The concept of “old” can vary significantly depending on the context. A ten-year-old house may not be considered old, while a phone of the same age (like an iPhone 6 or a Samsung Galaxy S5) has probably already been replaced by a newer model. In fact, the passage of time is usually more noticeable in technology products, especially in software and operating systems.
In Windows, Microsoft’s life cycle determines the period during which users can safely use a particular version of the system. When the life cycle comes to an end, the version in question becomes obsolete because it’s no longer supported by the company and stops receiving updates. As a result, it becomes riskier to continue using it. Additionally, its compatibility with programs decreases daily.
Millions of Windows Users Are Using Obsolete Versions
According to analyses by Paul Thurrott and figures released by Microsoft, it’s estimated that at least 1.5 billion devices are currently running Windows. Statcounter reports that 3.77% of the total, approximately 56 million users, are using versions of the operating system that are no longer supported, such as Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, and Windows XP.
Clearly, many people are still using these outdated systems, which are more vulnerable to digital threats due to their age. However, Microsoft hasn’t forgotten about these old products. Despite no surprise updates, the company recently published an article outlining the risks faced by their users and providing recommendations for addressing them.
The company says that the mentioned versions aren’t supported, which puts its users at risk of malware that could lead to the loss or theft of personal information. Microsoft recommends “upgrading them to a more current, in-service, and supported Windows release.” Windows 11 is the latest version.
Now’s a good time to analyze why the company suggests this and whether there are any alternative options.
If you currently have a computer running Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows XP, you may be able to upgrade to Windows 10 by purchasing a license, depending on whether your hardware meets the requirements of the system launched in 2015. It’s important to note that Windows 10 will no longer be supported after October 2025, so it would be a temporary solution. As such, migrating to Windows 11 makes more sense.
However, switching to Windows 11 isn’t a simple decision. The first challenge is the hardware requirements. Computers running older versions of Windows won’t be compatible with Windows 11, mainly due to processor and TPM 2.0 requirements. Additionally, there’s no free upgrade, and users will need to purchase a new license.
As a result, millions of home and business users will eventually need to buy new hardware to transition to Windows 11 if they want to continue receiving updates. This is a significant change, considering Windows 10 currently holds over 60% of the Windows system market share and is just one year away from becoming an obsolete operating system.
Image | Microsoft
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