Where Does The Win 10 Update From 7 Store

Information technology's been near two years since Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 7 in January 2020. The end shouldn't have come as a surprise to Windows users: Microsoft promised 10 years of production support for Windows 7 when it was released in October 2009, before shifting focus to supporting newer technologies, like Windows 11.

That ways Microsoft no longer offers technical help or software updates to your device, and the company encouraged people to upgrade to Windows 10 to keep their PCs and laptops secure. (If you're a Windows viii.1 user, extended back up for that OS won't end until Jan 2023.) Simply don't worry -- you tin can notwithstanding use this flim-flam to download Windows 10 for free if yous desire to. And with Windows ten, you can upgrade to Windows eleven for free.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about the end of Windows 7 support, and how to make the switch to Windows ten.

The customizable Commencement menu on Windows 10.
Nate Ralph/CNET

Read more than: How to download Windows x for free

Why did Microsoft stop back up for Windows 7?

Microsoft has a long-established Fixed Lifestyle Policy for many of its products. For each version of its Bone, the company offers a minimum of 10 years of back up (at least 5 years of Mainstream support, followed by 5 years of Extended support). Both types include security and program updates, self-assist online topics and extra aid you lot tin pay for.

Windows seven was released in October 2009, so its 10-twelvemonth life bike has come to a shut. Windows ten was released in 2015, and extended back up for the latest version of the Bone is slated to terminate in 2025.

Read more:New to Windows x? Hither's how long Microsoft will support information technology

Will my Windows 7 estimator finish working?

Your Windows 7 computer volition go on working, but Microsoft won't provide security updates or fixes, or technical support for any issues -- leaving your computer at greater take chances from viruses and malware that may broadcast to have advantage of any flaws that are later discovered.

That's why it'south critically important for yous to switch to an OS version that Microsoft volition still put resources behind.

Read more: Windows 7 support is expressionless, but these vii security tips will still protect your laptop

Exercise I have to make the switch to Windows 10?

No one can force y'all to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, but you're leaving your devices and potentially your privacy vulnerable if yous don't make the leap. Without security updates or fixes, you're putting your figurer at gamble -- an particularly dangerous choice, every bit many forms of malware target Windows devices.

Windows ten also has a number of built-in security tools: Windows Defender Antivirus protects against malware and spyware across electronic mail, apps, the deject and the web, while Windows Hello offers a password-free sign-in option to unlock your devices with your face or a fingerprint reader. A Find My Device service can lock and erase your Windows device remotely, or map the location of your device.

Read more than:The best antivirus protection of 2021 for Windows 10

Isn't Windows x pretty buggy?

Some people have been hesitant to make the switch due to reports of several bugs in earlier versions of Windows x. Merely Microsoft has made several changes to its update approach since so. The biggest modify came with the May 2019 release, including slower rollouts with boosted testing, more than options for pausing updates and more disclosure of known issues, so your experience should be smoother.

Many of the bug were due to the fact that updates are happening more than oft, said Gartner Research analyst Steve Kleynhans. "Just overall nearly users seem pretty happy with the Bone and like the experience it brings, especially on newer devices," he added.

Read more: 6 simple security changes all Windows 10 users need to make

What's the departure betwixt Windows 7 and Windows 10, anyway?

Besides a suite of security tools, Windows 10 also offers more than features. One is the Your Phone app, which allows you to admission texts, notifications and apps from your telephone using your PC -- similar to Apple's Continuity features. A feature called Calls allows y'all to identify and answer Android calls on your PC (and you can connect your iPhone to your Windows PC as well). A dictation feature lets yous easily record ideas.

Microsoft'due south digital assistant Cortana is also available on Windows 10 PCs. The Bone likewise integrates better with Microsoft OneDrive and other cloud tools.

Read more: 11 easy Windows 10 tricks you lot didn't know nearly

The about contempo Windows x November 2021 update includes features like new Wi-Fi security standards and other changes aimed at direction and security.

Different previous versions of the OS, Windows 10 offers automatic updates past default, to keep systems more secure. (You can turn these off if you want to, by going to Windows Update Settings > Advanced Options and changing from Automated to another selection in the drib-down menu.)

Read more than: v Windows x features that beat what y'all had on Windows 7

How do I upgrade from Windows seven to Windows 10? How much will it toll me?

You tin can buy and download Windows 10 via Microsoft'south website for $139. While Microsoft technically ended its free Windows 10 upgrade program in July 2016, as of November 2021, CNET has confirmed the free update is withal bachelor for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 users. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

Read more: 20 pro tips to make Windows 10 piece of work the fashion you lot want (free PDF) (TechRepublic)