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What happens when Microsoft ends Windows 7 mainstream support next year

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Lee2:
Nothing until 2020 and beyond. I am sticking with 7, many people are even still using XP without any apparent problems.


--- Quote ---On January 13, 2015, Microsoft will stop mainstream support for Windows 7--which is still an extremely popular operating system. But you'll still be able to use it safely for another five years.

This isn't anything like the run-up to the end of XP support back in April, when everyone in the tech press (including me) warned you about dire consequences if you continued to use XP. That was the end of extended support, which is far more serious than the end of mere mainstream support.

Once mainstream support ends, there will be no more service packs. Microsoft won't redesign the environment or add new features. Without a special extended agreement, you won't get patches for bugs that don't result in a security threat.

But if you like Windows 7, you probably don't really need new service packs, and you certainly don't want a redesigned user interface. As long as Microsoft patches vulnerabilities that could become security risks, Windows 7 remains a safe operating system.

Microsoft doesn't plan to stop fixing security problems in Windows 7 until extended support ends. That's January 14, 2020--five years and a day from the end of mainstream support.

If that doesn't put you at ease, consider this: XP's mainstream support ended in April, 2009. It caused no problems whatsoever. Millions continued to use XP for another five years without people like me warning them of dire consequences. Windows 7 won't be any different.

Vista mainstream support  ended on April 10, 2012. Extended support will end on April 11, 2017, so you can continue to use Vista for another two and a half years plus. [This paragraph was added on August 29, in reaction to reader queries.] http://tinyurl.com/luerrg3

--- End quote ---

coleman2347:
I used xp until I came here in 2011, Im presently using Windows 7 and will continue to use it until this computer dies..the only time I have ever up graded is when I bought a new computer and a new version of windows came on it.
Fortunately I never had a computer with vista and from what I hear that was a good thing..but then I readily admit Im computer stupid  and if I turn it on and it works, Im happy

JoeLP:
Right now microsoft is offering free upgrades to Windows 10.  Tina is downloading it now as I write this.  Just google "microsoft essentials" and join that to get the emails sent to you for all upgrades.  I'm waiting for her to get it installed to make sure I like it.  I love all the reviews I've seen of it.  If it's as good as I'm hoping, tomorrow my laptop will be downloading and installing it also. 

brett4gam:
G'day all,

I upgraded from Windows 7 Ulitmate to Windows 10 about a week and a half ago.  It downloaded and installed without a hitch, which is good as I am not that handy with computers.

So far the experience has been great.  Many improvements that I can see and nothing hasn't worked as it is supposed to.


Cheers
Brett

Art, just a re(tired) Fil-Am:
Sounds encouraging Brett. I too am not a computer savvy kind of a guy.
I'll wait awhile though before switching to Windows 10. I still like Vista, user friendly!  ::) ??? ;)

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