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Windows 7 reaches end of support today but 40% of PCs in Africa still run it

Windows 7 reaches end of support today but 40% of PCs in Africa still run it

by | Jan 14, 2020 | General, Windows, Windows 10

Windows 7 end of support

A year ago, Microsoft announced it will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs running Windows 7. Starting today January 14, 2020 the company is officially ending support for the OS. You can still use your computer but Microsoft will no longer provide you with technical support for any issues, software updates and security updates or fixes. I’ll tell you how risky this is in a bit.

In the wake of this announcement, only 65.4 percent of Windows devices worldwide run on Windows 10 according to stats from Stat Counter. It also shows that 26.8 percent of Windows devices still run on Windows 7. With about 1.3 percent still living in the Windows XP era.

Compared to Europe, 23.1 percent and the United States of America, 17.9 percent, Africa has 39.7 percent of Windows devices still running on Windows 7. With only 49.9 percent running on Window 10.

For consumers this is the end of the road. Organizations on the other hand might pay a hefty amount monthly for Microsoft to provide them with these services.

A month ago, Microsoft made a shocking revelation at the launch event of the Windows PC Affordability in Africa Initiative. Where Regional General Manager, Consumer and Device Sales, Microsoft Middle East & Africa, Deniz Ozen, noted per Microsoft estimates, only a third of PCs shipped into Africa include genuine software.

Using an unsupported Windows 7 device will leave a user or business prone to several cybersecurity attacks. Resulting in losses and damages.

What Next after Windows 7 end of support?

As support for Windows 7 comes to an end, here is what Microsoft encourages you to do if you are still using the operating system.

While you could continue to use your PC running Windows 7, without continued software and security updates, it will be at greater risk for viruses and malware. Going forward, the best way for you to stay secure is on Windows 10. And the best way to experience Windows 10 is on a new PC. While it is possible to install Windows 10 on your older device, it is not recommended.

Kindly refresh, more to come …

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Microsoft to end support life for Windows 7 OS

Microsoft to end support life for Windows 7 OS

by | Jan 15, 2019 | General, Windows, Windows 10

Windows 7
Windows 10

The official end to security updates and support life for the loved Windows 7 is almost here. From 14th January 2020 Microsoft says it “will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs running Windows 7“.

Microsoft recommends users think about making a move to Windows 10 within this period. The plan to have Windows 10 running on a billion devices by its 3rd year didn’t materialize. Currently Windows 10 is estimated to be running actively on 700,000 million devices. Hopefully this might help it get there.

There are two ways to do the upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Microsoft says “you can upgrade compatible Windows 7 PCs based on with a full license“. Alternatively you can “take advantage of the latest hardware capabilities, we recommend moving to a new PC with Windows 10“.

Will Windows 7 still work and can you install it? Yes you can. The main issue here is Microsoft will end any kind of support it gives to the OS to consumers first from the 14th. Enterprise users who have paid or will pay huge monies to keep getting support will be okay. Subscribers of Microsoft 365 Business will enjoy a free upgrade from Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 Pro. Also Microsoft says “by purchasing Microsoft 365 Business your users can upgrade all of their old Windows Pro licensed devices at no additional cost”.

For consumers the risk of new viruses, malwares, trojans etc that can breech your system is why you should move on. There were skepticism and issues with Windows 10 when it first debuted. But most people can attest to its stability and many helpful new features to keep you productive and efficient.

If you feel like the hardware specs on your windows 7 device is good enough for an upgrade, start planning for the leap. If it isn’t, there are many new devices today with the latest specifications that you can choose from.

Haven’t upgraded to Windows 10 yet? Share with us why.