Microsoft: No Security Updates for Windows 7 after 2020

Microsoft has rolled out a patch for Windows 7 informing customers that their security update will soon be discontinued.

Microsoft has rolled out a patch that warned users about the deadline, January 14, 2020, post which, Microsoft said they would no longer roll out new patches for security issues and vulnerabilities. Since its debut in 2009, Microsoft updates Windows 7 with monthly security patches and keeps adding new features. Today, Windows 7 has cornered about 40% of the desktop market, Net Applications reported. The most recent operating system Windows 10 was introduced in 2015 after Windows 8.

Microsoft’s move to stop rolling security updates is a part of a strategy to push users to its latest software Windows 10, which delivers with the latest security updates and advanced features.

Starting from April 18, Windows 7 users will begin receiving warnings about the approaching cut-off.

The US Tech giant will give an option to Enterprise customers to extend security updates until 2023.

For years, Microsoft allowed Windows 7 users to upgrade to Windows 10 for free to try to encourage growth and upgrades — to prevent the spread of WannaCry. Developed by the National Security Agency, this ransomware strain piggybacked off leaked hacking tools.  

Windows 7’s successor, Windows 8, will continue to receive updates until January 10, 2023.