Windows 7 is still working hard on many computers used in businesses, even though it is almost a decade old.
Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system was first pushed out globally in July 2015. The new system introduced a number of changes over older versions of Windows.
However, despite some of these advantages, many users have stuck firmly with Windows 7. This is partly due to the cost of upgrading, but also because the operating system has proven to be reliable and stable.
In fact, recent figures show Windows 7 still has a 41 percent share of the overall market. The Windows 10 market share has reached approximately only 38 percent.
As a large number of people are yet to move away from Windows 7, Microsoft has recently announced that it is extending the support for this ageing software until January 14, 2020.
However, there is now more good news. Microsoft states users will be able to continue to get updates for Windows 7 even further into the future. In a recent post on their website*, Microsoft confirmed:
“As previously announced, Windows 7 extended support is ending January 14, 2020. While many of you are already well on your way in deploying Windows 10, we understand that everyone is at a different point in the upgrade process.
With that in mind, today we are announcing that we will offer Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) through January 2023.”
Many will be pleased to hear this news but there is a catch. Those wanting to get support for Windows 7 past the 2020 deadline will have to pay for the privilege.
Windows 7 ESU will be sold on a per-device basis. According to Microsoft, the price will increase each year. It will be available to all Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise customers in Volume Licensing. A discount will be available to customers with Windows Software Assurance, Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 10 Education subscriptions.
If you require more information or are now ready to make the move to Windows 10, please contact us and we will be happy to provide the advice you need.
*Source: Microsoft