As Microsoft previously warned, support for Windows 7 Extended Security Update, ESU, as well as Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 ends today Tuesday. Users of these operating systems will then need to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 to continue receiving technical support and software updates.
Although support for Windows 7 ended three years ago, important security updates are still available through the ESU program.
In a document on his website Microsoft says it will not offer ESU programs for Windows 8.1 and that “continuing to use Windows 8.1 after January 10 could increase an organization’s exposure to security risks or impact its ability to meet regulatory requirements.”
If an organization has devices running Windows 8.1, it is recommended that they upgrade to a more current and supported version. If the drives do not meet the technical requirements to do so, it is recommended that you replace the drives.
There are still quite a few users mostly running Windows 7, the news site points out The register. According to research firm Statcounter, Windows 7 is still running on more than 11% of desktop computers in the world, while Windows 8.1 is running on 2.59%. Windows 8 runs at less than one percent.
Windows 7 was launched in 2009. Microsoft is now trying to push system users to switch to Windows 11 and writes in a document that “PCs have changed significantly since Windows 7 was launched. Today’s computers are faster, more powerful and look better, plus they come with Windows 11 installed,” reports The Register.
