In recent developments, Microsoft announced that they’ve ended technical support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 operating systems – both legacy versions. The company announced on January 10th,2023 that users who’re operating Windows with the aforementioned versions will no longer receive security updates or new features from the company.
According to StatCounter, approximately 11 percent of desktop users worldwide use Windows 7, while 2.6 percent of users have Windows 8.1 as their operating system. Less than 1 percent of all Redmond-powered desktops use Windows 8.
Microsoft Windows users who wish to avail the latest updates and features will have to switch to newer versions like Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2022. People with older computers could consider upgrading to Windows 10, as it is most likely to be compatible with old devices. A statement on the Microsoft website read, “Those who have devices running Windows 8.1 should consider upgrading to a more recent, in-service, and supported Windows version. If users are running devices that don’t have the technical capabilities to run the latest versions of Windows, then they should try replacing their device with one that supports Windows 11.”
Windows 7 was initially launched in 2009 as the successor to Windows Vista. Equipped with features like the Taskbar, it allows users to access and switch between open programs. Windows 8.1 was launched in 2013 as a reaction to the barrage of criticism faced by Microsoft for Windows 8. It included a set of new features like enhanced support for high-resolution displays and armed users with the ability to boot directly to the desktop.