But many business users have still been hesitant to upgrade to the newer OS, for a variety of reasons: the critical need to run legacy software and applications like Internet Explorer, concern over Microsoft’s increased data-tracking abilities, or a slow embrace of app compatibility among developers.Įven after Windows 10 is successfully installed, its new “OS as a service” framework (which includes automated updates) has some business owners and tech executives worried that a software upgrade installed without their knowledge could cause problems for their systems. What does this mean for business users? Windows 10 has been available for some time now, which means it is more stable than it was when it first came out. And business users of Windows Pro have downgrade rights-in other words, if they purchase a PC that comes installed with Windows 10 Pro, they can downgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro or Windows 7 Professional. For instance, PCs built before October 31st with the older OS will still be available. In addition, other exceptions that work in favor of those who prefer Windows 7 still apply. That means this November 1st deadline is NOTHING like the huge end-of-support story that affected Windows XP in 2014. The most important fact, however, is that Microsoft’s support for Windows 7 still has four years-the tech giant won’t implement a complete end-of-life for the OS until 2020, while Windows 8.1 will remain supported through 2023. After that, all new PCs will be required to come with Windows 10 automatically installed.īefore you curse Microsoft for pushing a new OS on its customers, remember that the November 1st deadline for buying new machines with Windows 7 actually represents a two-year extension of the original deadline. Microsoft announced earlier this year that November 1st would serve as the final deadline for purchasing new PCs loaded with Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.

Windows 7 computer