Without security updates, computers are vulnerable to cyber threats and miss out on new features and improvements in newer versions of Windows.īitdefender to continue antimalware support for Windows 7 & Windows 8.1 until 2024īitdefender understands the security difficulties and challenges users face and aims to exert every effort to help them stay protected during software changes. While upgrading may be a bit of an inconvenience and a cost to some, it is important to note that the risks of not upgrading far outweigh the inconvenience. Upgrading to a newer version of Windows can be done by purchasing a new computer with Windows 11 pre-installed, or by purchasing a Windows 11 license and upgrading an existing PC. As a result, it is highly recommended that users upgrade to a newer version of Windows, such as Windows 11, to ensure that they continue to receive security updates and technical assistance from Microsoft. Many people may still be using these versions of Windows and may be unaware of the risks associated with using an unsupported operating system.

Windows 8.1 was released in 2013 and currently has a much lower market share of 2.6%. Windows 7, which was first released in 2009, has been one of the most widely used versions of Windows, with a market share of around 11.19% as of 2023. End of support means that computers running these versions of Windows will still function but will no longer receive security updates or technical assistance from Microsoft, leaving them vulnerable to potential security threats.

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 7 on Januand for Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023, two popular versions of its operating system.

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