As we reported last month, Windows Vista is the OS that everyone loved to hate. While the operating system was marked by driver and other performance issues, it still ushered in a new era for Windows with interface elements which we continue to see in Windows 10 today. Although most of the focus is on Windows 10 these days, we would like to remind you that Windows Vista support ends next month, perhaps just in time for the rumored April launch of Windows 10 Creators Update.
According to this Microsoft web page, after April 11, 2017, Windows Vista customers will no longer receive new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content updates from Microsoft. The reason behind this is because the company has provided support for Windows Vista for the past 10 years and is now investing invest resources towards more recent technologies. Microsoft offers up the following advice for users who want to continue to use Vista.
If you continue to use Windows Vista after support has ended, your computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Internet Explorer 9 is no longer supported, so if your Windows Vista PC is connected to the Internet and you use Internet Explorer 9 to surf the web, you might be exposing your PC to additional threats. Also, as more software and hardware manufacturers continue to optimize for more recent versions of Windows, you can expect to encounter more apps and devices that do not work with Windows Vista.
Microsoft has also stopped providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows Vista. If you already have Microsoft Security Essentials installed, you’ll continue to receive antimalware signature updates for a limited time. However, please note that Microsoft Security Essentials (or any other antivirus software) will have limited effectiveness on PCs that do not have the latest security updates
The Redmond giant also is urging Windows Vista users to upgrade to Windows 10 by checking out if their PC meets the specs this support page, and by moving over files, folders, and more. Additionally, Microsoft also urges customers to consider buying a new PC if their current device can now run Windows 10.
Are you still holding onto Windows Vista? If so, what is your reason for loving the OS? Will you upgrade soon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
(Image via Vista team blog)
