Microsoft is to cease offering support, bug fixes and security updates for mainstream Windows 7 users as of January next year. Business users get five-year extension.
Windows 7, thy days are numbered…
It was only ever a matter of time until Microsoft announced it would be pulling the plug on Windows 7, but it’s still a pretty bitter pill for millions to swallow. Having already closed the curtain on Windows XP…despite ongoing calls to back down…it’s now been confirmed that Windows 7 support and security updates will cease as of January 13 next year.
Not that this means the whole OS comes crashing down or screeches to a halt – it just means that mainstream users will no longer receive any bug fixes or general security updates, which in turn leaves them wide-open to attacks.
Business users on the other hand aren’t likely to be affected quite so soon – those shelling out for extended support for Windows 7 will continue to receive all relevant updates and fixes until 2020.
The news comes shortly after the publishing of unofficial global OS data suggesting that Windows 7 adoption is in fact once again on the up – a shift largely attributed to businesses and organizations making the switch from XP to 7.
Microsoft’s motivation for calling it quits with Windows 7 is of course to push more consumers and businesses alike into the open arms of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. The only problem with such a push being how millions are still totally not won over by Redmond’s Live Tile ‘Metro’ interface and the distinct lack of any traditional ‘Start’ menu.
Recent leaks have presented evidence that the Start menu will once again make an appearance in Windows 9, which at present is expected to make its first official appearance next spring.