Windows 7 is closing another cycle of its life on October 31st, since after this date no new computer will be able to have it pre-installed (OEM).
This week marks another major milestone for Windows 7, which remains Microsoft's number one operating system, after Redmond ended sales to PC makers on October 31, 2014.
You know that new branded PCs now mostly come with an operating system pre-installed, the price of which is much cheaper than buying it separately. One of these was Windows 7, since manufacturers will no longer be able to supply it for new computers and will have to switch to a newer operating system.
Is October 31st the end of sales for all Windows 7? No! Only for Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Ultimate.
Windows 7 Professional will continue to be available as an OEM.
Essentially, there is still no end date set for Windows 7 Professional for the end of its retail sales, but it is very likely that Microsoft will announce it soon, as it hopes to put its modern operating systems, such as Windows 8.1 and 10, in the spotlight.
Don't panic, support will continue to be offered. Even though new PCs will no longer ship with one of the aforementioned versions of Windows 7 after Friday, this decision does not affect support for the world's number one desktop operating system.
Mainstream support for Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 will continue until January 13, 2015, while extended support is guaranteed until January 14, 2020.
Apparently, Microsoft expects more partners and companies that build and sell new computers to switch to Windows 8.1. But so far, statistics show that Windows 7 is still installed on over 50% of the world's computers, while Windows XP is second at about 23%. Windows 8 and 8.1 are far behind with a combined share of 16%.
Computers with Windows 7 preinstalled won't disappear completely from store shelves on Friday, October 31st, that's for sure, as manufacturers are allowed to use them as OEMs until all their stocks are used up.
Windows 7 continues to be the No. 1 choice for users around the world, especially if they do not have a touch screen but a mouse and keyboard. For information, Windows 8 can be downgraded to Windows 7, but many prefer to buy 7 outright mainly thanks to the familiar work environment that includes the Start menu and other features.
[psp_rs_article name=”Windows 7 stops being sold as OEM on Friday” url=”https://www.secnews.gr/2014/10/27/windows-7-pc-sales-to-end-on-friday” image=”https://www.secnews.gr/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/windows-7.jpg” description=”Windows 7 closes another cycle of its life on October 31st, since after this date no new computer will be able to have it pre-installed (OEM).” author=”Dimitris” publisher=”Dimitris” pubdate=”2014-10-27″]
