Windows 7 users be advised: Microsoft is ending support for the OS today.
After Jan. 14, 2020, your PC will no longer receive security updates, and Microsoft's customer service will stop providing technical support. Translation: if a major bug hits Windows, those on Windows 7 won't get the patch when Redmond rolls it out.
As of December 2019, Windows 10 is the most popular operating system globally with 54.6 percent market share. But Windows 7 is still at 26.64 percent, according to Net Applications.
To continue receiving support, businesses will have to pay for it. Microsoft will extend Windows 7 security updates through January 2023, but only to enterprise users who buy in volume. The support will be "sold on a per-device basis and the price will increase each year" for Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise-installed systems, Microsoft said.
So now is a good time to upgrade to Windows 10; here's our full guide to making the switch.
Once you do upgrade, make sure you take advantage of all Windows 10 has to offer. Check out:
- 18 Reasons You Should Upgrade to Windows 10
- 23 Hidden Tricks Inside Windows 10
- How to Fix the Most Annoying Things in Windows 10
Windows 10 becomes the most popular desktop OS
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