Windows 7, end of security updates: Microsoft starts to alert users

Microsoft has released a patch on Windows 7 to inform users that the operating system ” is approaching the end “. Starting from January 14th 2020, Windows 7 will no longer receive security updates, thus remaining vulnerable to all bugs and flaws that will be discovered after that date. The patch was released last Wednesday with the aim of convincing users to upgrade to a more recent release.

There are many users and companies that still use the old operating system, considering it more than effective in managing everyday activities. However, Microsoft points out that the term of the support will come 10 years after its debut (in 2009), and after about five years from the launch of Windows 10: for Microsoft, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep both versions updated, both on the practical side and on the technical.

Windows 10 implements deeper security and privacy solutions than Windows 7, making it easier to mitigate discovered vulnerabilities compared to older software. The notice will appear to users starting from April 18th, with ample notice with respect to the deadline in order to make the transition to the new operating system more fluid. And it is no small news, considering the current spread of the SO.

Windows 7 is currently installed on about 40% of the desktop systems on the market, at least according to NetApplications, a figure that includes hundreds of millions of systems spread all over the world, some of which belong to companies and organizations of various types. However, ” enterprise ” customers will have a much longer period of time available, and can choose to pay to receive updates until 2023.

For all others, it is highly recommended to switch to Windows 10. Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users have had the opportunity to upgrade free of charge for more than a year since the debut of the new release, but now the incentives have expired, and we must proceed for a fee.

If you decide not to do so, you leave the computer open to security flaws or cyber attacks and, given the end of the support, it is very likely that any third party attackers will study how to exploit open vulnerabilities.

It is very difficult for Microsoft to release security patches for operating systems that are no longer supported, but it is not impossible. In 2017, Microsoft released a patch on Windows XP to protect it from the spread of WannaCry, a ransomware that exploited a tool used by the NSA and that affected schools, companies and hospitals. As far as Windows 8 is concerned, support is scheduled for January 10, 2023.