End of Life – Windows 7
When does support for Windows 7 end?
Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 7 on January 13, 2015, but extended support won’t end until January 14, 2020.
This applies as long as you have Service Pack 1 installed. If you haven’t installed Service Pack 1 already, you should do it now by going to the Microsoft site or updating via Windows Update.
What's the difference between Windows mainstream support and extended support?
Mainstream support and extended support define the amount of time Microsoft allows for operating systems to continue.
When an operating system is within the mainstream support period, it means Microsoft is still providing security updates for any bugs that emerge, releasing design changes and warranty claims etc.
Once Microsoft ends mainstream support of an operating system it goes into an extended support state. Basically this means the company stops adding new features and ends complimentary support. Microsoft will still provide essential bug fixes and patches though.
Is Windows 7 still safe to use?
When an operating system is in extended support it is still safe to use. It means that Microsoft will continue to patch any security threats but will not add any new features to the operating system.
What does this mean for you?
Now is the time to take action and upgrade to Windows 10. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that may be exploited by malware and help keep users and their data safer. PCs running Windows 7 after January, 2020, are not considered secure.
The information provided here is of a general nature. Everyone’s circumstances are different. If you require specific advice you should contact your local technical support provider.