Microsoft Pulls The Plug On Windows Vista Next Month

Despite Microsoft's continuous efforts to get people to upgrade the latest version of Windows, hold outs who stick to old versions will always remain. If you're still on Windows Vista, though, you may want to consider upgrading, as Microsoft will be dropping support for that particular version next month.

Mainstream support for Windows Vista ended nearly five years ago, but on April 11, Microsoft will be dropping extended support for decade-old OS. This means that users who are still on Windows Vista will no longer receive crucial security updates, potentially leaving their machines at risk.

Beyond the security risks that come along with using an outdated version of Windows, you also run the risk of encountering programs that won't work with your PC. As Windows Vista fades into the shadows, developers will stop optimizing their programs for it, meaning that as time goes on, you're bound to encounter more and more programs that simply won't work with your OS.

Of course, Microsoft has made it very clear that it would like you to upgrade to Windows 10, as it's the most recent version. Updating to Windows 7 or Windows 8 will work as well, but only in the short term – Microsoft is set to end extended support for Windows 7 in 2020, while Windows 8 will lose mainstream support next year and extended support in 2023.

So, if you want the most bang for you buck – meaning, in this case, the Windows version that will be supported the longest – it certainly seems like Windows 10 is the one you want. In truth, Windows Vista entering end-of-life won't affect too many people in the grand scheme of things, but there are still a few who are hanging on out there. Are you one of them? Head down to the comments section and let us know!

SOURCE: PCMag