How to survive Windows version end of support

As you may already know, Microsoft periodically ends support for older versions of the Windows operating system. If you're one of the millions of people who uses an older version of Windows, you may be wondering what this means for you. We'd like to try to answer some questions you may have at this time.

What exactly does ending support mean?

Microsoft stops providing any type of technical support for that specific operating system. If you have an unsupported version of Windows, this means your computer will no longer receive automatic updates from Microsoft, including potentially important security fixes. This also means Microsoft will no longer support older default web browsers. Continuing to use an unsupported OS and outdated browsers could expose your computer to serious threats, including viruses and malware.

Which operating systems are still supported?

Microsoft will continue to offer support for newer versions of Windows. To ensure your computer remains secure, it is highly recommended to use the latest, fully supported version of the Windows operating system currently available (e.g., Windows 10 or Windows 11).

How do I know if my computer has an unsupported version?

If your PC is several years old and hasn't been updated recently, it might be running an older OS. If you're not sure which version of Windows you have, you can go to the official Microsoft support page to see which version of Windows is installed on your computer.

Will my older computer still work?

Yes, your computer should continue to work normally after the end of support. However, because it won't receive regular security updates from Microsoft, your computer will be at a much higher risk for viruses and malware. If at all possible, we recommend upgrading to a newer computer or operating system.

I don't want to upgrade. How can I keep my machine safe?

If you continue to use an unsupported OS after the end of support, we recommend that you stop using outdated, default browsers and upgrade to a modern web browser, like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. While this should help to make your computer somewhat less vulnerable to external threats, keep in mind that this is not a permanent solution. Your computer will still be at a high risk for viruses and malware.

I'd like to upgrade, but I want to stick with an older supported version. Can I still get it?

If you feel comfortable installing your own software, you might be able to buy an installation disc or digital download for a recently retired but still somewhat supported version from third-party retailers. Keep in mind that your machine will need to meet that specific version's system requirements. If your computer was originally designed to run a very old OS, it probably won't be able to run a newer one very well.

Wait, I have more questions!

We hope this answers some of the basic questions you may have about the end of Windows support cycles. You can always contact Microsoft directly with questions in the Microsoft Community Forum.

FAQs