This is the end, on January 13, today, Microsoft is officially ending the mainstream support for Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, but it also marks the beginning of the extended support period, which will last for another five years, until January 14, 2020.
Windows 7 is perhaps one of the best operating system ever made, but after five years, the technology powering the software looks out of date, when we see all the new technologies and features in Windows 8.1 and those coming in Windows 10.
For regular users, the end of mainstream support is not a big deal; Microsoft will continue updating the operating system for years to come in the regular basis. In other words, everything will remain the same. However, the company will not release any additional features and business customers with custom features for Windows 7 will have to pay to fix any bug that affects the operating system.
Here are all the important dates:
While the extended support period for Windows 7 will give consumers an additional five years to keep using a very stable operating system, Windows 10 will launch this year and is already showing the capacity to become an even better operating system.
Now, if you’re still running Windows 7, chances are you’ll have to pay to upgrade to Windows 10, though Microsoft has not announced any official pricing. However, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 users have a bigger chance to get the new operating system free. Features you can expect on Windows 10 includes, new Start menu, Continuum mode for 2-in-1 devices, Spartan web browser, floating apps on the desktop, virtual desktops, Cortana integration, and a bunch of new features and enhancements.
Source Microsoft
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].