If you’re currently using windows 7 operating system, well bad news for you as Microsoft is ending its support for the operating system on 14th this month. The Redmond-based software firm made the announcement last year in January recommending its users to upgrade to windows 10.
Computer running the OS will still function but Microsoft will no longer provide; technical support, software updates, and security updates/fixes. While you could continue to use your PC, without continued software and security updates, it will be at greater risk for viruses and malware.
Microsoft thinks the OS has had enough, deciding to lay it to rest after 10 years of operations. Meanwhile, its extended support has been detailed on the company’s Windows lifecycle fact sheet. Meanwhile, Microsoft says will continue to provide security updates to only business customers.
They will offer paid Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) till Jan. 2023. In addition, charging a hefty premium for it as the ESU for enterprise customers will be doled out on a per-device basis and the pricing will increase with each passing year.
Some users are hesitant to upgrade claiming the OS has a series of bug issues. However, Microsoft laid out several changes to its update approach starting in May 2019.
The Uganda National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT.UG) has called Ugandans to upgrade their PCs to windows 10 rating the severity of this advisory alert as HIGH due to the following risk assessment and impact.
Notably, Windows 7 was the most widely used desktop OS — before Windows 10 took over in 2018. NetMarketShare’s reports that 39.2% of the machines they collect data from used Windows 10, while 36.9% used Windows 7. To-date, majority of PCs now run on Windows 10.
How to upgrade to Windows 10
You can purchase a full version of Windows 10 Home or Pro for your Windows 7 PC via the Microsoft website. However, Microsoft highly recommends you buy a new PC with windows 10.
