Goodbye to Windows 7. Microsoft leaves this Tuesday to give support to millions of computers with this operating system. The company will no longer make more security upgrades, improvements or corrections. This change affects millions of individuals and businesses. One out of every four laptops and desktop computers still running this operating system, according to the data of December 2019 from NetMarketShare. The solution is to upgrade to Windows 10 or buy a new computer.

In 2009, Microsoft announced its commitment to providing 10 years of support for Windows 7. That period meets this Tuesday. From now on, the computers with this operating system will continue to function. But if there is any vulnerability that affects the security and privacy of users, the company is not releasing any patch to correct it. “While you could continue using your PC with Windows 7, without continuous updates of software and security, has a greater risk of malware and viruses,”explains Microsoft on its website.

in Addition, the Microsoft customer service will no longer be available to provide technical support for Windows 7 and some services designed for this operating system will disappear. For example, it has been scheduled disruption of some games in January 2020, as Internet Backgammon and Internet Checkers, as well as the electronic program Guide for Windows Media Center.

however, the companies will pay Microsoft to continue receiving updates for Windows 7 Professional or Enterprise until 2023. The company's goal with this change is to focus your investment “in support of latest technologies”. 54.6% of notebooks and desktops are already running Windows 10, according to NetMarketShare.

How to protect yourself

In 2009, Microsoft announced its commitment to providing 10 years of support for Windows 7. That period meets this mars

The way not to be exposed to potential vulnerabilities, it is, according to the company, to buy a new computer or upgrade the operating system to Windows 10. For the latter you have to install a full version of the software, something that is not free. Purchase Windows 10 Home, the license more simple, it costs 145 euros. Microsoft recommends this option for personal or domestic use. The Pro version has a price of 259 euros and Workstations, a version intended for advanced users, and companies that process demanding workloads, it is 439 euros. Once you have updated the operating system, Microsoft advises to install new programs and applications on your new computer with Windows 10.