Although support to all computers running Windows 7 was meant to be extended until 2020, and support to Windows 8 was supposed to be around until 2023, that doesn’t appear to be the case anymore.

Users were reassured that their computers would still function properly on both operating systems, and still be able to install security updates, but phone and online support were discontinued. But now it seems like those important updates will no longer be installed if your computer has the latest chips from Intel (‘Kaby Lake’), AMD (‘Bristol Ridge’) and Qualcomm (‘8996’). Windows 10 will be the only OS to be supported.

As for the current generation of Intel Core processors, ‘Skylake’, only a ‘list of specific new Skylake devices’ will be able to support Windows 7 and 8, contrary to previous statements. But even then, support to Windows 7 and Windows 8 devices on this list will only last until July 17, 2017. If you want to continue to receive that support, you’ll have to upgrade to Windows 10 before that date.

But Why Is This Happening?

According to Microsoft, if Windows 7 is to run on modern processors while still maintaining older hardware, device drivers and firmware need to be optimised to withstand certain characteristics of the OS – which might cause problems with other specifications, like graphics and security. And if users end up changing ‘legacy device drivers, services, and firmware settings’, they are likely to run into issues with the software.

And Windows 8 has a lot of similarities with Windows 10, so it should not be necessary for the user to have to see it go down the same road as Windows 7. Microsoft is changing the support policy for two different Windows versions, something unprecedented.

Businesses First, Personal Computers Next?

In their statement, Microsoft affirms that they are ‘prioritising transparency with enterprises on where to find the highest reliability and best supported Windows experience: Windows 10 on any silicon, Windows 7 on the down-level silicon it was designed for, or a device on the support list.’ So for now it seems only businesses will be affected, but there’s no way of knowing if those changes won’t be applied to your personal computer.

In short, if you have Windows 7 or 8, you might have to expect a difference in the service you’ve been receiving so far.

As specialists in IT services in North London, we provide technical support to all of our clients. If you need information or help of any kind, including with operating systems and its alterations, contact us or give us a call on 0844 939 0333.