Not all devices that run Windows 7 or 8.1 are compatible with Windows 11. Microsoft changed the system requirements for Windows 11. Unless Windows 10 is disliked because of privacy-critical changes made to the operating system, it may be the best option for most users who want to run a supported operating system on their device.

There is a good chance that Microsoft will extend support in 2025, because a good number of devices that run Windows 10 are not compatible with Windows 11.Īn upgrade to Windows 10 guarantees support with updates until October 2025 at the very least. Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system was released in 2015 and it will be supported until 2025. Most apps and settings will be retained during the upgrade. In fact, there may not even be a need to purchase a Windows 10 license, as old product keys may still allow users to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. This option is open to all devices that run Windows 7 or 8.1. That is almost as much combined as Microsoft's new Windows 11 operating system has (16.13%). Statcounter, one of the companies that is recording usage statistics, sees Windows 7 at a market share of 10.25% and Windows 8.1 at a market share of 2.53% in November 2022. Windows 7 and 8.1 hold a sizeable share of the Windows market share. Purchase a new PC with Windows 10, 11, Linux or a Mac.Here is an overview of the available options: Others may upgrade their devices to a supported version of Windows or make the switch to Linux instead. Some may continue to run devices with these operating systems, even without official update support. Some users may wonder what they can do about it, others may already have formulated a plan. The devices won't receive updates anymore after end of support and some programs, like Chrome or Microsoft Edge, won't receive updates anymore either immediately after support end.

Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 7 and 8.1 on January 10, 2022.

Upgrade win 7 to win 11