Windows 7 has had its day
5.6.2019
Translation: machine translated
Windows 7 is on its deathbed. The operating system is still being kept alive with security updates. However, Microsoft will pull the plug on 14 January 2020. It's time to switch to a new operating system.
If you are still using Windows 7, you are not alone. According to netmarketshare.com, Windows 10 has only had the upper hand over Windows 7 since December 2018. Currently, a staggering 35.44 per cent of all desktops and laptops worldwide are still running Windows 7.
| Operating system | Market share May 2019 |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 | 45.73% |
| Windows 7 | 35.44% |
| Mac OS X 10.14 | 5.34% |
| Windows 8.1 | 3.97% |
| Windows XP | 2.22% |
That's a lot of devices that urgently need an operating system update or upgrade by mid-January 2020.
The lifecycle is to blame
On 14 January 2020, Microsoft will end support for the Windows 7 operating system after ten years. This means that the following services will be discontinued from this date:
- Technical support for problems
- Software updates
- Security updates/problem fixes
Like us humans, operating systems also have a life cycle. In this case, it is determined by Microsoft. But unlike us, operating systems continue to function even after the so-called "lifecycle" has expired. However, the affected computers then exist in a figurative sense as the undead, which become susceptible to diseases due to compromised immune systems. And may also spread them further.
In short: All computers with Windows 7 will become a security risk from January 2020 due to a lack of updates.
Will Windows 10 be available for free?
Yes: When Windows 10 was released in summer 2015, Microsoft gave users of previous versions one year to switch to the new version free of charge. Even if not officially advertised by Microsoft, you can still update to Windows 10 for free with a valid licence for Windows 7. This should also work with Windows 8. However, you must first update to version 8.1 before taking the step to Windows 10.
To run the free update, you have the following options:
- Update with the Windows 10 Update Assistant .- Reinstall or update via USB boot stick or DVD (Windows image).
You can find the download here. How long this will continue to work for free is unclear.
Of course, you can also buy Windows 10:
Or you can make a little more effort, such as the administration of South Korea, and switch to an alternative operating system such as Linux.
No new installation necessary
When you switch from Windows 7 to Windows 10, you don't have to reinstall your PC and you keep all your data. However, older programmes and games may no longer work
If you want to buy a new device including Windows 10, you can hier umsehen.
How much does Windows 10 differ from the previous versions?
If you are used to Windows 7, you will quickly get used to Windows 10. You won't miss the Start button and most of the settings are still where they were before.
The biggest new features compared to the previous versions are as follows:
- In contrast to Windows 8.1, Windows 10 once again offers a comprehensive platform that is compatible with traditional Management systems. Business customers can therefore breathe a sigh of relief.
- The Start menu can be used in the classic Windows 7 way. Or you can switch to the Modern UI, known since Windows 8.
- Microsoft has learnt from the mistakes of Windows 8 and made many interface adjustments. For example, apps from the Store behave like classic applications again and can also be executed in windowed mode.
- Thanks to Taskview, virtual desktops can be provided without additional software. For example, one desktop can be created for business and one for private use.
Which operating system does your desktop/laptop run on?
The fact that over a third of the world's desktops and laptops still run Windows 7 is impressive. But what about you? Which operating system do you use? If you feel like it, feel free to tell us in the comments why you use which operating system.
Operating system survey
What operating system does your most used laptop/desktop run on?
- Windows 1068%
- Windows 81%
- Windows 710%
- Windows Vista, XP or older1%
- Mac OS X 10.149%
- Mac OS X 10.131%
- Mac OS X 10.120%
- Mac OS X 10.11 or older0%
- Linux6%
- Ubuntu3%
- Chrome OS0%
- Another OS0%
The competition has ended.
Martin Jud
Senior Editor
martin.jud@digitecgalaxus.chI find my muse in everything. When I don’t, I draw inspiration from daydreaming. After all, if you dream, you don’t sleep through life.
