13 January 2015 End Of Support For Windows 7

Today 13 January 2015 marks the end of mainstream support for Windows 7. What does this mean?

End of support

End of support refers to the date when Microsoft no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance.

This is the time to make sure you have the latest available update or service pack installed. Without Microsoft support, you will no longer receive security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal your personal information.

Microsoft groups the support into categories as:

1. Mainstream Support

Microsoft offers mainstream support for a minimum of 5 years from the date of a product’s general availability, or for 2 years after the successor product is released, whichever is longer.

For example, if you buy a new version of Windows and five years later another version is released, you will still have two years of support left for the previous version. Included in the mainstream support are benefits like free windows updates and or calling in Microsoft for a support ticket to the product within the mainstream support.

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2. Extended support

Microsoft offers extended support for either a minimum of 5 years from the date of a product’s general availability or for 2 years after the second successor product (two versions later) is released, whichever is longer.

During extended support, Microsoft continues to provide free updates. For more information visit Microsoft Product Lifecycle