It’s official: Microsoft confirms the end of Windows 7 and 8

It’s officially the end for Windows 7 and 8, so update now

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After years of anticipation, today officially marks the end ofWindows 7and8/8.1,Microsofthas confirmed.

The agedoperating systemswill no longer receive Microsoft security updates from today, January 10, 2023, marking the end of their official lifespan.

Anyone using the software will now be at risk of cyberattacks from criminals exploiting current and future security flaws and vulnerabilities, and is urged to update to newer Windows versions - particularlyWindows 11- immediately in order to stay safe.

Adieu Windows 7 and 8

“Microsoft 365 is governed by the Modern Lifecycle Policy which requires customers to stay current as per the servicing and system requirements for the product or service including using Microsoft 365 on a Windows operating system that is currently in support,” the company wrote in a recently-updatedWindows 7 support document.

“Using Microsoft 365 on older, unsupported operating systems may cause performance and reliability issues over time. As a valuable Microsoft 365 subscriber, we want to continue to provide a stable Microsoft 365 experience. Therefore, if you’re using Microsoft 365 on a computer runningWindows 7we strongly recommend you move toWindows 10.”

Following a lengthy warning period, Microsoft’s extended support forWindows 7 was droppedin January 2020 as the company transitioned to its three-year extended security update (ESU) period.Windows 8.1 has also reached the end of its support period, and will not see the launch of an ESU program, marking the end of its life.

“As a reminder, Windows 8.1 will reach end of support on January 10, 2023, at which point technical assistance and software updates will no longer be provided”, Microsoft wrote in a separate support document concerning the newer software.

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“If you have devices running Windows 8.1, we recommend upgrading them to a more current, in-service, and supported Windows release. If devices do not meet the technical requirements to run a more current release of Windows, we recommend that you replace the device with one that supports Windows 11.”

Microsoft added that it will not be offering an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 8.1, and that continuing to use the software after its official end of life, “may increase an organization’s exposure to security risks or impact its ability to meet compliance obligations.”

RIP Windows 7 – Microsoft’s best operating system ever?>Microsoft 365 patches for Windows 7 to end in 2023>Check out the best Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 deals this month

However the issues may not be solved so simply, as recent figures claim that Microsoft is also having issues inmaking sure users switch to its latest Windows builds.

Recent data from Statcounter found Windows 11 only accounts for 15.44% of all Windows systems - but over 70% of users are still running Windows 10, with Windows 7 still maintaining a dedicated user base of just under 10% of devices despite its lack of support.

The final death knell for Windows 7 and 8.1 came several weeks ago after the company’s ownbrowser, Microsoft Edge,ended its support.

The world’s most popular browser alsorecently ended supportfor Windows 7 and 8.1 afterGoogleChrome announced in October 2022 that it will be dropping the software in early 2023 as it looks to streamline its focus on Windows 10 and above.

Google Chrome110, which is currently expected to launch on February 7, 2023, will be the last version to support the older software.

Mike Moore is Deputy Editor at TechRadar Pro. He has worked as a B2B and B2C tech journalist for nearly a decade, including at one of the UK’s leading national newspapers and fellow Future title ITProPortal, and when he’s not keeping track of all the latest enterprise and workplace trends, can most likely be found watching, following or taking part in some kind of sport.

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