IF your “colorum” PC is still running on Windows 7 or Windows 8, your time is running out. Microsoft announced that they are discontinuing technical support for these two operating systems this week.
There is a chance that your refurbished PCs and laptops will gradually not function properly and will end up becoming a doorstop or a repurposed spare part container sooner than later.
This is due to legacy Microsoft OS users will cease to receive any updates for these operating systems which have grown to be the main choice for at least 10 percent of PC users worldwide.
Most of whom have not even considered migrating to the more recent Microsoft OS offering (Windows 10 & 11).
What changed?
Windows 7 has been continually receiving security updates through the company’s Extended Security Update (ESU) — which is essential in maintaining the PC’s software upkeep — even though most of the OS support ended in January 2020.
Windows 8 or 8.1 will not enjoy the same leeway as it won’t be granted the same extension as its predecessor.
“If you have devices running Windows 8.1, we recommend upgrading them to a more current, in-service, and supported Windows release,” according to a document stating the end of support.
It also added “If devices do not meet the technical requirements to run a more current release of Windows, we recommend that you replace the device with one that supports Windows 11.”.
At the moment, 68 percent of all PCs in the world are run by Windows 10 and Windows 11.
However, there are still 11 percent of the desktops that are still on the older operating systems. Windows 7 machines that are not compatible with Windows 11 can opt to use Windows 10 for their upgrade although users will have to keep in mind that support for the OS will end in 2025 as well.
More importantly, for Chrome users who are still using older versions of the Microsoft OS will benefit to know that the latest version of Chrome — to be released on February 7 — will not be compatible with Windows 7 and 8.
Whether it’s as simple as something hard to let go or your PC is trying to outlive us all, the end is here for Windows 7 and 8.
An upgrade is inevitable.
