Microsoft is ending support for its Windows Vista operating system. The Windows Vista operating system has been a good partner to daily computing sessions to many people around the world for good 10 years now and today, Microsoft has announced it is ending support for the operating system.
What is end of support?
This means Microsoft will no longer push new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content updates for its current Windows Vista customers.
Microsoft has provided support for Windows Vista for the past 10 years, but the time has come for us, along with our hardware and software partners, to invest our resources towards more recent technologies so that we can continue to deliver great new experiences.
What happens if you continue to use Windows Vista?
Your computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses, which is quite understandable. Windows Vista shipped with Internet Explorer 9, so if you continue to use this browser and your PC is connected to the Internet, you highly expose your PC to online threats. However, if you have shifted your attention from IE to Chrome, or Firefox etc. then the risk of threats may lower down but not completely eliminate it.
Also, Microsoft Security Essentials will no longer be downloadable on a PC running Windows Vista. But, if you already have this security software installed, you’ll continue to receive antimalware signature updates for a limited time (depending upon if your system is up-to-date).
Microsoft is also suggesting customers to upgrade to its newest and greatest OS till date, Windows 10, which is the latest version of Windows.
You have two ways to get Windows 10:
- Upgrade your current PC
- Buy or Get a new PC
If you decide to go with the first option, be sure that your computer has the necessary hardware to run it without any issues and falls under the recommended hardware specs for Windows 10. (You can still upgrade to Windows 7 or 8.1, if you are not comfy with Windows 10. To get your ISO copy, download from here)
If your PC fails to meet the required minimum specs under option first, then it is certainly time to buy a new PC. You can find some great deals on this page here.
Transfer data from old PC to brand new Windows 10 PC
Once you have the new PC, it is time to move the files, folders and other important data. To fasten up things for you, Microsoft has partnered with Laplink to offer you PCmover Express. This tool allows you to transfer selected files, folders, and more from your old Windows PC to your new Windows 10 PC. It is currently 50% off and you can grab it here for approximately $15.
Do you still use Vista? Any plan on upgrading? I would like to hear from you. Hit the comments below.
