unknown sources. These can be used to deliver malware to your computer.
- Back up your data: Regularly backing up your data can help to ensure that you don’t lose anything important if your computer is compromised.
By taking these steps, you can help to protect your computer after extended support for Windows 7 ends.
How do I make the switch to Windows 10?
If you’re still using Windows 7, it’s important to upgrade to Windows 10 before extended support ends. Upgrading is easy and there 3 different ways to do it:
- Use the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant: The Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant can help you to upgrade your computer to Windows 10. Simply download the tool and follow the instructions.
- Use Media Creation Tool: The Media Creation Tool can be used to create a bootable USB drive or DVD. Once you have the media, simply boot from it and follow the instructions to upgrade your computer.
- Purchase a copy of Windows 10: You can purchase a copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft or a retail store. Once you have the installation media, simply boot from it and follow the instructions to upgrade your computer.
Making the switch to Windows 10 is easy and there are a few different ways to do it. Be sure to upgrade before extended support for Windows 7 ends to get the latest security updates and protect your computer. If you need assistance, consider working with an IT partner that can help you to make the transition. They offer services like data backup and recovery, so you can be sure that your data is safe during the upgrade process.
