Windows 7 is reaching its end of life and needs updating.
Windows 7 is reaching its end of life and needs updating.
On Windows 8.1 you must obtain a fresh license code. With Windows 10 you can apply your Windows 7 code once the installation is complete. This approach isn’t listed on Microsoft’s site anymore, yet it functions properly without any issues.
Other than you no longer getting anymore Windows Updates, not much. Of course, just like with XP, it's possible that software (Firefox, Chrome, Steam, etc.) will stop supporting it down the road.
Essentially nothing remains. Updates and security fixes are no longer being released. What you have should function properly until you upgrade to a version incompatible with Windows 7. For instance, Google Chrome might warn you it can't be updated due to unsupported OS. Even though Windows 7 stays popular, Microsoft plans to keep releasing patches until around 2023, but access will likely require a subscription for businesses. This explanation is clearer than what I said.
It's quick to notice time slipping away. I tried using Windows 10 six months prior to its official launch by running Windows 7 on my primary system, but now I'm using Windows 10 while Windows 7 is no longer available.
I’ll stay with W7 as long as I can. W10 feels too focused on unnecessary features and changes, and it collects way too much data by default.
It seems the product remains available but hasn't been promoted by Microsoft. Interesting observation.