Microsoft to stop selling PCs with Windows 7 and 8.1 in 2016

Do you want to buy a license for Windows 7 or 8.1 or a new PC? Well, do it soon because Microsoft has confirmed that these two operating systems will be discontinued on October 31, 2016.

After that date, no matter what, any new PC you buy will come with Windows 10 pre-installed. The only exceptions will be the license agreements for companies, who can choose the version of Windows they require.

With this measure, that permanently abandons the (not so very) old Windows, Microsoft forces its users to “upgrade or expire”. Of course, in their defense, it should be stated that Windows 7 has been quite slow in going out. Usually, the “expiration date” of an operating system is two years after the launch of the new version. Given that Windows 8 came out in 2012, Windows 7 should have bid us adieu in 2014. However, the lack of acceptance of Windows 8 caused the company to consider extending the life of Windows 7.

That said, if you decide to buy a new PC with Windows 7 or 8.1 don’t be disheartened: Microsoft promises to provide technical support till 14 January, 2020 for Windows 7, and till 10 January 2023 for Windows 8.1.

Not averse to Windows 10 or interested in anything I’m saying? Then take a look at our section on Windows 10.