Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 almost two years ago. For the sake of your own security, stop procrastinating and make the move windows 7 features on or off free download Windows It's been almost two years since Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 7 in January The end shouldn't have come as a surprise to Windows users: Microsoft promised 10 years of product support for Windows 7 when it was released in Octoberbefore shifting focus to supporting newer technologies, like Windows That means Microsoft no longer offers technical assistance or software updates to your device, and the company encouraged people to upgrade to Windows 10 to keep their PCs and laptops secure.
If you're a Windows 8. But don't worry -- you can still use this trick to download Windows 10 for free if you want to. And with Windows 10, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the end of Windows 7 support, and how to make the switch to Windows Read more: How to download Windows 10 for free. Microsoft has a long-established Fixed Lifestyle Policy for many of its products. For each version of its OS, the company offers a minimum of 10 years of support at least five years of Mainstream support, followed by five years of Extended support.
Both types include security and program updates, self-help online topics and extra help you can pay for. Windows 7 was released in Octoberso its year life cycle has come to a close. Windows 10 was released inand extended support for the latest version of the OS is slated to end in Read more: New to Windows 10?
Here's how windows 7 features on or off free download Microsoft will support it. Your Windows 7 computer will keep working, but Microsoft won't provide security updates or fixesor technical support for any issues -- leaving your computer at greater risk from viruses and malware that may circulate to take advantage of any flaws that are later discovered.
That's why it's critically important for you to switch to an OS version that Microsoft will still put resources behind. Read more: Windows 7 support is dead, but these seven security tips will still protect your laptop. No one can force windows 7 features on or off free download to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10but you're leaving your devices and potentially your privacy vulnerable if you don't make the jump.
Without security updates or fixes, you're putting your computer at risk -- an especially dangerous choice, as many forms of malware target Windows devices. Windows 10 also has a number of built-in security tools : Windows Defender Antivirus protects against malware and spyware across email, apps, the cloud and the web, while Windows Hello offers a password-free sign-in option to unlock your devices with your face or a fingerprint reader.
A Find My Device service can lock and erase your Windows device remotely, or map the location of your device. Read more: The best antivirus protection of for Windows Some people have been hesitant to make the switch due to reports windows 7 features on or off free download several bugs in earlier versions of Windows But Microsoft has made several changes to its update approach since then.
The biggest change came with the May release, including slower rollouts with additional testing, more options for pausing updates and more disclosure of known issues, so your experience should be smoother. Many of the issues were due to the fact that updates are happening more frequently, said Gartner Research analyst Steve Kleynhans. Read more: 6 simple security changes all Windows 10 users need to make.
Besides a suite of security tools, Windows 10 also offers more features. One is the Your Phone appwhich allows you to access texts, notifications and apps from your phone using your PC -- similar to Apple's Continuity features. A dictation feature lets you easily record ideas. Microsoft's digital assistant Cortana is also available on Windows 10 PCs. Read more: 11 easy Windows 10 tricks you didn't know about. The most recent Windows 10 November update includes features like new Wi-Fi security standards and other windows 7 features on or off free download aimed at management and security.
Unlike previous versions of the OS, Windows 10 offers automatic updates by default, to keep systems more secure. Read more: 5 Windows 10 features that beat what you had on Windows 7. While Microsoft technically ended its free Windows 10 upgrade program in Julyas of NovemberCNET has confirmed the free update is still available for Windows 7, 8, and 8.
Check out our step-by-step guide on how to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policywhich we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. Windows 7 to 10 upgrade: Seriously, here's why you need to update Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 almost two years ago.
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