• Windows 10 is still installed on millions of devices, Statcounter finds
• Windows 7 dropped in popularity far more quickly
• One in five said they’ll continue to use Windows 10

We’re closing in on a whole month after the official Windows 10 end of life, but the effects have apparently been far from what Microsoft might have desired in the runup to ended support.

In October 2025, the month of Windows 10 EOS, it was still installed on 41.7% of Windows machines (per Statcounter analysis), only slightly behind Windows 11 at 55.2%.

A broader look over the course of the past five years shows Windows 11 adoption climbing steadily, but Windows 10 remained users’ first choice right up until July 2025, when the flagship OS finally overtook its predecessor.

Will Windows 10 finally go to bed?

That same five-year period in Statcounter analysis allows us to see that Windows 7’s market share was 24.9% in its final supported month, suggesting users were far happier then to upgrade than they were at the point of Windows 10 EOS.

Taking a look at previous trends, it took around three years for Windows 7 to finally level off at minimal market share after support was cut, but Microsoft may have to prepare for it to take even long for the same to happen to Windows 10.

That’s because the popular OS has been somewhat of an anomaly over the long term, climbing pretty quickly to prime position in late 2017 and passing Windows 7 in popularity around two years before it was axed.

Over the years, we’ve seen that Windows 10 has been favored for its stability and familiarity, but also its enterprise readiness. On the flip side, Windows 11 presented consumers and enterprises alike with upgrade barriers, particularly around hardware requirements.

In the runup to Windows 10’s end of support, Omdia Research Director Ishan Dutt noted, “a significant portion of the global Windows installed base remains either on Windows 10 or on a PC that is five or more years old.”

Nearly one-fifth (18%) of channel partners said they’d continue to use Windows 10 after support ends.

Microsoft had nothing to add in relation to Windows 11 adoption and customers holding on to Windows 10.

• Windows 11 share falls again according to Statcounter, while Windows 7 skyrockets
• Windows 10 drops too as support cutoff looms, but not as much as you'd expect
• Windows 7’s sudden September 10x surge came mostly from Asia

In news I’m fairly certain no one saw coming, Windows 7 is making a comeback - at least in terms of market share.

The latest Statcounter figures claim the operating system many thought was long dead (Microsoft stopped supporting it at the start of 2020), has suddenly found a new lease of life as Windows 10 nears its support cutoff and Windows 11 continues to slide.

Yes, it was once again bad news for Microsoft’s current OS. Its share fell for the second time in a row in September 2025, accounting for 48.94% of desktop use compared with 49.08% in August and well off its July high of 53.51% - a 4.57 percentage point plunge in just two months.

It's me, Windows 7 - I'm back!

As expected, Windows 10 usage also shrank, dropping from 45.53% in August to 40.5% in September.

Considering Windows 10 only has two more weeks of Microsoft support left, it’s clear people aren’t rushing to move away from the well-established platform.

But the biggest surprise in September was Windows 7, once nearly gone from Statcounter’s charts, it jumped from 0.88% in July to 3.35% in August before soaring to 9.61% in September.

That is a 6.26 percentage point increase in one month, equal to a 186.9% jump compared with its August share.

The numbers show that Asian markets drove most of that surge, with market share there going from 2.32% in July to 5.64% in August, then skyrocketed to 18.67% in September. Germany also saw a surprising rise, from 2.08% in August to 3.92% in September.

The sudden return of Windows 7 is extremely odd given its age and lack of support. A possible explanation is that users in regions with less access to newer hardware are opting for older systems, or businesses are sticking with software they know rather than rushing into upgrades.

The looming end of Windows 10 may also be encouraging some to sit tight.

The increase could also be driven by crypto activity on outdated PCs, and from botnets exploiting Windows 7’s lack of security updates. It will be interesting to see what October’s figures reveal.

For Windows 11, the picture looks far from rosy. After a burst of growth in July when it rose by 5.53 percentage points to 53.51%, its market share has since fallen back under half.

It should surge this month, when Windows 10 finally bows out, but by how much remains to be seen.

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• Windows 11 share slips worryingly - as Windows 7 and Windows 10 see surprising growth

• Windows 10 nears support deadline with nearly half of desktops still running it
• Windows 7’s end saw faster migration with Windows 10 far more dominant globally
• Strict hardware needs and enterprise cycles keep Windows 10 widespread before cutoff

We should all now be aware that Windows 10’s end of life is looming large, as the OS reaches its end of support on October 14, 2025, but it’s not going gentle into that good night.

Statcounter’s August 2025 snapshot shows Windows 11 is the top desktop Windows version worldwide with 49.08%, while Windows 10 is very close behind with 45.53%. A distance behind them, with 3.59%, sits the next closest OS, Windows 7, which itself reached end of life on January 14, 2020.

This all shows how the picture of Windows 10’s end of life and that of Windows 7 is very different - here's what we found.

Not compatible with Windows 11

Two months before Windows 7’s support ended, the OS had 27.49% market share, while Windows 10 held 64.64%. People were ready - and able - to migrate to Microsoft’s newest OS.

Windows 8.1, which never really found a meaningful audience, was on 4.98%.

It’s clear from Statcounter’s figures that people are far less ready for Windows 10’s end of life than they were for Windows 7’s.

Windows 7 didn’t die off quickly, only dipping below 10% in 2023, but it didn’t cling on in the same way Windows 10 is today.

There are a number of reasons why Windows 11 isn’t the runaway leader at the moment.

Its hardware requirements are stricter for starters, meaning many PCs that run Windows 10 without issue simply aren’t compatible.

Enterprises also plan on longer cycles. Some will keep devices on Windows 10 while they test apps and schedule replacements, using support options where available.

For many PC owners, the choice is to upgrade to Windows 11 on existing eligible hardware or purchase devices that support it.

Businesses can explore paid extended updates for a limited period, depending on policy, but that's really just kicking the can down the street and it could end up being super-costly.

Usage data suggests that, with or without Microsoft support, Windows 10 will remain in widespread use well beyond the cutoff, keeping migration teams busy.

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• Windows 11 slips below 50% after earlier hitting record highs
• Windows 10 regained market share just one month before the official end-of-life
• Windows 7, unsupported for years, continues to grow slightly in usage

Microsoft’s push to make Windows 11 its undisputed default OS appear to be slightly faltering as new data reveals a worrying stall in adoption.

The latest figures from StatCounter Global Stats, which draws on more than 3.8 billion page views per month across 1.5 million websites, claims Windows 11’s global market share has shown signs of reversing at a critical moment.

In August 2025, Windows 11 accounted for 49.08% of worldwide usage, down from a high of 53.51% earlier in the year.

Windows 10’s resilience ahead of end-of-life

This decline is especially striking given that the operating system seemed poised to cross the symbolic 50% threshold decisively.

Instead, its share has slipped at a time when Microsoft expected to consolidate its user base around the latest platform.

What makes the numbers more troubling is the unexpected rebound of Windows 10.

In July 2024, Windows 10 commanded nearly 65% of the market, but its share steadily declined as Windows 11 adoption accelerated.

By spring 2025, it had fallen below 50%. Yet in recent months, Windows 10 has begun to claw back ground, reaching 45.53% in August 2025.

The timing is not good for Microsoft because there is only one month left before Windows 10 officially reaches end-of-life (EOL) in October 2025.

Instead of a decisive migration to Windows 11, the data shows that millions of users remain reluctant, or unable, to upgrade on both business PC systems and personal devices alike.

Adding to the puzzle is the slight but noticeable rise of Windows 7, an operating system that Microsoft stopped supporting years ago.

After holding steady at just over 3% for much of 2024, Windows 7 has grown to 3.59% in August 2025.

The increase is small in absolute terms, but important in context.

Windows 7 is long past its security support window, yet its persistence shows that users and organizations continue to depend on legacy systems, often running on older business laptops.

These holdouts may be tied to specialized hardware or critical business applications, but they also create a lingering security concern for the broader ecosystem.

The simultaneous dip for Windows 11 and growth for both Windows 10 and Windows 7 highlight a deeper issue: resistance to change.

Despite aggressive promotion and system requirements designed to push users forward, Microsoft appears to be hitting a ceiling in adoption, and there are a few reasons for this.

Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements and excludes older but still serviceable devices.

Also, enterprises always delay migration because they prefer stability over new features.

Then, there is the cost issue. The modest resurgence of Windows 7 suggests that, for certain use cases, even unsupported software is preferable to the costs of upgrading.

Some users may even consider the best alternative operating systems available today just to avoid the cost.

Unless adoption accelerates quickly, Microsoft risks entering 2026 with a fragmented user base: one half on Windows 11, the other clinging to an operating system that is officially obsolete.

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• Microsoft compared Liquid Glass to Windows Vista on its Instagram account
• It’s rather late to the party in drawing this kind of comparison
• Mind you, if anyone has a right to do so, it’s Microsoft, which brought in transparency with the Aero effect on the desktop of Vista

Microsoft has joined the throng of those who’ve been making fun of Apple’s new Liquid Glass interface for macOS Tahoe 26 (and iOS 26 or indeed other platforms such as iPadOS 26).

On its Instagram account yesterday, as flagged up by Windows Latest, Microsoft posted a collection of screenshots of Windows Vista. This arrived complete with nostalgic sound effects (the chime of booting to the desktop) from back in the day (2007), with a single, simple sentence: “Just gonna leave this here.”

In case you missed it, Apple has caught quite a volley of criticism for what’s perceived as making it seem like Liquid Glass has reinvented the idea of transparency – a glassy, see-through interface – when this was actually done by Microsoft in… yes, you guessed it: Windows Vista.

In Windows Vista, this effect was called Aero (and later, Aero also came to Windows 7), and as you can see in the Instagram montage above, it’s all about translucent windows, allowing you to see the background through them.

Microsoft is late to the party here, really, and in that respect, the company looks a tad silly. Everybody’s done their take on how Liquid Glass is Vista (or Windows 7), how Apple are copycats, etcetera – and so Microsoft is running the risk of inducing some yawns here.

But still, Microsoft did invent Aero with these venerable desktop operating systems many translucent moons ago, so in a way, more than anyone, the software giant has a right to poke some fun at macOS Tahoe 26 here.

Analysis: Fun but not fair?

So, given the hail of critical bullets trying to shatter Apple’s Liquid Glass – Microsoft’s latest potshot included – it’s worth considering a key question. Is it really fair to level accusations at the Mac and iDevice maker for being so unoriginal and dated with its UI innovation here?

I don’t think it is. Still, Apple must’ve known it was going to face this kind of backlash, even if it’s a rather tongue-in-cheek affair (mostly). And for Microsoft, it’s an obvious opportunity to take a rival down a peg or two, which, let’s face it, is not to be missed. However, I'm not sure why Microsoft was slow to move with its post.

Whatever the case, one thing is obvious: Liquid Glass does not equal Vista’s Aero effect (and I hardly think Microsoft is suggesting that, of course). Yes, there are clear visual parallels, but what macOS Tahoe 26 is doing is very different from Windows Vista or 7.

For starters, the reason nobody liked Aero much in Windows Vista was because it caused the OS environment to run slower – nobody wanted lag when dragging windows around the desktop, unsurprisingly. (Windows 7 did better here, of course).

Not only is contemporary hardware ripe for a much better implementation of transparent interface elements now, so it’ll all be suitably responsive, but Apple’s Liquid Glass appears to be far more sophisticated in nature. It looks like there’s a lot of careful crafting here, with nuances in the way light passes through the ‘glass’ and interacts with the interface behind.

Granted, it’s still too early to say exactly how this will pan out, but Aero it ain’t, that’s for sure. I’ve been told by others on the TechRadar team who’ve seen the interface in action that it looks much better in real-world use than screenshots can convey.

Even so, worries remain, without a doubt. The most obvious potential thorn is the diminished accessibility and the potential lack of clarity that these fancy, see-through effects might cause. What we don’t want is a muddied look where the user may struggle to read basic text or make out icons in the foreground.

Time will tell regarding those concerns, but Apple appears to have thought this whole plan and overarching philosophy through quite fully, given that this is not just a mere interface revamp, but a wholesale cross-platform unification for macOS, iOS, and all the rest of the company’s operating systems.

Thus far, Liquid Glass looks pretty slick, it looks like function is as important as form, and yes, it looks like Windows Vista a bit, too. But hey, what did you expect Apple to do with all eyes on its big WWDC 25 interface reveal? Acknowledge Microsoft as the forerunner of glassy transparency in the realm of desktop operating systems?

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Windows 11 adoption has been way slower than Microsoft would like, no doubt, and part of the reason for that is that some PCs (particularly older models) can’t upgrade due to system requirements – and if you fall into that boat, the software giant has some simple advice for you: buy a new PC.

Neowin noticed that Microsoft has updated a help document about what it means if you’re using an unsupported version of Windows (spoiler alert: if you’re online at all, it’s a huge security risk), which currently means PCs running Windows 8.1 (or 8) and Windows 7, or earlier.

It’s worth noting, however, that this will also be the case for Windows 10 devices in a year’s time if their owners don’t take any action, as the end of support rolls around for that OS in October 2025.

Microsoft’s article takes the form of a short discussion followed by a FAQ, and the main update applied to the document pertains to the options for staying supported with Windows, with a new choice added here: ‘Recommended: New PC with Windows 11.’

So, this is Microsoft’s primary recommendation if your unsupported PC isn’t up to scratch, hardware-wise, for Windows 11 – get a new computer.

Microsoft elaborates: “Windows 11 is the most current version of Windows. If you have an older PC, we recommend you move to Windows 11 by buying a new PC. Hardware and software have improved a lot, and today’s computers are faster, more powerful, and more secure.”

Then there’s a link to ‘view Windows 11 PCs’ which takes you to Microsoft’s hub which showcases new devices from itself and partners.

Analysis: That enormous landfill blot looming on the horizon

That first (‘recommended’) choice of buying a new PC is not the only option covered in the FAQ, of course. Microsoft also lists a couple of other possibilities, including upgrading your old computer to Windows 11 – maybe via Windows 10 first – but this may not be possible with older PCs. Indeed, a PC running Windows 8 (from pre-2015, when Windows 10 started arriving on new hardware) will very likely not meet the needed system specs for Windows 11 (the CPU will probably be too old, and TPM security requirement may not be met either).

And, in fairness to Microsoft, an upgrade of such an ailing PC to Windows 11 may indeed be relatively impractical (as you’ll likely have to replace a bunch of components – the CPU, the motherboard to get a socket that fits the new CPU, and probably memory too, and maybe more besides). By the time you reach the end of the component shopping list, you may as well be buying a new PC (with a new warranty to boot), and of course some PC owners won’t want to take on such an upgrade, or have the technical knowhow to do so.

So, in this case, Microsoft’s foremost recommendation to get a new PC makes at least some sense – to those with rapidly aging PCs, as frankly, in some scenarios they might not have much choice, particularly if they’re not tech-savvy, or they have a laptop (or all-in-one PC) which can’t be got inside and upgraded anyway.

However, it’s equally true that some folks (perhaps quite a few) could upgrade to Windows 10 (with its lighter system requirements) if not Windows 11, a possibility Microsoft touches on – while simultaneously observing that support runs out in a year for Windows 10, a fairly sizeable caveat. And indeed, therein lies the rub – we must bear in mind that this article’s advice will apply to Windows 10 PC owners next year, when they find themselves in the unsupported boat.

Given that, it’d be nice to see Microsoft working towards a solution in respect of somewhat newer PCs, which goes somewhere down the path of tackling some of the alarming stats we’ve heard about the number of Windows 10 machines heading to landfill in the future. This is a potential environmental disaster that could see hundreds of millions of PCs lumped unceremoniously on the scrapheap.

And ever since those concerns have been raised, we haven’t heard anything from Microsoft as to how they might be mitigated. What Windows 10 users (who can’t, or won’t, upgrade) can do is pay for extended support beyond October 2025 – but that could turn out to be an expensive way to go, particularly beyond the first year if Microsoft’s previous pricing in these schemes is anything to go by.

Logically, then, Microsoft needs to be looking at a way of keeping Windows 10 alive – for those totally blocked by Windows 11’s more demanding requirements on the security front and elsewhere – which works out to be way more cost-friendly for users, in an effort to save what might be a much heavier price to pay for the planet. In short, ‘buy a new PC’ will soon not be the answer we need frontloaded here, and pushing folks to make a purchase of a new computer is already a very dubious first port of call given what we’re facing down the road.

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Windows 11 has never been more popular – and, well, that’s not saying all that much, but in fairness, it seems the operating system may finally be reaching a turning point where adoption could speed up meaningfully.

The question is: why might this be happening? We’ll come back to discuss that, but first off let’s dive into the actual statistics for Windows market share (of all versions of Microsoft’s OS) as put together by Statcounter.

The figures for September show that Windows 11 is on 33.37%, which is still a good way behind Windows 10 at 62.79%.

However, Windows 11 is up from a market share of 30.83% in July, so that’s a jump of just over 2.5% in two months (and the OS went up a percentage point from June to July, too).

Recently, then, Windows 11 has been seeing considerably bigger gains going by Statcounter’s figures – bearing in mind that it took 16 months to gain 10% when going from 20% adoption to 30%, sluggish progress of about 0.6% per month, compared to double that rate of progress now.

Also, we’re seeing Windows 11 get more popular with PC gamers too, where last month, on Steam, the operating system finally became more popular than Windows 10, a really important milestone for Microsoft no doubt.

As for the third-place operating system in Microsoft’s desktop ecosystem, that is, of course, Windows 7, which is keeping a persistent user base of around 3% throughout this year (it’s currently on 2.85%).

Analysis: Finally forced into the BIOS to locate that TPM setting

So, back to that key question: why is Windows 11 suddenly gaining more favor, and does this represent the operating system turning a corner in terms of building meaningful adoption going forward?

The most obvious reason for these recent gains must be the fact that Windows 10 is coming to its End of Life slowly, but very surely. Support for Windows 10 draws to a close in October 2025, which is only a year away now, and perhaps that timeline is feeling more urgent as a result, so holdouts are looking more seriously at upgrading to Windows 11.

We envisage folks that have been putting off enabling TPM (it may be off by default on their PC) diving into their BIOS to find the setting, finally, and prep the ground for their big Windows 11 upgrade (TPM is a requirement for Windows 11’s better security). They are facing the cold, hard reality that it’s about time to take action if they want to keep an operating system that has updates (as opposed to paying for Windows 10 updates after October 2025, which will be the only other option – aside from switching OS entirely that is, to maybe one of the best Linux distros, but that’s a whole other ballgame).

We should also bear in mind that Windows 11 has got a fair few features that it didn’t have at release by now – some basic functionality in many cases – and that could help its cause, too. After all, Windows 11 is three years old now, and it has expanded a good deal since the OS was launched back in October 2021.

Might Copilot+ PCs figure in the equation here? It’s probably too early for that, and the other factors we’ve mentioned – primarily the end of support for Windows 10 – are going to be the biggest contributing factors to Windows 11’s growth here.

That said, the new AI-powered laptops could be responsible for a small amount of Windows 11 adoption, as massive things are predicted for Copilot+ laptops going forward – we mean huge sales. So that’s definitely something on the horizon, possibly, but take the idea with some seasoning. And also, by the time we get there, Windows 12 – or whatever next-gen Windows will be called – is likely to be imminent, or indeed to have arrived (complete with next-gen nag screens to upgrade, no doubt).

As for the Windows 7 user base that remains, what’s going on there? This is most likely a small core of business users who have old PCs running even older software, and they can’t be upgraded due to thorny problems with those legacy apps. Such firms will need to be working towards a solution, but in some cases, migrating complex systems could be a seriously difficult and highly fraught task, which is bound to be progressing slowly.

Of course, it’s also worth bearing in mind that there are probably quite a few Windows 7 PCs out there that aren’t connected to the internet at all – to keep them secure – and as such, won’t show up for stats crunching firms to count.

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The Epic Games Store has followed in the footsteps of Steam in dropping support for Microsoft’s desktop operating systems which are older than Windows 10 – although this hasn’t happened quite yet.

Epic gave notice in an announcement that support for Windows 7 and Windows 8 (or 8.1) will cease from June 2024, so just over two months’ time. Note that Windows 10 32-bit will also be dropped, but not the 64-bit version of the OS that the vast majority of folks run. There's no 32-bit version of Windows 11, of course.

So, support from June will be limited to Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11 - and for macOS, version 10.13 or newer of Apple’s OS.

As mentioned, Epic is a bit later than Valve in closing down support for these older operating systems, because Steam enacted this measure at the start of 2024. As you might expect, there weren’t many PC gamers that were affected, going by Valve’s stats – fewer than 1% of Steam users had Windows 7/8 installed at the time. And the same is likely true for the Epic Games Store.

Analysis: Time to upgrade?

For the small niche of gamers who will be hit by this move, this will obviously be somewhat disappointing. Mind you, when June rolls around, this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to use the Epic Games Store at all. It’ll still work, it just won’t get any updates going forward, or be supported in any way. This means that after a while, bits of functionality might fail and the launcher will eventually probably start to misfire or stop working entirely.

Naturally, without updates, you’ll also be open to any vulnerabilities in Epic’s client, but then if you’re still running Windows 7 or 8, that’ll be the least of your worries – the exploits open to leverage in those systems will be far more worrying in nature, of course.

And that’s exactly why you shouldn’t be running Windows 7 or 8 any longer, anyway. It’s time to upgrade, one way or another – by which we mean make the move to Windows 10 (or Windows 11, if your PC spec is up to it), or take the obvious alternate route, a Linux distro (there are some solid Windows-like choices out there, after all).

What about Windows 10 32-bit users? Well, Microsoft does still support them, but there are very few of these folks out there now (certainly in the gaming world – Steam’s hardware survey doesn’t even list Windows 10 32-bit anymore, and hasn’t for a long time).

Via Neowin

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Nvidia recently released new graphics drivers – for contemporary GPUs and its older graphics cards, too – and we now know all about the security flaws these drivers fix.

Tom’s Hardware spotted the new security bulletin from Nvidia which outlines the threats posed to owners of Team Green’s GPUs. After the release of its latest graphics driver last week, Nvidia informed us that it would issue an update on the exact vulnerabilities in play here, and it has now done so.

They include two threats to Windows users rated with a ‘high’ severity, both of which can be exploited to leverage code execution (running malicious processes on your PC) and all sorts of other nastiness. There’s also a third ‘high’ rated threat, but that’s aimed at Linux users, not Windows.

On top of this, there’s a trio of other potential exploits rated with a ‘medium’ severity, which still represent worrying threats to your computer, if not in the same league as the aforementioned vulnerabilities.

How do you defend yourself? You need to update to Nvidia’s 551.61 Game Ready Driver (which launched a week ago, alongside the new Nvidia App), and you can download it here.

Also, those on much older Nvidia graphics cards – GTX 700 or 600 series GPUs – must download a separate security patch, driver update 474.82, to protect themselves. And there’s another update, version 474.89, for those running out-of-date Windows installations, namely Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1.

All of those can be grabbed from the above Nvidia download portal, just enter the details of your graphics card and OS, and you’ll be presented with the correction version to download.

Analysis: Extra effort

Generally speaking, one of the reasons it’s important to stay updated to the latest driver (or any software release) is because it patches vulnerabilities like these, and this is most certainly true for Nvidia’s new driver. Don’t hang around grabbing this new release, in short.

It’s good to see Nvidia shoring up security for older GPUs too, and indeed older – out of support – operating systems from Microsoft. Team Green doesn’t officially support those cards or OSes any longer, so it’s an extra effort the firm didn’t have to make.

That said, if you’re running one of those operating systems – Windows 7 or 8 – you really need to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 at this point (or one of the best Linux alternatives, perhaps, if you don’t want to fork out money). As you’re facing a whole lot more potential pain and vulnerabilities than those your Nvidia GPU exposes you to, what with Microsoft not updating these systems any longer.

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PC gamers, it’s time to bring in the new year by finally retiring that old Windows OS. Valve announced in an official blog post that Steam would no longer support Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 after January 1, 2024.

According to the official Steam blog post, after that date current Steam Client installations on those named operating systems will no longer be receiving any updates, including security updates. Steam will also no longer offer technical support or be able to guarantee Steam functionality after that date.

According to the latest Steam hardware survey, only about 0.89% of Steam users still have Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 installed, which is around the same amount as those with Nvidia RTX 4090 graphics cards. Not an insignificant amount considering that there are 31 million online Steam users, but it’s still a rather small population so the dropped support makes sense on that front.

Valve recommended users update their OS as “core features in Steam rely on an embedded version of Google Chrome” and that “future versions of Steam will require Windows feature and security updates only present in Windows 10 and above.” The post also cites general security risks involved in keeping these operating systems installed without proper security updates to address them. This is sound advice considering that Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 in 2020 and Windows 8.1 in 2023.

Microsoft ending OS support could spell disaster

Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 aren’t the only ones that have gotten the boot from Microsoft, as the tech giant is planning on ending support for Windows 10 in 2025.

Not only is this putting a significant amount of users out of an unsupported OS but, as analyst firm Canalys puts it, could cause an environmental disaster. This is due to the current laptops running Windows 10 that don’t fit the hardware requirements for Windows 11, which means that those laptops would most likely not be recycled. That’s an estimated 240 million PCs becoming e-waste.

Users will have the option to pay for prolonged support, like with Windows 7 before it, but that only extended the lifespan by three years and each year saw rising costs for paying users.

It remains to be seen how Microsoft will handle this potential catastrophe, especially since in recent years the corporation has seemed to become more proactive in terms of sustainable and easily repaired hardware, as well as other environmental issues.

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Microsoft recently closed a loophole that allowed people to continue to access the free upgrade to Windows 10 (and then Windows 11), from Windows 7 or 8, but it appears there’s been an unwelcome side-effect here.

Namely that those who have previously taken the free upgrade offer in years past have reportedly found that their license key is suddenly deactivated.

Let’s outline a quick example to make the situation clearer. Say you owned a PC with Windows 7 way back when, then took the free upgrade to Windows 10 when it emerged. And down the road, you further upgraded to Windows 11.

So, you’ve been happily carrying on with your Windows 11 PC, but last week – since the mentioned loophole was closed – you decided to upgrade your graphics card.

After that upgrade, you found that Windows 11 is telling you that your license key isn’t valid – so you have to buy a new one.

That’s what has happened to The Verge, and some of its readers, and other folks who have been complaining about the situation on Reddit and other online platforms.

Okay, so it’s not clear how many Windows 11 and 10 users this is happening to, but it’s certainly occurring in some circumstances. It may arise without a hardware component upgrade, The Verge suggests, and the deactivation of the license could even take place due to a simple BIOS update.

Reader Daniel Mittelman tells a story of having his activation blocked after upgrading some hardware in his PC, and he contacted Microsoft customer support about the problem.

Mittelman observes: “They told me because my Windows 10 license had been upgraded from Windows 7, and that they had discontinued support for Windows 7 product keys, that they could not continue my license for Windows 10 Pro after the hardware change.

“They also acknowledged that changing the hardware is not a violation of the Windows license so there is no reason my Windows 10 license should be revoked or altered in any way.”

Analysis: Microsoft is investigating, thankfully

That’s the key point here, of course. While you can’t get an entirely new PC and use a Windows license from your existing computer – it’s tied to one machine – upgrading components should not mess with your license (it’s still the same PC, just with a bit of it swapped out, or maybe several bits).

So, this shouldn’t be happening, and as theorized it may be something to do with Microsoft squashing the upgrade path from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10/11. That free offer officially expired a year after the launch of Windows 10, but remained an unofficial route until just recently when Microsoft finally did away with it.

Microsoft is looking into this issue, you’ll be glad to hear.

Principal product manager of Windows at Microsoft, Bill Babonas, told The Verge: “Microsoft is aware of these customers reports and is investigating. Customers who are experiencing technical difficulties should contact customer support.”

You can use Windows without activating the OS, it should be noted, but there are a sizeable number of limitations including not being able to customize the operating system, and indeed not getting updates (except critical security patches). There are other annoyances such as a watermark and pop-ups nagging to activate Windows, too. In short, it’s far from ideal to be limping along in this manner…

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Microsoft just implemented something we never thought we’d see the software giant do – namely closing the loophole allowing for Windows 7 and 8 users to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 at no cost.

We need to rewind time considerably to return to the start of this particular story, all the way back to when Windows 10 was first launched, and Windows 7 and 8 users were allowed a free upgrade to the new OS.

That freebie offer only lasted for a year after the launch of Windows 10, officially, but even after the deadline expired, it actually remained in place.

In short, anyone with a valid Windows 7 or 8 key could still upgrade their PC to Windows 10 just fine (and by extension, Windows 11 too, when that emerged – assuming the various additional system requirements were met including TPM).

Essentially, this was a loophole Microsoft never bothered to close – until now, because as Windows Central spotted, the company just made an official announcement that this unofficial upgrade path is now blocked (with a caveat).

The software giant said: “Microsoft’s free upgrade offer for Windows 10 / 11 ended July 29, 2016. The installation path to obtain the Windows 7 / 8 free upgrade is now removed as well. Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 are still free.”

However, as Windows Central points out, it’s important to note that technically, an upgrade is still possible as we write this. This change has just been applied with Windows 11 preview builds for now, but it will come through to the release version of the OS before long, no doubt.

So, if you do want to avail yourself of a free upgrade from Windows 7 or 8, you better move sharpish. It may even no longer be possible by the time you read this.

Analysis: An unexpected development

This is something we didn’t believe would ever happen, frankly, simply because the free upgrade has remained in place, on the sly, for so long. As Microsoft points out, the offer officially expired in mid-2016, over seven years ago – yes, seven years.

So, we just figured, like many others, that Microsoft was happy enough to let Windows 7 and 8 users continue to upgrade at no expense. Our presumption was that bolstered adoption figures for newer versions of Windows were to be welcomed. Apparently, this is no longer a concern for Microsoft (if it ever was – but we can’t imagine why the loophole remained open if it wasn’t).

Anyhow, as we observed above, act quickly if you have been holding off an upgrade, but intend to make the move. You may not have long at all left to pull the trigger.

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Zaun, a UK company that supplies military bases with high-security fencing, suffered a partially successful ransomware attack, with the hackers’ apparent point of entry a PC endpoint running the obsolete Windows 7 software. 

In a statement, Zaun admitted the LockBit threat actor managed to compromise the company's infrastructure and steal roughly 10GB of data. 

It did not manage to deploy the ransomware encryptor, and the company also said that the attackers didn’t take any sensitive information.

Staying safe

"We do not believe that any classified documents were stored on the system or have been compromised," the announcement reads, adding that LockBit appears to have published the stolen data on the dark web.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) were both notified of the incident.

Ransomware is a relatively novel method of cybercrime that’s only been around for a couple of years, but since hackers can extort the victims for millions of dollars, it quickly rose to fame. The wider cybersecurity community, as well as law enforcement, have since been urging organizations to keep their endpoints secure, not just by enforcing strong password policies and multi-factor authentication, but also by regularly deploying patches and updates.

When software reaches its end-of-life date, like Windows 7 did back in early 2020, it no longer receives updates. Hence, if someone for example discovers a high-severity flaw that grants remote code execution capabilities, the software’s makers will not release a patch and users will be left at risk. For Windows 7, Microsoft offered Extended Security Updates for sale, but the service was shut down in early 2023. Mainstream support ended in 2015, and the OS’ end of life was in January 10, 2020. 

LockBit is one of the largest and most active ransomware operators around, which has so far assaulted dozens of organizations around the world.

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Via: TheRegister

Mozilla has announced details of its latest Firefox release, version 115.0, and alongside a handful of new features and under-the-hood tweaks, the developers also issued a stark warning to Windows 7 and 8 users.

Referring to Microsoft dropping support for Windows 7 and Windows 8 in January 2023, Mozilla confirmed that Firefox 115 would be the final browser version to support the deprecated operating systems.

At the same time, Mac users were faced with a similar warning about macOS 10.12, 10.13, and 10.14, otherwise known as Sierra, High Sierra, and Mojave.

Firefox kills off support for old OSs

Instead, users running the previous versions of the popular browser will be migrated over to the Extended Support Release (ESR) version, which will still provide security updates.

Fortunately, the Windows 7 market share has dropped substantially since the beginning of the year, when it was hovering around 10%. Now, it accounts for around 3% of Windows instances, according to Statcounter.

The famously unpopular Windows 8 represents just 1% of all Windows downloads, so together, fewer than one in 20 Windows users will be affected. Moreover, Firefox accounts for around 6% of all desktop browser sessions.

To use Firefox 116 to its fullest, users will now need to use Windows 10 or 11, or macOS Catalina or newer. 

Google already issued the same warning to Chrome users, when in October 2022, it announced that Chrome 110 (which launched in February 2023) would drop support for the legacy OSs.

Moving forward, Firefox 115 which launched on July 4 has added improvements to migrating payment methods from other Chrome-based browsers to Firefox, tweaked the Tab Manager, and made changes to video decoding.

The full release notes and details of operating systems set to be dropped with Firefox 116 are available on the Mozilla website.

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If you've got an old gaming PC that you've been using to do some casual to moderate gaming on, I hate to break it to you, but Valve needs you to change. 

Specifically, Valve needs you to drop Windows 7 and Windows 8 and upgrade to at least Windows 10 if you want to keep using Steam as your one-stop gaming shop after this year.

According to a new Steam Support update, "Steam will officially stop supporting the Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems," effective January 1, 2024. "After that date, the Steam Client will no longer run on those versions of Windows. In order to continue running Steam and any games or other products purchased through Steam, users will need to update to a more recent version of Windows."

The issue is that new features in the Steam frontend rely on an embedded Google Chrome instance, and since Google Chrome has sunset its technical and security support for those operating systems, Valve will have to ditch those OS versions as well.

As for how many gamers this will affect, Steam Hardware Survey reports that only 1.86% of all Steam users use Windows 7 or Windows 8. There are more Mac Gamers than there are Windows 7 and 8 gamers, so this really isn't going to be that big of a blow to the user base, but for those who are affected, you do at least have til the end of the year to migrate to Windows 10 or later.

You really, really need to stop using anything older than Windows 10

So there is inevitably some frustration with a software-hardware lifecycle when the product you are using works just fine, thank you very much, and then someone comes along and makes you buy an upgrade that you don't really think you want or need.

In the case of Windows 7 and Windows 8, this isn't a matter of trying to upsell you on a new OS, it's really a matter of safety. Microsoft has discontinued its own security and technical support for these operating systems except for rare instances of long-term support contracts, which really don't have much time left in them either.

Microsoft doesn't have the resources to keep these older OS versions updated against the latest security threats, so using these operating systems puts you, as the user, at considerable risk. It might suck that Valve is threatening to cut you off from the games you paid for, but with less than 2% of users still on those versions of Windows, it doesn't make sense for Valve to do otherwise. 

It's time, folks. It's time.

Windows 7 is finally being abandoned if new stats are anything to go by, with its userbase practically cut in half following support for the OS being completely discontinued – and of course the end-of-life being reached for Windows 8.1, which similarly saw its user numbers cut in half.

This is according to Statcounter’s figures for February, which show that Windows 7 market share (among all Windows versions globally) has dropped from 9.55% to 5.39%, a huge slide. Windows 8.1 similarly halved from 2.28% to 1.15%.

The timing is notable, seeing as Windows 8.1 just went out of support in January 2023, and while Windows 7 became officially unsupported in January 2020, since then it has had a period of Extended Security Updates (ESU) – and that just expired in January 2023.

As Windows 8.1 isn’t getting an ESU programme, effectively both Windows 7 and 8/8.1 are finally and completely on the scrapheap regarding security updates, so it’s no longer safe to run them. And with February’s figures, we’re seeing the results of that quite clearly indeed.

Where are these people migrating to? It looks like mainly Windows 10, which received a 4.39% uptick for February to hit a 73.25% market share. The ranks of Windows 11 users were also bolstered somewhat to the tune of a smidge over 1%, with that OS now at 19.13% of overall share, but Windows 10 was clearly the big gainer here.

Analysis: A long slow goodbye, most likely

You could say that this was predictable enough, given that all support and security updates are now out of the window (sorry) for both of these outdated Microsoft operating systems – but not really.

Folks are prone to staying with a favorite OS even past its security sell-by-date, and if ever there was a testament to that, it’s Windows XP. If you recall, Windows XP still held a 10% market share two years after it ran out of road for support (15 years after the OS first arrived).

Indeed, there were still XP users in evidence (a small but meaningful amount – just over half a percent) when it turned 20-years-old, can you believe? This is why Windows XP became known as the OS that refused to die.

It doesn’t look like Windows 7 will be pulling similar levels of longevity, given this February plunge. Although we do expect that erosion of its share will slow down considerably after the initial defection has taken place.

Of course, bear in mind that this is just one set of figures on desktop operating systems, so we mustn’t get too carried away with drawing conclusions – though this is such a strong indication, you’d be hard pressed not to read something substantial into it.

Via Neowin

Despite Microsoft killing off Windows 7 and Windows 8, quite a large number of people have stuck with the older operating systems – but Google may finally get people to upgrade, as it has announced it will no longer update its Chrome web browser for those operating systems.

This is big news, as Chrome is the most popular web browser in the world – and by quite a large margin, so Google’s decision will likely impact a lot of users on the older version of Windows.

Google’s decision to stop updating Chrome has serious implications, as it means that any security vulnerabilities may not be fixed, nor will there be any protection from emerging threats, such as new malware.

This could lead to people using an outdated version of Chrome being at serious risk when browsing the internet, especially when Microsoft is no longer updating Windows 7 or Windows 8 either.

Sorry Windows 7 fans, time to move on

While not many people will mourn the death of Windows 8, its predecessor, Windows 7, remains incredibly popular. Despite Windows 7 reaching its end of life (the point when Microsoft no longer supports or updates the OS) on January 14. 2020, millions of people are still using it. According to Statcounter, 9.62% of Windows users are still on Windows 7, compared to 18.13% using Windows 11.

While I certainly have sympathy for people who want to stick with an operating system they are familiar with, I can’t emphasize enough the risks of using an outdated or unpatched web browser or OS.

So, for Windows 7 users who rely on Chrome, what should you do? You could move to another web browser that still supports Windows 7, such as Firefox. However, Mozilla, the company behind Firefox, may soon announce it's ending support for older versions of Windows, which means this may be just a temporary move. It would also leave you still using an old OS that no longer gets updates, which isn’t ideal.

The best thing you can do is bite the bullet and upgrade to Windows 10 or Windows 11. Both operating systems are reasonably solid these days, and you won’t experience a massive culture shock if you switch – they are still Windows, after all, and there are plenty of tweaks you can try to make Windows 10 and Windows 11 look and work like Windows 7.

If your laptop or PC can’t run a newer version of Windows, and you can’t afford or don’t want to buy a newer device, then you could consider another operating system, such as Linux. This open-source operating system comes in various different versions (known as distributions, or distros for short), and many of them are designed to work on older hardware with ease, and Chrome is supported on most.

While moving from Windows 7 to a Linux distro is more of a culture shock, there are some that are very user-friendly, such as Ubuntu, and others, like Linux Mint, have a very similar user interface to Windows 7, which makes getting used to it a lot easier.

As always, you should also make sure you’re running the best anti-virus software you can afford for complete protection online.

Despite the official life span of Windows 7 ending earlier this week, reports have claimed that the software may still live on for a bit longer.

Microsoft has apparently added UEFI and Secure Boot to Windows 7, potentially extending the life of machines still utilizing the platform without the worries of being hit by a cyberattack.

Secure Boot allows a computer to check that the software and firmware drivers it uses at boot are signed off by the manufacturer. Its late addition to Windows 7 could be a further nod to the fact that the platform remains a firm favorite for many business users who rely on the OS to run certain office software.

Windows 7 Secure Boot

While official support for Windows 7 ended in 2020, in recognition that many enterprise and education users were still using the OS that first debuted in 2009, Microsoft opened up an Extended Security Updates program in an effort to keep bugs at bay in its hit operating system.

Fast forward three years, and Microsoft has now ended that program, as of 10 January 2023, which leaves many users now wondering what to do, and whether they should bite the bullet and upgrade to a newer version of the Windows operating system.

According to figures by Statcounter, Windows 7 accounted for 11.2% of all Windows installations at the end of 2022, making it less popular than Windows 11 which accounted for a touch under 17% of all installs, though the figures suggest that Windows 11 only passed Windows 7 in terms of popularity in August 2022.

Heading up the charts, according to Statcounter, is Windows 10, occupying more than two-thirds of the Windows market, while Windows 8 and 8.1 take up just 3.26% combined.

Joining Windows 7 in its end of life is Windows 8.1, which never gained as much traction as its predecessor, leaving computer users who want regular security patches to pick between Windows 10 and Windows 11.

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Via Tom’s Hardware

After years of anticipation, today officially marks the end of Windows 7 and 8/8.1, Microsoft has confirmed.

The aged operating systems will no longer receive Microsoft security updates from today, January 10, 2023, marking the end of their official lifespan.

Anyone using the software will now be at risk of cyberattacks from criminals exploiting current and future security flaws and vulnerabilities, and is urged to update to newer Windows versions - particularly Windows 11 - immediately in order to stay safe.

Adieu Windows 7 and 8

"Microsoft 365 is governed by the Modern Lifecycle Policy which requires customers to stay current as per the servicing and system requirements for the product or service including using Microsoft 365 on a Windows operating system that is currently in support," the company wrote in a recently-updated Windows 7 support document.

"Using Microsoft 365 on older, unsupported operating systems may cause performance and reliability issues over time. As a valuable Microsoft 365 subscriber, we want to continue to provide a stable Microsoft 365 experience. Therefore, if you're using Microsoft 365 on a computer running Windows 7 we strongly recommend you move to Windows 10."

Following a lengthy warning period, Microsoft's extended support for Windows 7 was dropped in January 2020 as the company transitioned to its three-year extended security update (ESU) period. Windows 8.1 has also reached the end of its support period, and will not see the launch of an ESU program, marking the end of its life.

"As a reminder, Windows 8.1 will reach end of support on January 10, 2023, at which point technical assistance and software updates will no longer be provided", Microsoft wrote in a separate support document concerning the newer software. 

"If you have devices running Windows 8.1, we recommend upgrading them to a more current, in-service, and supported Windows release. If devices do not meet the technical requirements to run a more current release of Windows, we recommend that you replace the device with one that supports Windows 11."

Microsoft added that it will not be offering an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 8.1, and that continuing to use the software after its official end of life, "may increase an organization’s exposure to security risks or impact its ability to meet compliance obligations."

However the issues may not be solved so simply, as recent figures claim that Microsoft is also having issues in making sure users switch to its latest Windows builds. 

Recent data from Statcounter found Windows 11 only accounts for 15.44% of all Windows systems - but over 70% of users are still running Windows 10, with Windows 7 still maintaining a dedicated user base of just under 10% of devices despite its lack of support.

The final death knell for Windows 7 and 8.1 came several weeks ago after the company's own browser, Microsoft Edge, ended its support.

The world's most popular browser also recently ended support for Windows 7 and 8.1 after Google Chrome announced in October 2022 that it will be dropping the software in early 2023 as it looks to streamline its focus on Windows 10 and above.

Google Chrome 110, which is currently expected to launch on February 7, 2023, will be the last version to support the older software.

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Windows 7 and 8/8.1 just got another nail in their coffins with the news that another vital app won't receive future updates for the operating systems in future updates.

Microsoft has announced its Edge browser will end support for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 within the next few weeks, coinciding with the company's scheduled end of regular security support on January 10, 2023.

"Microsoft Edge browser version 109 and WebView2 Runtime version 109 will be the last respective versions to support these operating systems," the company noted in a blog post.

Another one bites the dust

"We also encourage developers to end support for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1," Microsoft added. "We acknowledge that this may not be easy for some developers to do, however ending support for these operating systems will help keep end users safe from potential security threats and risks as both operating systems go out of support on January 10th, 2023."

The move also follows the news that the world's most popular browser is ending support for Windows 7 and 8.1. Google Chrome announced in October 2022 that it will be dropping the software in early 2023 as it looks to streamline its focus on Windows 10 and above.

Google Chrome 110, which is currently expected to launch on February 7, 2023, will be the last version to support the older software.

Following a lengthy warning period, Microsoft's extended support for Windows 7 was dropped in January 2020 as the company transitioned to its three-year extended security update (ESU) period. Windows 8.1 also reaches the end of its support period in January 2023, and will not see the launch of an ESU program, marking the end of its life.

However the issues may not be solved so simply, as recent figures claim that Microsoft is also having issues in making sure users switch to its latest Windows builds. 

Data from Statcounter found Windows 11 only accounts for 15.44% of all Windows systems - but over 70% of users are still running Windows 10, with Windows 7 still maintaining a dedicated user base of just under 10% of devices despite its lack of support.

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Via Ars Technica

Microsoft has confirmed that Microsoft 365 patches will end on January 10 2023 for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users as the company continues to push them towards Windows 11.

For most people, support for Windows 7 - which launched in 2009 - ended in 2020. In recognition that many companies preferred to run Windows 7, Microsoft offered Extended Security Updates, a paid service that would continue to offer security patches for the dated OS. 

Early 2023 will see the end-of-life as security updates end for Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Microsoft 365 apps. “New installations of Microsoft 365 Apps will [also] be blocked on Windows 8.1 devices,” according to the company.

Microsoft ends support for old products

A recent survey found nearly 5% of all PCs surveyed were running Windows 7. Around 2% were running a version of Windows 8, while more than four in five had Windows 10 installed. Less than 1.5% were using Windows 11, however that was in April just a few months after general availability of the operating system. 

Part of the reason that business users are reluctant to upgrade to the latest OS could be that Windows has historically been subject to vulnerabilities, requiring frequent patches and updates. 

Ending support will inevitably push many users towards a newer version of Windows, but many companies will be left feeling unheard as they are forced away from a comfortable environment that works with their productivity needs.

This news comes one month after the company killed off Internet Explorer after 26 years in service, as Microsoft continues to steer users towards the latest versions of its products by ending support for those of old.

• Read our full Windows 11 review 

Via The Register

Update: Microsoft's big 'Build' developers conference is taking place on May 23, and we could be seeing some information about the next big update to Windows 11. If you'd like to watch the event, you can do that right here - we'll update this page if anything major gets revealed, so stay tuned...

Windows 11 is out and available as a free upgrade for those still on Windows 10. But, before you go grabbing that download, find out all the important information about this brand-new OS. We’ve covered all the important questions, such as the operating system’s best features, how to download it, and its price.

If you want to make the leap already, here’s how to download and install Windows 11 on your PC or Windows laptop. Since it's passed its first birthday recently, there are some kinks that still need working out, so take a look at how to fix common Windows 11 problems if you come across any issues.

Make sure to also take a look at our Windows 11 review, where we cover all the improvements the new OS has made, from offering an updated, attractive design, to new ways to grab apps as well as better security features.

While there is still some room for improvement, Windows 11 is turning out to be a very promising update. And, if you’re currently using Windows 10, it’s free to upgrade to 11, as long as your computer meets certain strict minimum system requirements required for the sake of the operating system’s security.

Just bear in mind that there's still some confusion as to what these system requirements are due to a component called TPM (Trusted Platform Module). Right now, it looks like Microsoft isn't going to budge on its requirement that your device is equipped with a TPM 2.0 in order to run a fully supported version of the new OS.

With an October event announcing new Surface tablets and the arrival of Apple Music heading to Windows in 2023, it's a good time to upgrade your tablet,

Now that Windows 11's 2022 update has been released, let’s take a look at what the operating system has to offer, from its updated features to the benefits it has for users over Windows 10.

Windows 11: Cut to the chase

• What is it? Windows 11 is the successor to Windows 10
• When did it come out? October 5
• How much does it cost? Free (if you already have Windows 10)

Windows 11 release date 

Microsoft launched Windows 11 on October 5 as a free upgrade, though some people were able to install it a day early on October 4.

Microsoft will be rolling out the update to eligible devices over the coming months, with users being notified when the update is available for them.

However, you can also download Windows 11 right now from the Windows 11 download page.

Many laptop and PC makers have also confirmed that many of their new products will come with Windows 11 preinstalled. This includes Microsoft's new Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3 and Surface Laptop Studio devices, which were launched to coincide with Windows 11's release date.

There is also going to be a yearly update of the new operating system, similar to Apple's efforts with macOS.

While Microsoft released a tool that allowed you to see if your desktop PC or laptop will be able to run Windows 11, it was confirmed to be buggy, giving erroneous results for machines that would have no problem in running the update.

However, another tool has been released which gives you much clearer detail for how eligible for PC is.

Windows 11 system requirements

There's been a lot of discussion as to which devices are eligible for Windows 11. Regardless of the TPM requirement, others are simply wondering if they need to look to upgrade their PC or laptop soon.

Microsoft has published the requirements for the update which you view below:

• Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with at least two cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB
• System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0
• Graphics Card: DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: 720p, 8-bit per color channel, at least 9-inch diagonal
• Internet Connection and Microsoft Account: Windows 11 Home requires an active internet connection and a Microsoft Account to complete initial, first-use setup of the operating system, or when switching a device out of Windows 11 Home in S-mode.

How to download Windows 11

We have a handy guide on how to download Windows 11, which gives you all the information you need now that the final version has been released.

It's a relatively simple process, as long as your PC meets Windows 11's minimum system requirements.

There's also an option to downgrade to Windows 10 if you are experiencing issues with Windows 11. This is available in the current Insider builds, but you can only do it within 10 days of upgrading your machine, otherwise a clean install has to be done in order to go to Windows 10.

How to download Windows 11 ISO for a clean install

If you'd like to perform a fresh install of Windows 11, rather than upgrading from Windows 10 (or earlier), then you'll need to download the Windows 11 ISO file.

Doing a clean install takes a bit more time, and you'll need to reinstall all of your apps and restore your files if you've backed them up (which you should do before you start), but there are many benefits of doing a clean install of Windows 11.

For a start, you'll get a much better performing PC, and if you were encountering any issues with Windows 10, a clean install can help fix some of these. Over the years your PC's hard drive may become filled with unwanted apps and files, so a clean install can get rid of all of that.

If that's the way you want to install the operating system, then check out our guide on how to download the Windows 11 ISO for more advice.

How to upgrade to Windows 11 without TPM 2.0

Some people have found that they are unable to install Windows 11 due to the requirement for PCs to have TPM 2.0 support.

This is a relatively little known security feature, but it's caused some people a fair bit of frustration as they've found they've been unable to install Windows 11.

We do have a guide to enable TPM 2.0 if needed, but you may be out of luck if your PC doesn't support it.

However, there is a way to upgrade to Windows 11 without TPM 2.0, but this should only be done by people who are really desperate to run Windows 11 despite not meeting the system requirements.

How to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10

There may be an occasion however, where you may need to revert back to Windows 10. This could be due to an app not being compatible as yet, or Windows 11 doesn't take kindly to a component in your PC.

Fortunately we have a guide ready that can take you through this, step by step.

Windows 11 price

Windows 11 is a free update for existing Windows users – you'll need to be online to download, install and activate Home versions, and you'll need to have a Microsoft account when installing it on or upgrading your PC or tablet.

Windows 11 will also come pre-installed for free on new PCs and laptops as well, though you should check before you buy to make sure. In some cases, new laptops and PCs may still be sold with Windows 10, and you'll have to upgrade for free yourself.

Windows 11 product keys for fresh installs will likely go on sale in 2022, but we don't know how much it'll cost.

It could cost as much as Windows 10 licences originally sold for: Windows 10 Home cost £119.99/$139 and Windows 10 Pro sold for £219.99/$199.99, so we could see similar prices for Windows 11.

So far Microsoft has released the hardware requirements for Windows 11, but there's confusion over TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and whether the company are pushing hard over the minimum threshold for which devices are eligible to be updated to the new version.

While we've got a handy explainer for you that goes into TPM, hardware vendors can still offer new machines with Windows 11 that won't need this requirement, albeit with good reason to.

Should you upgrade to Windows 11?

Now that Windows 11 is out, and it's a free upgrade, many people will be keen to download it and try it out. But should you upgrade to Windows 11?

In our opinion, for many people it'll be worth not upgrading to Windows 11 just yet. This is because it's still early days, and there are several problems that need fixing first. For example, some people are reporting that Windows 11 is slowing down their internet connections.

Microsoft is aware of most of these issues and is working on fixes. That means by holding off from installing Windows 11 for a while, you'll give Microsoft a chance to release updates to fix those problems. Then, when you do finally install Windows 11 in a few week's or month's time, things should run much smoother.

We also spoke to several industry experts, and they all agree that people - and businesses - shouldn't rush to install Windows 11 just yet.

How to run Windows 11 in macOS Monterey

You may want to have the best of both worlds sometime, especially if your day job involves running both operating systems.

Thankfully we've put together a guide to show you how to do exactly that.

Windows 11 features

There are improvements across the board in Windows 11, with Microsoft promising that updates will be 40% smaller, and touting Windows 11 as "the most secure release yet".

The taskbar is optimized for touch as well as mouse peripherals, and is now renamed the dock.

New multitasking features are also on offer thanks to a feature called Snap Layouts, which enables you to arrange multiple windows across the screen, not just side by side, but in columns, sections and more.

Windows 11 checker

There's now a much-improved health check app found in Settings, where Windows 11 will recommend you to turn down the brightness for example, change the power saving mode of the battery and much more.

Another feature is Snap Groups, where you can go back to previously snapped windows from the dock, so for example you can go to your email app, Edge browser windows or anything else without having to snap them back to the previous view again.

There's also improved multi-monitor support, so when you reconnect an external monitor, Windows 11 remembers the previous positions of the windows that were on that monitor.

There's even an estimated installation time for Windows Update, so you can see whether you need to hold off from updating your PC until later in the day.

Teams is also integrated to the dock, so you can easily join in with meetings and family calls. This looks like the first inkling of Skype disappearing from Windows, especially with the Skype sounds being heard in the demo when a call was incoming.

The Microsoft Store is finally seeing a redesign, with better-curated content, and a better options for managing your purchased shows, such as mirroring them to your television. Apps such as Disney+, Adobe Creative Cloud, Pinterest and more are already in this redesigned store for Windows 11, ready to go.

WPA, EWP and Win32 apps are now all in the Microsoft Store, ready to go. If a developer has a commerce engine, they can keep 100% of the revenue brought from the Microsoft Store.

Android apps are also ready for Windows 11, discoverable from the Microsoft Store, via the Amazon App Store, so you can download TikTok and more, ready to use on your PC or tablet.

We suspect that the reason why Amazon are allowing their version of the store instead of Google, may be to do with the .APK filename being replaced from August.

The new store opens up possibilities for other applications to arrive in Windows 11, even Apple's iMessage, which could follow iTunes and Safari.

Windows 11 Home vs Windows 11 Pro

Depending on what you currently use your system for, you may need to consider if you will be upgrading to standard Home version of Windows 11, or if you need to bump up to Windows 11 Pro, Microsoft's enterprise version of the operating system. Regardless of what your preference may be, both have the same minimum system requirements so you'll need to meet those standards regardless of what version you side with.

There are numerous benefits to Windows 11 Pro, though mostly security related to protect businesses and organizations to keep data safe, with features like Windows Information Protection (abbreviated to WIP).

Another difference you'll see between Windows 11 Home and Pro is when you’re setting it up for the first time, as with the Home version you'll need to set it up with an internet connection and a Microsoft account. 

Windows 11 doesn't have either of these restrictions, which may tempt some non-enterprise users into buying the Pro version of the operating system to avoid using a Microsoft account. Windows 11 Home PCs also can’t be joined to Active Directory, which are often used on business devices to control access to certain applications and resources.

You can find a full list of the differences between Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro over on the official Microsoft comparison page.

A new look for Windows 11

Fluent Design is the new name for the look of Windows 11. Across the board everything looks more modern and fresh, with rounded windows and apps such as Snipping Tool seeing huge improvements in years.

One of the biggest changes users will notice is that the Start menu has been moved to the center of the screen – and it's now "cloud powered", so it dynamically changes depending on the time of day, and the content you're working with.

If you're using the Insider Build, there's already ways of customizing the taskbar and the start menu, including moving the icons back to the left.

Light Mode and Dark Mode are here too, with a unified design across the operating system, with colorful wallpapers to choose from as well.

Windows Widgets are back in Windows 11, accessible via the dock, with Microsoft touting AI-powered dynamic features that enable widgets, as with the Start menu, to change depending on the apps you're using and the time of day. On the touchscreen, you can slide from the left on the desktop to have widgets appear.

There are plenty to choose from, such as the weather, Bing maps, news, and more.

These will be available for third-parties as well, so you may see as many widgets available to pick as there are on Apple's iOS and iPadOS operating systems.

Many apps are being redesigned for Windows 11, such as the Photos, Snipping Tool and Paint apps, bringing them in line with the Fluent Design language.

Gaming on Windows 11

Gaming will be a much bigger focus in Windows 11, with the sluggish and frustrating-to-use Windows 10 Xbox app replaced by a new Game Pass app that enables you to buy, manage and remove games, making it easier for you to access and download games, from Doom Eternal to – soon – Halo Infinite.

HDR will also be supported on compatible machines, offering improved lighting and contrast for gaming and viewing media. Direct Storage is also here, with the main game assets able to be downloaded and installed, enabling you to play your games even faster than before.

Improved Wi-Fi in Windows 11

It looks like Windows 11 could come with a decent upgrade to your device's Wi-Fi capabilities, as Qualcomm announced it has worked with Microsoft, along with other laptop makers and even Valve, to bring Wi-Fi Dual Station with Qualcomm 4-stream DBS technology to compatible machines.

We explain more about how this will boost Wi-Fi in Windows 11, but it looks like it will be particularly useful for gamers, as it will use multiple Wi-Fi bands at once to help reduce latency. This could be a killer feature for Windows 11.

Windows 11 Touch improvements

Tablet mode has been one of Windows' weaker points ever since Windows 8, and the new tablet features that Microsoft showed off for Windows 11 could be key to the operating system's fortunes, especially with future Surface products in the pipeline from Microsoft – to have a new, numbered operating system for its upcoming tablets could be a big selling point for new users.

At the event, Microsoft touted bigger touch targets and easier ways to move windows around, and better rotate optimizations, for example in how windows are rearranged, so you don't lose track of the applications you were using.

Gestures used with the trackpad of the Surface models are also coming to the touchscreen, bringing in some familiarity here. Haptics is also coming to Windows 11 when you use a stylus for better feedback when drawing or sketching.

The touch keyboard has also been redesigned, with a smaller keyboard just for your thumb, and emojis ready to be used. Microsoft says dictation will also be improved, alongside voice commands, with 'delete that' options and more. 

Add a personalized touch to Windows 11

Microsoft has certainly given Windows 11 a more modern look than what we saw in Windows 10, but there's always the risk that it might not be to your taste. No need to worry though, as it takes very little time and effort – and, pleasingly, no money! – to inject some personality into Windows 11, customizing the look of the operating system in various ways to make it your own.

Perhaps the easiest way to completely change the look of Windows 11 is to apply a new theme, and there are a good handful of options already available for you to try out, but if the ones that come with the OS don't suit you, you can download more from the Microsoft Store.

There are also familiar customizations such as setting a personal desktop background as either a static image or a slideshow, and you can tweak system color options – including dark mode. You can even make adjustments to the taskbar if you like, so your finalized Windows 11 doesn't need to look anything like the out-of-box version of the OS.

Are there issues with Windows 11?

No new operating system will have a completely flawless launch, so despite being in beta through the Windows Insider Program, a few issues have already popped up. Thankfully the ones discovered so far are nothing serious and some of them are only appearing for a few users so if you wanted to start downloading the OS on launch day, don't let this stop you.

The biggest problem on Microsoft’s status page for Windows 11 listing known issues is compatibility problems with Intel Killer network drivers which is causing websites and video streams to be slow and sluggish. A memory leak issue has also been reported on Reddit, with at least some folks are finding that when they close an instance of File Explorer, it isn’t releasing the RAM it used.

We have a run-through of most of the currently known issues with Windows 11 and we will be keeping this up to date as more reports come in with any new Windows 11 problems and how you can fix them, but nothing system-breaking has appeared so far.

What devices are shipping with Windows 11?

If you tuned into Microsoft's Surface event on September 22 then you might already have seen that Windows 11 will be pre-installed onto the Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, and the Surface Laptop Studio. This isn't surprising as all these products have been released on the same date that Windows 11 became available for public download so Microsoft will want to push its latest operating system.

If the Microsoft Surface family of products isn't your style though, other brands like Dell, Asus and HP have all released pages online that specify what devices are Windows 11 ready. Note that many won't come with the new operating system installed, but as they all meet the minimum system requirements, you can simply buy the laptop or 2-in-1 as normal and then update it yourself. 

Microsoft claims Windows 11 is a "new era for the PC"

It's worth remembering that Windows 11 is the first major upgrade to the software platform since the launch of Windows 10 back in July 2015, and so marks a crucial point for Microsoft.

Heralding its new offering as "an exciting milestone in the history of Windows", Panos Panay, Microsoft's Chief Product Officer for Windows and Devices noted that, "a new era for the PC begins today".

In a company blog post, Panay added that "there's never been a better time to buy a PC", and that, "whether it’s to work, create, connect, learn or play, the PC will continue to play a relevant and lasting role in our lives. No other ecosystem has the breadth and scale that the Windows ecosystem does to meet the needs of people whether they’re creators, developers, students and educators, business and gamers at every price point and in every form factor."

Should you install Windows 11?

As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. While it may be tempting to give Windows 11 a try straight away, we recommend holding on a few days, or even weeks, before you grab the new operating system.

Why? After all, our Windows 11 review is pretty glowing, and it brings plenty of new features that many people will be keen to try out.

However, every major operating system launch comes with its fair share of issues, as we've mentioned above, so getting the very best experience might require letting other people do the early testing for you. Microsoft will be working hard to identify and fix problems as they occur, which is why it’s a good idea to hold fire for a few days or weeks. Let other people encounter those problems first, then in a few weeks, download Windows 11 safe in the knowledge that most problems will be fixed.

This is especially important if you were planning to install it onto a PC that you use daily, such as for work or study. If it’s working fine with Windows 10, it’s best to hold off for the moment. Otherwise, you may find that Windows 11 has messed a few things up, and you’re stuck with a PC that’s not working correctly.

How to spot fake Windows 11 downloads

Windows 11 is out now, and it's relatively easy to download and install it, but this does mean that you should be vigilant about where you download Windows 11 from, as there are fake downloads out there that could catch you out.

To make sure you're only installing the official release, only download Windows 11 from Microsoft itself.

You should also check out our guide on how to spot fake Windows 11 downloads for more information on keeping yourself protected.

Issues with Cloud Gaming on Windows 11

Cloud gaming platform Shadow has told its users that they shouldn’t try to install the Windows 11 upgrade for Windows 10 just yet – advice that could be well heeded by all PC gamers, who should at least have caution at the forefront of their minds.

With Windows 11 being previously available to the public as a beta via the Windows Insider Program,  It's possible that bugs have been detected as Shadow asserts that it isn’t ready for cloud PC installations in an email to subscribers.

The email states: “Today, Microsoft will officially launch Windows 11. Its release will be gradual, with potential bugs and issues early on. With this in mind, we will monitor the initial performances of Windows 11 before taking any action.

“This will allow us to guarantee strong performances and an overall high quality of service when we do make the eventual transition to Windows 11. Please do not update your Shadow to Windows 11 until further notice.”

The email concludes by letting subscribers know that they’ll be told when Windows 11 is ready to go on their cloud PC installation, and in the meantime, the Shadow team will continue to run tests on the OS to ensure suitability and that the service is “fully optimized” for Windows 11.

This is only a single provider, but if you use Cloud Gaming services then you may need to ask around for other experiences using Windows 11 before you give it a try yourself.

How to manage notifications in Windows 11

You almost certainly have a selection of apps installed on your computer, and many of these use notifications to let you know about things. A news app can alert you to the latest headlines, an email app will let you know when you have new mail, and your chat app will inform you of new messages that need your attention. 

Thankfully, you can set all this up in Windows 11 with relative ease, or turn them off completely if you don't like the interruption. If you're happy with the current Windows 10 experience (in which notifications are displayed in the lower right-hand corner of the screen, just above the clock in the Taskbar) then great news – you won't have to do any configuration as this is the default for Microsoft's latest OS.

Fort everything else though, there are plenty of ways for you to adjust your notifications in Windows 11 to best suit your needs.

How to manage power options in Windows 11

Microsoft has always given Windows users a good deal of control over how their computer uses power, and this is something that continues with Windows 11. 

While managing power consumption may be something that you most readily associate with laptops and a desire to maximize battery life, power options can also play an important role for desktop users.

Desktop user may not have to worry about how long a battery is going to last, but Windows 11's power option remains important. Thankfully, Windows 11 has made it easier than ever to keep track of power consumption, Sleep Mode and detecting what apps are draining your device's battery life.

How to us Focus Assist in Windows 11

Do you ever get distracted when you should be doing something important? Your computer is supposed to be a tool to help you get things done. This might mean getting on with work, playing games, watching movies, writing emails, or just browsing the web, but there are all manner of distractions that can pull you away from what you're trying to do. 

If you're sick of being pestered by notifications when you're trying to do something else, you could benefit from Windows 11's Focus assist feature. This is a simple but powerful function of Windows 11 that enables you to configure rules that determine when notifications about new emails, messages and so on are muted.

There are many customization options that let you do things like set a schedule, create priority lists and you can even optimize for different monitors if you use multiple displays. 

How to use virtual desktops in Windows 11

Windows 11 offers excellent support for virtual desktops, which allow you to use several desktops, and switch between them easily. This allows you to keep organised  by having separate desktops for work and pleasure, for example.

It's a great way to have some of the productivity benefits of multiple monitors, but with a single screen, so check out our guide on how to use virtual desktops in Windows 11 for an in-depth look into this feature.

• Find out where to buy Windows 10

The Remote Desktop feature of Windows is an app that not everyone is aware of, but it is something that would almost certainly be far more widely used if it was better known. In short, Remote Desktop provides a way to control your Windows 11 computer from somewhere else – remote control, if you prefer.

While this is mainly designed with business and technical users in mind, such as remote working or offering remote support, the feature can also be used for simpler tasks such as controlling your upstairs computer from your laptop downstairs. 

Assuming you have a network set up, use the following guide to get started with Remote Desktop.

• How to download and install Windows 11 right now
• Windows 11 problems: how to fix the most common issues
• How to check if your PC will get Windows 11 update

1. Open Settings first of all. You can do this by clicking the Start button followed by Settings, or you can use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut. In the list to the left, move to the System section and then click Remote Desktop to the right-hand side. 

You can then enable Remote Desktop by flicking the Remote Desktop toggle to the On position. A pop-up will appear in order to double-check that you want to enable the feature – just click Confirm to continue.

2. To the right of the toggle you will see a small button feature a downward-pointing arrow. If you click this, additional options will appear, although it is not a good idea to change these settings unless you have a particular reason to do so.

By default, Remote Desktop requires devices to use Network Level Authentication in order to establish a connection, but if this proves problematic, or if you have a complex network configuration, you can display is by unchecking the option box. Below this, Windows shows you the port number used by Remote Desktop in case you need to make a note of it.

3. When you have Remote Desktop enabled, a new section will slide into view letting you know the name of your computer, as you will need this later on in order to establish a connection. 

t is possible you know, or even chose the name of your computer, and it is the same name that is used to identify your computer on your hoe network. If you would like to change the name for any reason, return to the System section of Settings and click the Rename link to the upper right of the window, enter a name and click Next before restarting Windows when prompted.

4. Now that you have Remote Desktop enabled, you can use various tools to connect  and remotely control your computer. Windows has its own Remote Desktop Connection app built in, found in the Start menu, so we'll start by looking at this one.

Launch the app from the Start menu of a second computer and type the name of the machine you would like to connect to. You can now jump right in and click the Connect button, or you can configure additional options as described in the next step.

5. Click the arrow next to Show Options and you can specify the username you would like to use to connect with. Moving to the Display tab you can use the slider to choose the size of your remote session window and also specify the color depth that should be used.

On the Local Resources tab, you can choose how audio should be handled between remote and local session as well as choosing what resources should be shared between devices – such as printers and clipboard contents. If you have a slow connection, use the Experience tab to dial back visual option. Click Connect to establish a connection.

6. You will have to provide the login credentials for the computer you are trying to connect to – this is just the same password that you normally use to log into Windows – and then click OK.

7. You will now find yourself logged into your other PC, ready to use Windows 11 within a window.

8. If you want to exit the remote access, just press the close icon and you will be brought to a message box, confirming if you want to disconnect the session.

Press OK and the connection will shut down.

9. Microsoft's Remote Desktop app is also available for mobile devices so you can use your smartphone or tablet to control your PC if you want.

Both the Android and iOS versions of the app are available free of charge and work in very much the same way as the desktop app that we have already looked at.

• Windows 11 system requirements – is your PC compatible?

The look of Windows 11 is rather different from its predecessors, and for many people this is a nig part of the attraction of upgrading. But for others, the updated look leaves a little to be desired, and may even lead to yearnings for the aesthetics of older versions of Windows. If you've ever wondered about how to make Windows 11 look like Windows 7, we're here with the answers you've been looking for.

There are various reasons for wanting to revert back to the look of an old version of Windows. It may just be a personal preference when it comes to appearance, but there are also practical reasons.

Microsoft introduced some fairly significant interface changes to Windows 11, and these were not all to everyone's liking. If you opt to make Windows 11 look like Windows 7, you can also regain some of the functionality.

It is possible to enjoy the best of both worlds. You can have Windows 11 installed so you benefit from the very latest features and security options, but implement the look of Windows 7 if this is the look you prefer. Let's dive in and take a look at how to make Windows 11 look like Windows 7.

• How to download and install Windows 11 right now
• Windows 11 problems: how to fix the most common issues
• How to check if your PC will get Windows 11 update

1. Perhaps the most obvious change to Windows 11 is the repositioning of the Start button and other apps to the middle of the taskbar. Thankfully, Microsoft has made it easy to move it back to the left hand side of the screen for people who prefer things the way they used to be.

Right-click an empty section of the taskbar and select Taskbar settings, then look for the Taskbar behaviours section. Click the drop-down menu labelled Taskbar alignment, and select the Left option. The Start button and all of the other buttons in the taskbar will all be aligned to the left.

2. Moving the Start button is one small win, but you'll still see the Windows 11 Start menu when you click it. By installing StartAllBack, however, you can very closely mimic the look and feel of Windows 7 – the full version of the app costs $4.99, but there is a free trial available as well.

After downloading and installing the app, select the Remastered 7 option in the Welcome section. This will reinstate the Windows 7 Start menu and taskbar instantly, but you can customise things further by working your way through the Start Menu, Taskbar, Explorer and Advanced sections of the app.

3. In the Start Menu section you can choose which shortcuts can be displayed in the menu, as well as opting to add fly-out menus for many items. In the Taskbar section, you can customise the appearance of the Start button and other elements of the taskbar.

You can combine elements of Windows 11 and 7 by deselecting the Use enhanced classic jumplists to retain the more modern menu when you right-click on taskbar button. There are further options in the Explorer section including the Classic context menu setting that lets you choose between old and new style right-click menus throughout Windows 11.

4. The move away from the Control Panel has been underway for some time now, with Microsoft encouraging you to use the Settings app whenever possible. While this makes sense a lot of the time, you may well yearn for the days of the Control Panel.

This is still available in Windows 11, but it is far from obvious in how to access it. There are various ways to get to the Control Panel, but perhaps the easiest is to press Windows + R at the same time to bring up the Run dialog, and then type control before pressing Enter.  You may also want to make it easier to access in the future – just right click its taskbar button when it is running and select Pin to taskbar.

5. It's great to customize your desktop with a photo you have taken or another image you love. But if you're looking to take a trip down memory lane even further, you could reinstate the default Windows 7 wallpaper.

Sadly, Microsoft decided not to include this image with Windows 11, but you can download it from various websites including the Windows Wallpaper Wiki. With img0 (or Harmony as it is known) downloaded to your hard drive, right-click an empty area of the desktop, select Personalize and click Background. Click the Browse photos button and navigate to the folder containing the image you have just saved.

6. Windows 11 includes numerous components and features that simply did not exist in Windows 7 and this means that there are various extra elements dotted around that you may not need.

In the taskbar for instance, Windows 11 has buttons that serve as shortcuts to Search, Task view and Widgets. You can get rid of all of these – assuming you do not want them – by right-clicking an empty section of the taskbar and selecting Taskbar settings. In the Taskbar items section, use the toggles to disable any buttons you would prefer to hide.

7. A strange change in Windows 11 means that it is no longer possible to drag and drop items onto the taskbar to create a shortcut, or drag and drop files onto a taskbar button to open it in the associated app – but you can change this by editing the registry. Press Windows + R, type regedit and press Enter.

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell \Update\Packages, click Edit > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and create a new entry called UndockingDisabled. Double click this new item and assign it a value of 1 before restarting your computer to enable the new drag and drop ability.

8. One of the aesthetic changes Microsoft introduced in Windows 11 is rounded corners – and it is not something that's to everyone's taste. There is no built-in option to disable rounded corners on windows and applications, but the appropriately named Win11DisableRoundedCorners can help.

Download the utility, and double click to launch it. When Microsoft Defender SmartScreen springs to life, click the More info link and then the Run anyway button. You may also need to click a User Account Control confirmation, and then rounded corners will be banished and replaced with square ones. You can run the tool again to get them back if you change your mind.

9. Windows 11 includes Widgets (press Windows + W to bring the Widget panel into view), but Windows 7 used to include something similar called Gadgets. Although no longer officially available, you can port Gadgets back into the latest version of Windows using 8GadgetPack.

You can download this free utility here and when it's installed, the Gadgets bar will appear to right hand side of your screen. Right-click an empty space and select Add gadgets to browse through the selection of tools and information panels, adding any that take your fancy.

10. If you would like to recreate the Aero transparency effects used throughout Windows 7, you should look no further than the free tool Glass2k which you can download here.

Once installed, you can right click the title bar of any running app or open window to set a transparency level. You can configure Glass2k to start automatically with Windows and it will remember different settings for different apps and windows so you don’t have to keep tinkering with settings.

• Windows 11 system requirements – is your PC compatible?

It's now been over a month since Microsoft released the latest version of Windows but a new survey suggests less than one percent of PC users have upgraded to Windows 11.

According to new research from the IT asset management firm Lansweeper, just 0.21 percent of PC users are currently running Windows 11 despite the fact that it is available as a free update for Windows 10 users.

The company's recent investigation used data from more than 10m Windows devices running on business and home networks to find that Windows 11 is the fifth most popular Windows operating system. In fact, more PCs are running Windows XP (3.62%) and even Windows 8 (0.95%) than are running Windows 11.

One of the reasons could be due to Microsoft's TPM requirements as many systems lack the necessary hardware to run Windows 11.

End of Life operating systems

Lansweeper's report also shows that almost 1 in 10 (9.93%) of the Windows devices it scanned are running End of Life operating systems including Windows XP and Windows 7 which Microsoft stopped supporting back in 2014 and 202 respectively.

Chief marketing officer at Lansweeper, Roel Decneut provided further insight on the dangers and security risk of running End of Life operating systems in a press release, saying:

“The situation poses a significant cybersecurity risk as Microsoft no longer provides bug-fixes or security patches for Windows Vista, 2000, XP, and 7. Although the majority of users are on newer operating systems, the billions of active Windows devices worldwide means there could still be millions of people using devices that are insecure and open to attack. Plus, a large number of these outdated systems are predicted to be running on enterprise devices, which means it’s not just personal information that’s on the line.” 

While some individuals and businesses may not be ready to upgrade to Windows 11 just yet, running an older version of Windows that is no longer receiving security updates from Microsoft can put your PC at a much higher risk of falling victim to malware and other cyberattacks.

Looking to upgrade your systems for Windows 11? Check out our roundup of the best business computers as well as our lists of the best business laptops, best workstations and best mobile workstations

Despite the fact that Microsoft just released Windows 11, Google has revealed that it will extend support for Windows 7 in Chrome for an additional year.

While most consumers have now moved on to Windows 10, some enterprise businesses are still running Windows 7 due to the fact that they have large fleets of devices to update and may still be running legacy applications.

Although Google initially announced that its browser would support Windows 7 for another 18 months until July 15, 2021, the search giant has now extended its support date for the aging operating system until January 15, 2022 though this deadline could still be extended further down the road.

According to a blog post from January of last year, Chrome will only receive security and stability updates on Windows 7 going forward as “running an OS outside of official support can leave organizations vulnerable to potential security threats”. Chrome's built-in security features such as Safe Browsing, Site Isolation and advanced password and phishing protection should be more than enough to keep enterprise businesses running Windows 7 safe online as they migrate to a later version of Windows.

Windows 7 End of Life

Microsoft officially ended support for the Home edition of Windows 7 in January of last year but businesses and enterprise customers were able to get additional security updates for their devices by enrolling in the company's Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.

In a blog post last month though, the software giant announced that it won't be extending support for Windows 7 beyond January of 2023. The same goes for Microsoft Edge which will also be supported on Windows 7 until January 15, 2023. However, Internet Explorer 11 will see its support from Microsoft end next summer across all versions of Windows.

Businesses that have enrolled in the ESU program will also be able to use Chrome on Windows 7 as both Microsoft and Google have said that they will end support for the operating system, which was first released all the way back in 2009, on January 15, 2023.

Also check out our roundup of the best browsers available

Via Ghacks

Millions of Windows users could lose access to their online cloud storage within weeks as Microsoft looks to encourage upgrading to the latest software.

The tech giant has warned that the OneDrive app will stop syncing with Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 on March 1, 2022, meaning users only have a few weeks to upgrade to a newer version or possibly lose access to their files.

Despite Windows 7 and 8 being initially released nearly a decade ago, the two operating systems still see millions of users, meaning many will need to get updating soon.

OneDrive for Windows support

"In order to focus resources on new technologies and operating systems, and to provide users with the most up-to-date and secure experience, beginning January 1, 2022, updates will no longer be provided for the OneDrive desktop application on your personal Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 devices," Microsoft's Ankita Kirti wrote in a blog post announcing the news.

"Personal OneDrive desktop applications running on these operating systems will stop syncing to the cloud on March 1, 2022."

The closure does not affect business users in the same way, with Microsoft saying that starting January 1, 2022, support for the OneDrive desktop application for business will be aligned with the Windows support lifecycle. 

Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 are in extended support until January 10, 2023, however Windows 8 reached end of support on January 12, 2016, meaning it no longer receives vital security updates that keep devices safe from the latest cyber threats.

Microsoft says it advises upgrading your operating system to either Windows 10 or Windows 11 "to avoid disruption" - although it does note that many devices currently running Windows 7 or 8 may not fit the hardware system requirements for the latest software.

To see if your PC is compatible with Windows 11 system requirements, you can check out our guide above.

Looking to move your files to the cloud? Check out our roundup of the best cloud backup

Microsoft is finally retiring its Windows Thin PC product on October 12, 2021, after almost a decade in service.

Launched in 2011, Microsoft introduced Windows Thin PC to help customers repurpose their existing, but under-powered PCs as thin clients, giving users a cost-effective alternative to virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). 

While Windows Thin PC was well-received on launch, over time however, it faded from the limelight, with the availability of more useful, and feature-rich alternatives, along with the evaporating cost-disadvantages of VDI.

• Check our collection of the best virtual desktop services
• Take a look at these best laptops for business
• We've also built a list of the best workstations on the market

“For organizations still maintaining Windows Thin PC, Microsoft recommends that you consider moving to a newer remote desktop client,” suggested Microsoft in the brief reminder.

Thin isn’t in

Windows Thin PC is a stripped down version of Windows 7 for Windows XP-running PCs that lacked the resources to support the full version of Windows 7. 

The product was aimed primarily at business users to help companies experience the best of Windows 7, while saving on the hardware upgrade costs on their existing computers.

Despite being named Thin, Windows Thin PC didn’t run on thin client devices. However the product did offer a wonderful thin client experience thanks to use of features such as RemoteFX to enable remote desktop clients to use the graphics hardware on the remote server. 

Of course, computing has moved quite a lot in the last decade and with the availability of feature-rich remote desktop platforms, it was only a matter of time before Windows Thin Client joined Windows 7, which itself reached end of life in 2020.

• Here’s a list of the best tech for hybrid working

Microsoft is ramping up the different ways for users to update their old machines to Windows 11, even before we’ve seen an official release date.

There’s been plenty of discussion about what the latest update to Windows is bringing, such as new icons, a new start menu, widgets and lots more. However, as we approach the latter half of 2021, questions are growing about how users will be able to update their machine to Windows 11.

Previously, those who were on Windows 7 or 8 were eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10 for a certain period of time. But with Windows 11 moving to a yearly update cycle, users are unsure if this free upgrade method will see a return.

However, a support document from Lenovo seems to have somewhat cleared some confusion about this.

• Why the Amazon app store being on Windows 11 is a smart decision
• Check out the best laptops you can buy
• Windows 10 is still on schedule to see an update soon

How can I update to Windows 11?

From what Lenovo has explained, you can update from Windows 7 and 8 to Windows 11 free of charge, but only with a clean install or a reinstall on your PC. This may frustrate some, but if you have more than one hard drive installed, with one solely for Windows, it may not be much of a frustration. However, if you store everything on a single storage device, it may be a long weekend ahead of installing Windows 11, and restoring your data.

One other thing to note is Lenovo stating that while it will be a free upgrade, it may only last a year. “The free upgrade offer does not have a specific end date for eligible systems. However, Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer. This end date will be no sooner than one year from general availability.”

With the Insider build being tested by many users, it’s only a matter of time before Microsoft details the release schedule for Windows 11 and what the upgrade eligibility will be. However, with Lenovo seemingly jumping the gun on this, it may alleviate some users’ worries if their PC is eligible, as long as they meet the minimum requirements.

• These are the best laptops for running Windows on

Via Windows Latest

Windows 7 users have been hit by some more bad news, with the revelation that Microsoft is no longer supporting driver updates at all through Windows Update for the aging OS.

This follows another recent move made by Nvidia, where Team Green discontinued core driver support for its graphics cards with Windows 7, and also Windows 8/8.1 for that matter (although any vital security fixes will still be delivered through until 2024).

• Essential free apps for Windows 10
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As Bleeping Computer reports, support has now been ditched for Windows 7 (SP1) drivers being delivered via Windows Update, following the expiry of the SHA-1 Trusted Root Certificate Authority in May 2021. As well as Windows 7, this applies to Windows Server 2008.

Naim Mohammad, Technical Program Manager at Microsoft, said: “On June 17, 2021, Microsoft will discontinue the publication of drivers to Windows Update for Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2.”

However, note that business users paying for the ESU or Extended Security Update program (which will continue until July 2022) will still be able to deploy Windows 7 drivers via WSUS (Windows Server Update Services).

Code integrity

Microsoft explains that the piping of drivers to Windows 7 has been ceased because with the aforementioned expiration of SHA-1 certificates, partners who are delivering their drivers through the Microsoft Trusted Root Program could deploy SHA-2 signed drivers instead – but these are incompatible.

If they made their way through to Windows 7 devices from Windows Update, that could cause serious issues including ‘degraded functionality’ or indeed totally bricking the machine so it doesn’t boot. As Microsoft notes: “Unpatched systems will have code integrity failures when presented with a SHA-2 signed driver.”

So to avoid any potential nasty side effects like this, Microsoft is no longer allowing SHA-2 signed drivers to be delivered via Windows Update, so driver updates are effectively now shut down.

Official support for Windows 7 ended at the start of 2020, a year and a half ago now, so consumers still using Windows 7 – or businesses not paying for extended security support – should, of course, be moving on to Windows 10 (soon to be Windows 11) by now (or switching elsewhere, perhaps checking out Linux distros). Yet going by some reports, a surprising amount of PC owners are sticking with Windows 7, and that ground will only get rockier going forward.

• Windows 11 release date, news, and features

Nvidia is ceasing support for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 with its graphics drivers in October 2021.

This means that the company’s Game Ready Driver will only support Windows 10 from then on when it comes to new features and work on the performance front, as well as bug fixes.

• AMD vs Nvidia: which should be your next graphics card?
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However, Nvidia isn’t completely abandoning these users with its drivers yet, as vital security patches will still be applied – but only these and no other cures for bugs. Major security fixes will continue to be implemented for Windows 7 and 8/8.1 until September 2024.

The interesting point here is that while Windows 7 and Windows 8 are no longer supported by Microsoft – so you shouldn’t be using them anyway – that’s not the case with Windows 8.1. The latter OS still has a year and a half of road to run with support from Microsoft, so Nvidia is calling things early in that respect.

Nvidia says: “Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 7 and Windows 8, with Windows 8.1 nearing the end of its lifecycle as well. The vast majority of our GeForce customers have migrated to Windows 10 OS.

“In order to ensure GeForce owners experience the best possible security, support, and functionality, Nvidia will now focus on Windows 10 operating system.”

In other words, whatever resources were focused on keeping Windows 8.1 afloat can now be redirected elsewhere.

Windows 8.1 diehards

There are still some folks on Windows 8.1, mind, even though you can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free (that freebie upgrade never actually went away). Admittedly, it’s a tiny amount of users – looking at the latest Steam hardware survey, it’s 1% of gamers on that platform (with more using Macs). But folks might be sticking with Windows 8.1 perhaps because of legacy software, or maybe due to a distrust of Windows 10 fostered by all the earlier controversy around privacy (although much of that has been mitigated by Microsoft in more recent times).

If you’re a gamer with an Nvidia graphics card, then, this could be another prod and reason to move on and grab that free Windows 10 upgrade (perhaps before Microsoft shuts it down, which could happen eventually – after all, we are seemingly on the cusp of Windows 11, or something similar). Plus don’t forget, there are an increasing amount of games which are Windows 10-only, anyway.

The final Game Ready Driver that supports Windows 7/8/8.1 will arrive on August 31, with the new R495 driver that drops support arriving on October 4.

That R495 driver will also ditch support (again, except for vital security fixes) for Kepler GPUs, meaning GeForce GTX 600 and 700 series graphics cards. These are old GPUs, of course, but note that some 700 range offerings are Maxwell (like the GTX 750 and 750 Ti).

• Find the best Nvidia GPU for you

Via Neowin

If you use OneDrive for Business on Windows 7, you’ll be glad to know the file hosting service will continue to support the defunct OS for another couple of years yet.

Windows 7 reached end-of-life (EOL) over a year ago, in January 2020, which means normal installations aren’t receiving updates anymore. 

But, as is the norm, once an OS reaches EOL, Microsoft continues to support it under a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which allows business users extra time to implement their migration strategies. 

• Here are the best cloud storage services on the market
• These are the best Windows 10 VPN services
• Also check our collection of the best SSDs

While many software vendors officially drop EOL OS’s from their support list, Microsoft has announced plans to support Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 7 until January 2023.

However, a couple of weeks back, multiple readers of The Register informed the publication that they could no longer use OneDrive for Business on their Windows 7 installations, hinting that Microsoft might have quietly pulled the plug on the service.

Not quite dead

Much to their delight, though, a Microsoft spokesperson has now confirmed that the use case is still very much supported. 

"Microsoft continues to support OneDrive on Windows 7,” the spokesperson told The Register.

The difficulties experienced by the users were reportedly due to Microsoft’s attempt to kill support for the older Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol in its products. 

If you’re a Windows 7 user and experience issues with the client for OneDrive for Business in your installation, The Register suggests you tweak the registry to force the OS to switch to using a newer TLS protocol.

• Check out our list of the best cloud computing services right now

Via The Register

Almost a quarter of computer users are still using the end-of-life (EOL) OS Windows 7, despite it having stopped receiving updates in January 2020.

That's according to a report from antivirus vendor Kaspersky,despite Microsoft having stopped delivering security updates to Windows 7 installations on January 14, 2020. As is the norm, Microsoft’s move was quickly followed by many third-party vendors, who dropped the OS from their list of supported OS’s.

Kaspersky acknowledges that while updating the OS seems like a nuisance to many, not doing so offers threat actors to find their way into your installation with much more ease.

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“Even if you think you are vigilant and protected while online, updating your OS is an essential element of security that should not be overlooked, regardless of any third-party security solution’s presence. If [the] OS is obsolete, it can no longer receive these critical updates,” says Oleg Gorobets, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Kaspersky.

Clear and present danger

When further analyzing the Windows 7 users, Kaspersky observes that consumers, small and medium businesses (SMBs), and very small businesses (VSBs) occupy almost the same share – 22% each. 

Kaspersky reasons that the use of Windows 7 by VSBs is particularly worrying since they don’t have the resources for dedicated IT security staff, and an outdated OS puts them at a far greater risk of cyberattacks. 

One small siver lining is that the study only covers installations that are enrolled with the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN), which means the total number of Internet-connected Windows 7 machines could be far greater.

True, some of these Windows 7 machines could be enrolled with the Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. However as Kaspersky notes, not only does the ESU program entail additional costs, it won’t be available forever. 

In any case, ESU programs are designed to give users extra time to plan the migration of their critical services from EOL OSes, and shouldn’t be used as an excuse to continue using an old OS.

• Here are the best Windows 10 deals this month

Millions of people are still using Windows XP and Windows 7 both at home and in the office, offering a hugely attractive sight to even newbie cybercriminals, a new report from Lansweeper claims.

Analyzing more than 50 million devices currently running Windows operating systems, Lansweeper found that 5% ran Windows 7 (approximately 2.5m), while 3% ran Windows XP (roughly 1.5m).

Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP in early April 2014, and Windows 7 in early January 2020. That means that from those dates onward, any new flaws and vulnerabilities found will mostly remain unpatched. 

• We've built a list of the best business laptops available
• These are the best Windows 10 alternatives
• Here are the best Windows 10 VPN solutions  for the PC out there

Running an operating system with known vulnerabilities could result in data breaches which, in today’s climate, may mean gargantuan fines to affected businesses - although Microsoft has said it may issue patches to subsequently discovered vulnerabilities to specific companies - for a price.

Remote workers on the line

Things have gotten even worse since the pandemic, Lansweeper’s report further states, due to many employees staying home for work. Among those employees are many whose cybersecurity knowledge and skills are subpar, and being away from the relative safety of their corporate networks, as well as IT departments, could exacerbate the problem.

As an ecosystem, Windows nowadays powers more than a billion devices. Windows 10, the company’s latest operating system, alone powers a billion devices. Of the 50 million units Lansweeper analyzed, 5% (2.5m) still use Windows 8. 

The advice for users hoping to remain as secure as possible is to update to the latest Windows, Mac, or Linux OS and to protect their devices with a modern antivirus solution.

"The fact that people are still relying on systems more than a decade old is shocking,” says Roel Decneut, Chief Marketing Officer at Lansweeper. “A large number of these outdated PCs are predicted to be enterprise systems, which means it’s not just personal information that’s on the line.”

• Also check out everything you need for remote working

You might be wondering why you would need to learn how to restore and use Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 10. After all, it was retired a few years ago thanks to the redesigned Photos app. 

Though Windows Photo Viewer was the default photo app on Windows 7 and 8, Microsoft replaced it with its Universal Windows Platform app simply called Microsoft Photos, which is what you're likely using if you're currently running Windows 10. If you're anything like us, you may find that Windows Photo Viewer is not only faster but that it makes it easier to view the photos you have stored in the local drives.

And yes, Photos’ cross-platform abilities are very forward-looking as well as convenient for anyone also using the best Windows tablet, but the app uses up a lot more memory than its predecessor, and in many ways is just not as easy to use as the older app. Not to mention, Photos is not the most reliable of apps, either - which you may well have already noticed if you've been using it!

The good news is, if you're not happy with the Photos app, it's completely possible to restore and use Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 10. It's just as easy as knowing how to play DVDs in Windows 10, and you don't even need to know how to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode. You'll find you can get the job done in just a few steps.

Oh and if you've just purchased your new OS and need to install it first before you try to restore and use Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 10, you'll find our guides on how to find your Windows 10 product key and how to activate Windows 10 super helpful in getting you all set up. 

How to restore Windows Photo Viewer after upgrading from Windows 7 or 8

If you have a computer that’s been upgraded to Windows 10 from either Windows 7 or 8, getting Windows Photo Viewer back is incredibly easy.

That’s because the app never went anywhere. Instead, what’s changed with the installation of Windows 10 (and Microsoft Photos with it), is which app is set as the default option for opening any photos. Fortunately, it doesn’t take very many steps to change the default app back to the Windows Photo Viewer.

How to restore Windows Photo Viewer from scratch in Windows 10

It gets a bit more complicated for those using a clean install of Windows 10. While the Windows Photo Viewer app is still lurking in the code, it’s inaccessible without a Registry hack.

While it does take a few more steps than those with an upgraded version of Windows 10, it won’t be long before you’re working in your favorite photo app.

Why choose Windows Photo Viewer over Microsoft Photos?

Microsoft’s new Photos app has come quite a long way since it first launched with Windows 10, incorporating some of the features it initially didn’t have but Windows Photo Viewer had, like a right-click menu. 

But it’s still a resource hog in comparison to its predecessor. If you want to be able to quickly load and scroll through a bunch of photos without taxing your computer, Windows Photo Viewer is the better choice.

Photo Viewer’s UI is also a bit more straightforward since it’s mostly centered on the bottom. The Photos app, in comparison, places most of its menus and buttons across the top, with its “Next” and “Previous” buttons pushed to the edge of the screen.

More details have emerged about the recent cyberattack on a water treatment utility in the city of Oldsmar, Florida, with the facility involved apparently still using outdated Windows 7 PCs.

Reports quote investigators as saying that “the cyber actors likely accessed the system by exploiting cybersecurity weaknesses, including poor password security and an outdated Windows 7 operating system to compromise software used to remotely manage water treatment.” 

The hack, which could have caused a major catastrophe had it not been for an alert supervisor, has once again brought the spotlight on the threat to operational technology in civil infrastructure.

• We've put together a list of the best endpoint protection software
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• Take a look at these best malware removal software

Poorly configured systems

Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 7 on January 13, 2015, though it continued to receive security updates. However, Windows 7 finally reached end-of-life over a year ago on January 14, 2020 when Microsoft ceased to provide any update for the operating system, urging users to switch to Windows 10.

Despite this millions of users still haven’t updated from Windows 7. As it turns out, the Oldsmar county’s water treatment plant is one of them.

Dubbing the attack as “relatively unsophisticated”, the investigators shared that the attacker likely used the TeamViewer remote desktop sharing software to make his way into the system.

Speaking to TechRadar Pro, Eddie Habibi, Founder of PAS, which provides software solutions to prevent exploitation of operational technology, agreed, adding that “while much of the coverage of the cyber risk to critical infrastructure to date has focused on the age of many industrial control systems and the fact that they were not designed and deployed with security in mind, in this case, the attack vector appears to have been the increased level of remote access enabled by the Florida county.”

• Protect your devices with these best antivirus software

Via: Engadget

Those stuck on Windows 7 may wonder – is Windows 10 free to download? Just over a year ago, on January 14, 2020 to be exact, the older operating system entered its End of Life phase.

And, though Microsoft’s initial free upgrade offer officially expired years ago, the question remains. Is Windows 10 free to download? And, the answer is yes. While you would generally shell out $120 to upgrade to Windows 10, the loophole seems to have been intentionally left open to get as many people to switch from Windows 7 to Windows 10 as possible, even if Microsoft has to lose out on the money they would make from those upgrades.

• Windows 7 End of Life: everything you need to know
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Someone claiming to work for Microsoft revealed on Reddit that the "whole 'free' upgrade for a year was fully marketing fluff,” and that even after the initial cut-off date for the upgrade, it’s easy to upgrade from Windows 7 and get that free Windows 10 download.

According to the poster, CokeRobot, Microsoft didn’t care, as Terry Meyerson, who was previously Executive Vice President at Microsoft, and head of the Windows and Devices Group, “at the time cared more about his upgrade stats than license revenue as Windows isn't Microsoft's cash cow anymore.”

Since Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 last year, it seems the company would rather take the financial hit and make it easy for people to upgrade to Windows 10, rather than them sticking with Windows 7, which could potentially become a security risk as no new patches or updates would be released for the operating system, or worse, switch from Windows to a free alternative like Linux.

However, it seems like while Microsoft knows about the loophole (and tacitly approves of it), it doesn’t want to publicize it, as that could annoy people who have paid for the upgrade.

Of course, bear in mind that this is coming from an unverified user on Reddit. However, it doesn’t seem too far-fetched, as Microsoft could easily stop the free upgrades if it wanted to – and so far, it hasn’t.

How to upgrade to Windows 10 for free

As CokeRobot explains, you need to choose the upgrade where you keep your files and information. If you choose to do a fresh install, you lose the ability to upgrade to Windows 10 for free, and will need to buy a Windows 10 licence.

If this happens, check out our pick of the cheapest Windows 10 prices.

However, we have also heard from readers who say that even doing a fresh install will work with the free Windows 10 upgrade, as long as you have your Windows 7 key to hand.

To upgrade for free, use the Windows Media Creation Tool and select to upgrade from there. Enter in your Windows 7 (or Windows 8) licence key, and you should soon have a Windows 10 running – for free.

For more in-depth advice, visit our guide on how to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

• Why not buy a new Windows 10 machine instead? Here’s the best laptops of 2020

Via MSPowerUser

It looks like you can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free, despite Microsoft ending that offer several years ago. However, while the offer for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users to upgrade for free to Windows 10 is officially over, a loophole remains that allows you to get Windows 10 for nothing.

As WinCentral reports, this loophole has been around for ages, so Microsoft must be aware of it. However, it seems that the loophole remains – allowing anyone with a valid Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 install to upgrade for free.

• How to upgrade to Windows 10 for free
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This has led many people – including us – to wonder if Microsoft is tacitly allowing the loophole to remain. After all, it’s actually in the company’s interest to get as many people on Windows 10 as possible, and closing that loophole may hurt that.

Also, with Windows 7 having reached its end of life last year, Microsoft is keen to get people to move from the unsupported, older, operating system to the new one. This loophole may help Windows 7 holdouts make the move.

How to get Windows 10 for free

To upgrade to Windows 10 for free, you need to have an activated Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license installed on your PC.

Next, use the Windows 10 Media creation tool from Microsoft to create a bootable USB, then use it to upgrade to Windows 10.

Once you’ve updated to Windows 10, log in using your Microsoft Account. Go to Settings > Update > Activation and you should see that Windows 10 is activated.

If it’s not, click ‘Activate PC’, then enter in your original Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 activation key.

As you can see, this is all done inside Windows 10, using official Microsoft tools, so there’s no shady or illegal methods. It also makes it more likely that Microsoft knows about this, but chooses not to do anything.

• Why not upgrade your entire setup with the best laptops of 2021?

After more than 10 years in service, Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system was officially retired on January 14, 2020. And yet, millions upon millions of users continue to stick with the outdated OS.

According to a report from consumer champion Which?, more than one in ten (13%) computers continue to run on Windows 7, despite the security risks that entails.

These figures are corroborated by data from Statcounter, which suggests Windows 7 is currently in use on 18.03% of all Windows devices, which collectively represent more than three quarters of the entire PC market.

• Check out our list of the best business computers around
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Rough estimates suggest there are now more than two billion computers in circulation worldwide which, if accurate, would mean that more than 200 million continue to run the outdated operating system.

Windows 7 loyalists

Asked why they had not yet updated to a newer OS, the largest section of respondents (30%) said they were unwilling to pay for an upgrade. A further 22% claim Windows 7 is simply easier to use, and 16% do not own devices capable of running Windows 10.

However, with Windows 7 no longer receiving important updates, it is vital that users upgrade to a newer OS, irrespective of the cost that might entail.

Safe in the knowledge that Microsoft will no longer deliver security patches for outdated operating systems, cybercriminals can dedicate resources to developing malware designed specifically to exploit older flaws.

Given the significant pool of computers that still run on unsupported operating systems, such as Windows 7, attacks have the potential to be highly lucrative.

In the infamous WannaCry incident of 2017, for example, hackers took advantage of the quantity of machines running outdated versions of Windows to execute a sophisticated ransomware campaign.

The advice for users looking to remain as secure as possible is to update to Windows 10 (or another alternative OS) and to protect devices with a leading antivirus solution. Users whose Windows 7 devices are not powerful or capacious enough to run the latest version of Windows, meanwhile, will need to purchase a new device.

“If you’re truly wedded to your old PC (for example you know that you have hardware that can only work on Windows 7), you should ensure it isn’t connected to the internet and be careful what files you access via USB stick,” Which? advised.

• Here's our list of the best Windows 10 Pro laptops right now

If reports are to be believed, several million Windows 7 users haven’t upgraded their machines to a newer version, even after almost a year of Microsoft retiring the decade old operating system.

Microsoft stopped delivering security updates to WIndows 7 installations on January 14, 2020. The move was quickly followed by many third-party vendors, who dropped support for the OS soon after Microsoft’s announcement.

Now, as we approach the first anniversary of the end-of-support, prolific Windows author Ed Bott wrangled up some data to deduce that while the number of Windows 7 installations have certainly gone down in the past twelve months, there are still over 100 million PCs that are still running Windows 7. More worryingly Bott thinks “that [the actual] number could be significantly higher.” 

• Read more about the benefits of Windows 10 in our full review
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Not simple maths

Last year Bott consulted some analytics experts and came to the conclusion that roughly 200 million PCs worldwide would continue running Windows 7 even after Microsoft stopped sending security updates.

His latest estimate builds on top of that data, after analyzing various metrics, such as the United States Government Digital Analytics program. One of the parameters tracked by the program is the number of visits from Windows PCs. 

Comparing the figures between December 2019 and December 2020, Bott notes that the number of machines running Windows 7 has gone down from 18.9% to 8.5%. The numbers from NetMarketShare, which tracks web usage, show a similar drop with Windows 7 usage down from 31.2% to 21.7%.

Bott agrees that while “turning those percentages into whole numbers isn't a matter of simple division”, his 100 million estimate is the result of correlation between the number of Windows 7 machines still accessing the Internet and his earlier calculations.

While some of these machines could be enrolled with the Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, a majority are unprotected installations that are exposing themselves to all kinds of danger lurking on the Internet.

• Here's our list of the best malware removal services out there

Via: ZDNet

A free and temporary fix for a newly discovered zero-day in Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 has been released by 0patch to prevent a local privilege escalation vulnerability from being actively exploited in the wild.

The bug affects all devices running Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 regardless of whether or not these devices have been enrolled in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program which costs between $25 and $200 per workstation.

The free micropatch released by 0patch will prevent the local privilege escalation vulnerability from being exploited by cybercriminals for systems without ESU and it will serve as a temporary fix for systems that are enrolled in the program until Microsoft releases a more permanent solution to the problem. 

• We've put together a list of the best malware removal software
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0patch provided more details on its new micropatch in a blog post, saying:

“According to our guidelines, this micropatch is free for everyone until Microsoft issues an official fix for it (presumably only as part of Extended Security Updates). By the time you're reading this the micropatch has already been distributed to all online 0patch Agents and also automatically applied except where Enterprise policies prevented that.”

If you're not yet an 0patch user and wish to install the micropatch on your systems, you can create an account in 0patch Central, install 0patch Agent and register it to your account.

Misconfigured registry keys

The local privilege escalation vulnerability is the result of two service registry keys being misconfigured and the bug could enable a local attacker to elevate their privileges on any system running Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2.

The zero-day was discovered by security researcher Clément Labro who recently published his analysis as well as a proof-of-concept that enabled 0patch to create its new micropatch for Windows users. 

Insecure permissions on the HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache and HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcEptMapper registry keys makes it possible for an attacker to load malicious DLLs by tricking the RPC Endpoint Mapper.

Labro explained that he was surprised that the vulnerability he discovered wasn't found sooner in his report detailing the zero-day, saying:

“I don’t know how this vulnerability has gone unnoticed for so long. One explanation is that other tools probably looked for full write access in the registry, whereas AppendData/AddSubdirectory was actually enough in this case. Regarding the “misconfiguration” itself, I would assume that the registry key was set this way for a specific purpose, although I can’t think of a concrete scenario in which users would have any kind of permissions to modify a service’s configuration.”

If you're running Windows 7 or Server 2008 R2 on your systems you should install 0patch's micropatch now regardless of whether you're enrolled in Microsoft's ESU program.

• We've also highlighted the best endpoint protection

Via Bleeping Computer

Windows 10 is set to bring back a design feature from the days of Windows 7 when it launches its WinUI 3 update next year. Rounded corners for top-level windows will be making a comeback, representing a change of aesthetic for Microsoft.

Up until Windows 8, Microsoft employed the aero effect and rounded corners for all app windows, but then abandoned this look in favor of sharp corners. Now, according to a comment issued by Microsoft on GitHub, rounded corners will be available for top-level windows and app pop-ups, although the implementation of the rounded corners will ultimately be left up to developers.

Based on a mock-up screenshot of Microsoft Teams, it is clear that the Redmond-based firm is returning to a style reminiscent of the one employed during the Windows 7, Vista and XP eras.

• Check out our list of the best Windows 10 VPNs
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Going back

The decision to return to its former look is part of a raft of changes that will be included as part of a broader Windows 10 design update coming next year, including the launch of the WinUI 3 user interface. WinUI is a native UX platform delivered separately from the operating system, which means it can be updated frequently according to feedback from the developer community.

Windows 10’s new user interface may be available in preview builds by Spring next year, with rounded corners likely to go live in the second half of 2021. It’s also thought that Microsoft might make a few tweaks to the Start Menu and Action Center, taking ideas from WinUI.

The other big design changes coming to Windows 10 affect app icons, which will be more colorful and curved. Given that top-level windows will also be more rounded, it seems like Microsoft is working to have a consistent design in place by sometime next year.

• Check out our WFH guide, covering keyboards, routers, monitors and more

Via Windows Latest

Windows 7 officially reached end-of-life (EOL) earlier this year, but Google has announced that Chrome will continue to support the venerable operating system until January 2020.

Windows 7 hit EOL in January 2020, meaning Microsoft is no longer releasing updates and security patches for it, and is instead advising users to switch to Windows 10. However, many users have taken their time making the change – particularly businesses, for whom changing operating systems is a huge task that may involve upgrading many other specialist pieces of software as well.

• The best browsers of 2020
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Google had originally planned to stop supporting Windows 7 in July 2021, after giving users a year and a half to make the change, but now, as Engadget reports, the company has had a change of heart and decided to continue supporting Chrome for Windows 7 until January 2022.

Slowly does it

According to Google, this change of heart was prompted by the pandemic, which has meant that for some businesses, "planned IT projects may have had to take a back seat".

Chrome is by far the world's most popular operating system, and if a company had planned to update its computers this year, it may have run into serious trouble if its staff returned to the office after working from home throughout 2020, and found they could no longer use Chrome safely.

It's also good news for businesses that have decided to take advantage of Microsoft's offer to extend Windows 7 support to 2023 for an additional fee, though doing so is cutting it rather close to the wire.

• The best open source software you can download today

The move from Windows 7's Start Menu to Live Tiles, first introduced in Windows 8, took many by surprise and while Windows 10 now allows you to access the Start Menu from the desktop, many users still prefer the look and fell of the traditional Start Menu.

Thankfully, the open source software Open Shell (originally known as Classic Shell) has you covered as it allows you to replace the Start Menu in Windows 8 and 10 with one that more closely resembles Windows 7's Start Menu.

If you're still running Windows 8, Open Shell also allows you to bypass the full-screen Start Menu and boot directly to the desktop.

• We've put together a list of the best Windows 10 deals
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• Also check out our complete list of the best VPN services

Add a Windows 7 style Start Menu to Windows 10

To get started using Open Shell to change the look and feel of Windows 10's Start Menu, you'll first need to head to Github's website and download the program.

Once downloaded, double click on the executable to begin installing the software on your system. It's worth noting that if you only want to change the appearance of your Start Menu, you should uncheck the Classic Explorer and Classic IE options during installation. If you leave these options checked, you will also change the way that File Explorer and Internet Explorer appear on your system.

Open Shell allows you to choose from three different styles of Start Menu: Classic style, Classic with two columns and Windows 7 style. Classic style only shows your recently used apps and all apps list while Classic with two columns shows your recently used apps and settings and finally Windows 7 style recreates the Start Menu UI from Windows 7.

If you want to tinker with Open Shell further, you can do so by opening the “Basic settings” menu which will allow you to configure the open source software's advanced settings.

• We've also highlighted the best Windows 10 VPN

Via BleepingComputer

The amount of Linux users has apparently dropped sharply in recent months, possibly due to open-source aficionados now having to work from home. 

According to the latest data from NetMarketShare, Linux devices made up just 1.14% of installs on all laptops and desktop PC devices in September 2020.

This was a sharp drop from the previous month, which had recorded a 2.23% market share for Linux in August 2020 - a decrease of nearly 50%. 

• We've built a list of the best laptops for developers available
• Check out the best Linux laptops around today
• Forget Windows, Linux or MacOS: Our choice of the best alternative operating systems

Linux vs Windows

Linux's share had reached a high of 3.57% earlier this year, and tthere doesn't appear to be any particular reason for the sharp drop in Linux usage.

In fact, the last few weeks have seen a number of high-profile new hardware releases that support the software. This includes a new range of Linux-ready laptops and business computers from Lenovo, with almost 30 new laptop and PC models revealed by the world's largest PC maker.

However, the global move towards home working may mean that enterprise users such as developers and programmers have had to shift away from the office set-ups towards more "traditional" computing devices.

Elsewhere, the NetMarketShare stats showed that Microsoft’s continued attempts to get Windows 10 on more PCs seems to be paying off, with the latest build of the company's OS now installed on nearly two-thirds (61.26%) of PCs. 

However some older versions still appear to be clinging to life, particularly Windows 7, which still boasts 22.77% market share despite Microsoft ending support for the older operating system back in January.

Microsoft and Linux have been growing closer in recent years, with increased co-operation between the two platforms garnering a lot of attention.

There's even been speculation that the two could merge, with the recent release of Windows System for Linux 2 (WSL2) and the fact that Microsoft is currently porting its Edge browser to Linux named as reasons reasons why the company could one day retire the Windows kernel in favor of the Linux kernel.

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Microsoft’s continued attempts to get Windows 10 on more PCs seems to be paying off, with new stats that show that Windows 10 is now installed on a hefty 61.26% of internet-connected PCs. 

However, the company may not be too pleased, as Windows 7 users are still refusing to budge, it seems, despite Microsoft ending support for the older operating system back in January.

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The results come from NetMarketShare, and reported by Softpedia, and show that Windows 10 use continues to grow – it had 60.57% market share in August. 

NetMarketShare gets its information from people visiting websites, and while that means these numbers only count PCs connected to the internet, it still means it uses a huge sample size, giving us a good idea of how popular Windows 10 is.

The OS that just won’t die

Interestingly, Windows 7 also saw a growth in usage, with 22.77% of people using it, up from 22.31% the month before. This shows that Windows 7 users are still not being convinced to dump the older operating system, despite Microsoft’s best efforts.

Back on January 14, 2020 (which feels a lifetime ago, to be fair), Windows 7 entered its End of Life phase, which means Microsoft no longer offers patches and security updates. People still on Windows 7 have been encouraged to switch to Windows 10 through offers of free upgrades and nagging pop-ups, but it seems there are a committed core of users who just don’t want to budge.

This will frustrate Microsoft, as while Windows 7 fans are still using one of its operating systems, it is no longer getting patched, so people clinging onto the older operating system could be at risk from online nasties.

Hopefully, as the year goes on, Windows 7 users will start to migrate to more modern operating systems. However, it seems like for the moment at least, Windows 7 is still stubbornly clinging on to life.

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More and more users around the world are upgrading to Windows 10, but many are still sticking with older software editions, new data has shown.

The latest figures from NetMarketShare have shown that Windows 10 is now being used on nearly two-thirds of Windows devices as Microsoft's push continues to bear fruit

Overall, Windows 10 was found to be running 59.37% of devices, making it far and away the most popular edition of the operating system.

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Windows 10 vs Windows 7

Windows boasts 87.03% of the desktop and laptop market share, however, older versions of Microsoft's operating system are still in regular use. 

In particular, Windows 7, despite having reached its end of support in January 2020, is still being used on 23.34% of PCs out there according to NetMarketShare.

Even worse, the venerable Windows XP still boasts 0.82% of all Windows users, meaning millions of devices could be at risk of attack due to running the outdated and unprotected software.

It seems that many users remain reluctant to make the upgrade to Windows 10 given Microsoft’s unfortunate recent habit of apparently breaking bits of its newest OS on a regular basis. 

Microsoft will now be keen to ensure Windows 10 growth continues throughout 2020 as the operating system now seems to have recovered from the fall it experienced in April 2020, where the OS dropped from 57.34% the previous month down to 56%.

Elsewhere, Linux use continued to rise, reaching 3.57% after climbing above the 3% marker for the first time in June 2020, Apple's macOS share fell again to just 8.95% (down from 9.68% the previous month), and Chrome OS (used by Chromebook devices) stayed fairly solid at 0.39% market share.

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The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has published a warning notice highlighting dangers posed by the continued usage of Windows 7, retired by Microsoft earlier this year.

The much-loved operating system reached end of life on January 14, meaning security patches, software updates and technical assistance are no longer available - but many users have remained loyal to the outdated OS regardless.

However, according to the FBI notice, Windows 7 is attracting the attention of malicious cyber actors, who are seeking to take advantage of undiscovered security flaws in the no-longer-supported operating system.

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Windows 7 customers that purchased an Extended Security Update (ESU) plan are the only exception; security support for these users will extend until January 2023.

Windows 7 end of life

According to the FBI, there is strong precedent for cyberattacks on unsupported Windows operating systems and remote desktop protocols.

With the vast majority of Windows 7 customers unable to patch their systems, the intelligence agency believes criminals will continue to look upon the operating system as a “soft target”.

“The FBI has observed cybercriminals targeting computer network infrastructure after an operating system achieves end of life status,” reads the FBI notice.

“Continuing to use Windows 7 within an enterprise may provide cybercriminals access into computer systems. As time passes, Windows 7 becomes more vulnerable to exploitation due to lack of security updates and new vulnerabilities discovered.”

To mitigate against the threat of attack, the FBI advises users adopt a “multilayered approach” to protection. This involves updating operating systems to the latest supported version (i.e. Windows 10), checking antivirus and spam filters are properly configured and isolating computer systems that cannot be updated.

“Migrating to a new operating system can pose its own unique challenges, such as cost for new hardware and software and updating existing custom software. However, these challenges do not outweigh the loss of intellectual property and threats to an organization,” added the FBI.

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Zoom users with older systems have been urged to download a security patch that could save their devices from being attacked by hackers.

The patch was released after last week's disclosure of a major security vulnerability affecting potentially millions of devices.

The “zero-day” vulnerability applied to Zoom software running on Windows 7, or even older operating systems.

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Researchers at Slovenian cybersecurity firm ACROS Security had revealed a previously unknown flaw in the popular videoconferencing software last week that could allow a hacker to remotely commandeer computers running old versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system.

Following this, an anonymous researcher contacted the team at security advice site 0patch rather than reporting it directly to Zoom. The 0patch then issued a "micropatch" free of charge until Zoom could release their own. 

“According to our guidelines, we're providing these micropatches to everyone for free until Zoom has fixed the issue or made a decision not to fix it," 0patch explained in a blog post.

"To minimize the risk of exploitation on systems without 0patch, we're not publishing details on this vulnerability until Zoom has fixed the issue, or made a decision not to fix it, or until such details have become public knowledge in any way,” 

Zoom Windows 7

Following this, Zoom also announced an updated Windows software version on July 10, a download which included a patch which the company says, “fixes a security issue affecting users running Windows 7 and older.”

ACROS Security had noted that anyone able to successfully exploit the vulnerability could access files on the vulnerable computer, and even take over the entire device.

Microsoft has been trying to convince Windows 7 users to upgrade to newer software versions in recent years, but with little success - despite offering free upgrades to Windows 10.

The company revealed it would be ending technical support out for Windows 7 on January 15 2020, meaning it would no longer offer patches and security updates for Windows 7.

That means that any bugs or problems still found in the software will never get fixed. Likewise, any security vulnerabilities could also remain in Windows 7, as Microsoft is unlikely to patch those unless they are very severe – more on that in a moment.

Many large organisations, including the NHS, still use Windows 7 on many devices, with Microsoft allowing customers to pay extra to receive specilaised support.

“Zoom takes all reports of potential security vulnerabilities seriously,” a Zoom spokesperson said in a statement. “This morning we received a report of an issue impacting users running Windows 7 and older. We have confirmed this issue and are currently working on a patch to quickly resolve it.”

The issue is the latest in a litany of security worries for Zoom, which has exploded in popularity in 2020 thanks to the remote working boom caused by the global pandemic.

The sudden and increased demand on the company's systems was unlike anything most companies have ever experienced, with criminals also attacking Zoom with gusto. Following a number of high-profile issues, company's CEO Eric S. Yuan promised more transparency and announce a 90-day freeze on all new features not related to privacy, safety or security back in April - however this deadline was missed earlier this month.

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Via BleepingComputer

Zoom is facing more security scrutiny after a new flaw was found to open up the service to hackers, putting Windows 7 users at risk.

Researchers at Slovenian cybersecurity firm ACROS Security has revealed a previously unknown flaw in the videoconferencing software Zoom could allow a hacker to remotely commandeer computers running old versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system.

The “zero-day” vulnerability applies to Zoom software running on Windows 7, or even older operating systems.

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Windows 7 Zoom

ACROS Security noted that anyone able to successfully exploit the vulnerability could access files on the vulnerable computer, and even take over the entire device.

Microsoft has been trying to convince Windows 7 users to upgrade to newer software versions in recent years, but with little success - despite offering free upgrades to Windows 10.

The company revealed it would be ending technical support out for Windows 7 on January 15 2020, meaning it would no longer offer patches and security updates for Windows 7.

That means that any bugs or problems still found in the software will never get fixed. Likewise, any security vulnerabilities could also remain in Windows 7, as Microsoft is unlikely to patch those unless they are very severe – more on that in a moment.

Many large organisations, including the NHS, still use Windows 7 on many devices, with Microsoft allowing customers to pay extra to receive specilaised support.

“Zoom takes all reports of potential security vulnerabilities seriously,” a Zoom spokesperson said in a statement. “This morning we received a report of an issue impacting users running Windows 7 and older. We have confirmed this issue and are currently working on a patch to quickly resolve it.”

The issue is the latest in a litany of security worries for Zoom, which has exploded in popularity in 2020 thanks to the remote working boom caused by the global pandemic.

The sudden and increased demand on the company's systems was unlike anything most companies have ever experienced, with criminals also attacking Zoom with gusto. Following a number of high-profile issues, company's CEO Eric S. Yuan promised more transparency and announce a 90-day freeze on all new features not related to privacy, safety or security back in April - however this deadline was missed earlier this month.

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Via Cyberscoop