Microsoft is going to stop supporting Windows 7 from Tuesday so that it can focus on “newer technologies”. Cyber-security experts are urging Windows 7 users to upgrade their operating system.
As a result, Windows 7 users will no longer receive the all-important security updates and patches that keep their machines safe.
One in four Windows users is running Windows 7, according to statistics website StatCounter.
Without continued software and security updates, Windows 7 machines are more likely to be infected with viruses and malware, Microsoft wrote on its website.
David Emm, a senior security researcher at Kaspersky Lab, added that people need to move to a supported operating system as soon as possible.
What are the risks?
Hackers use malware to invade, damage or disable computers.
It can be used to steal personal and financial data, spy on other users without them knowing, and to hold companies to ransom until a payment is made.
In May 2017, the NHS was hit by the WannaCry ransomware attack.
A government report in 2018 concluded that the attack could have been avoided if NHS Trusts had updated their computers and applied the necessary security patches.
What should you do with your Windows 7 PC?
Computers running Windows 7 will still function after Tuesday but they will become less and less secure.
Microsoft is urging people to move to Windows 10, a newer operating system that it sells for £120.
However, it may still be possible to upgrade for free! If you have or know your Window 7 install key you should be able to install a copy of Windows 10 and activate using your existing key.
