What does the end of mainstream support for Windows 7 mean for consumers?

You may have read that Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 7 on Monday, January 13th, 2015. What does that mean to you as a consumer? Is the Windows 7 computer that you just purchased already running an obsolete operating system? The short answer is “no.”

Microsoft products have a life-cycle that details that dates on which they release software, how long they will support it, and when it retires.  In 2013, Windows XP officially came to the end of its supported life-cycle, which meant no more updates or official support of any kind would be provided by Microsoft.

The end of mainstream support for Windows 7 means that there will be no more updates containing new features, and free phone support from Microsoft is no longer available.

At DNA Computers and other computer stores, Windows XP computers are still supported for users. While we do recommend updating to a current operating system once updates (specifically SECURITY updates) discontinue, there are customers who prefer XP!

The end of mainstream support for Windows 7 means that there will be no more updates containing new features, and free phone support from Microsoft is no longer available. However, users will continue to receive monthly software updates containing bug fixes and security updates until Windows 7 reaches the end of its life-cycle on January 14, 2020.

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Although official telephone support has ended, you can still visit DNA Computers, or most local independent computer stores for expert advice and personal support.