Windows had initially ended mainstream support for its widely used 2009 version, Windows 7. However, it continued providing extended supports that will end on 14th January 2020.
Although one may still pay to get the extended support it will likely be without the important Microsoft Security Essentials antivirus program. What this could mean is that using the soon to be obsolete Windows 7, one is more at risk of infection by malware.
Also, any serious problem that comes up in the operating system may be unfixable at the time as well. End of extended support for Windows 7 stops on Tuesday 14th January 2020.
However, payments can ensure one gets the support for an extra three years. Ghacks.net listed possible pricing to keep getting these supports:
Windows 7 Professional
- Year 1 — $50 per device
- Year 2 — $100 per device
- Year 3 — $200 per device
Windows 7 Enterprise
- Year 1 — $25 per device
- Year 2 — $50 per device
- Year 3 — $100 per device
ZDNet approximates that there are about 200 million PCs still running on Windows 7. If you are among this more than 18% of Windows users in the world, then it is time to upgrade to Windows 10. The good news is that you can even do it for free.
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How to upgrade to Windows 10 for free
The GWX tool that Windows forced to show up on the PC of Windows 7 users is no longer available. Microsoft ended this in July 2016, yet you can still update your OS for free. We got these steps from a ZDNet article.
First, ensure that your PC is using Windows 7 Home, Pro, or Ultimate edition, or Windows 8.x Home or Business that is properly licensed and activated.
Then check for any recent driver updates and BIOS updates and also uninstall third-party security software. Then disconnect any external storage device that is not in use until the upgrade is complete.
- Go to the download page, Windows 10.
- Next, tap on the Download tool now button under the Create Windows 10 installation media.
- Wait for the download to finish, then double-click the executable file and run the Media Creation Tool.
- (If the Media Creation Tool is downloaded on the machine you plan to upgrade) Tap on Upgrade this PC now.
After this, follow the prompts to complete the upgrade. When the upgrade is complete and you will need an internet connection to get a digital license to Windows 10. Confirm this by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
You can upgrade a different machine by choosing Create installation media for another PC, and save the installation files, instead of tapping on Upgrade this PC now in step 4.
Find out more by going to the referenced article.
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