Windows 7 remainers will start to receive 'End of Life' reminders
byMark Townsend
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29 Mar, 2019
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Microsoft use Windows update to start warning customers the end is nigh
As the countdown continues towards the end of life for Windows 7 on 14th January 2020, Microsoft are stepping up the pressure to upgrade by issuing warnings through the Windows update process. An update was released on 19th March but it will lie dormant until 18th April when the reminders will begin. The message says 'After 10 years, support for Windows 7 is nearing the end' it goes on to add 'January 14th 2020 is the last day Microsoft will offer security updates and Technical support for Computers running Windows 7. We know change can be difficult that's why we're reaching out early to help you back up your files and prepare for what's next'. The process is going to be slightly less painful than when previous Operating Systems disappeared because you will be able to tick a box that says 'Do not remind me again'. If you fail to tick the box you will however see it over and over again.
The Windows update in question is KB4493132 and it is titled Windows 7 SP1 Support Notification. Another way to get rid of the reminder is to uninstall it. To do this you need to go to Programs and Features and View Installed Updates. You should be aware though that you will also need to hide it to stop it from re-applying. This can be done by waiting for your Computer to find the update again and then right click it and choose 'Hide Update'.
Once you have removed this reminder I think it is reasonable to suspect that Microsoft will issue more as 2019 disappears and 2020 approaches. I suspect each reminder will become slightly more 'in your face' until you reach the point where every time you log on it is in front of you.
It is important to understand that if you continue to use Windows 7 after this date you will be at risk from day one unless you disconnect your machine from the Internet. Would be attackers are already working on security vulnerabilities that they will not launch until after the 'end of life' date because they don't want Microsoft to fix that vulnerability. Once the date passes they can exploit the vulnerabilities safe in the knowledge that Microsoft will never fix them, other than for Businesses that have specifically paid for extended support. Windows 10 is already a much more secure Operating System than a fully patched version of Windows 7, so needless to say the two will be chalk and cheese very soon after the security updates stop.
I strongly recommend customers upgrade before the deadline in order to keep themselves secure. In most cases a free Windows 10 licence can still be obtained even though the official offer from Microsoft has ended. It is difficult to know how much longer this will last but I suspect it will be withdrawn a couple of months before the end date so that those that cling on until the last minute will end up paying for a Windows 10 licence.
As always if you need any help with moving over to Windows 10 or just have some questions that you would like answered then call Mark on 07557 483438, e-mail mark@churchdowncomputers.co.uk or fill out the form at the bottom of theContact page.
