This Halloween could be a scary one… for folks who aren’t fans of Microsoft Windows 8 or later. That’s because Microsoft is pulling the plug on Windows 7 OEM sales on October 31st.
In other words, PC makers will soon stop offering notebook and desktop computers with Windows 7 pre-installed.
You may still be able to find some Windows 7 computers for a little while. But once stores run out of their existing inventory they won’t be able to stock any more.
To be honest, it’s been a while since I saw a bricks and mortar store selling a computer with Windows 7… but you can still find some at online retailers.
For the most part the October 31st cutoff for Windows 7 OEM licenses only affects consumer PCs. If you buy a business machine with a Windows Professional license you’ll still be able to get Windows 7 “downgrade” rights.
That might be enough to hold some folks over until Windows 10 hits the streets next year. To be honest, you can do just about anything with Windows 8.1 that you can with Windows 7. Some folks just really, really hate the new Start Screen. The next version of Windows will make the Start Screen optional, with a Start Menu enabled by default instead.
via Network World
The Death of the PC is Near!
typically microsoft style ….. arrogant and obtrusive and working against its customers shooting from an ambush in the back. they never will learn. are we really surprised by this? really?
I still have an unused Windows7 license that I intend to hold on to. Windows 8/8.1 might be able to do almost everything Windows7 can do (especially with classic shell installed) but it lacks Windows Media Center. That is a big deal to me.
Good news for Macbook and Chromebook sales! Microsoft will NEVER force me to use Windows 8 Metro Tiles!!!
I’m a fan of both, but smart move for Microsoft. If they are fixing up 8 with 10, then they should push consumers a bit on it. Forward thinking. I don’t think there is anything to “hate” about the new 8/10 Windows. It’s far more expansive and interesting.
why couldn’t they wait until windows 10 come out?
a sad day ….win 8 only….I shudder
Does this also mean that you will no longer be able to purchase the OEM Windows 7 software media from retailers like NewEgg? Will they continue to sell the Retail Box versions of Windows 7?
No, they’ll still have it, that is, until they run out. I think this is a bad idea and will only encourage further piracy on 7 (which is really easy to pirate apparently) until 10 comes out.
MS discontinued the distribution of retail copies of Windows 7 at the end of October 2013 and the end of OEM sales was already scheduled back then as well for the end this October 2014…
So, the fact they still got retail copies to sell at all still means the OEM copies will probably last over a year as well and by then Windows 10 should already be out…
While those with retail copies can always just transfer their copies to new systems as needed until they’re ready for Windows 10…
However, as the original linked article states… business/enterprise customers will still be able to order PCs “downgraded” to Windows 7 Professional. MS hasn’t set an end
date for when it will cut off Windows 7 Pro to OEMs, but it will likely be a while longer…
I was just reviewing an email from Costco, and it seemed like a lot of their computers were Win7. I can see Costco shoppers having a problem using Win8, or at least being misinformed thinking they would, but it really makes their product offerings less appealing. Maybe you can order them either way, I didn’t click through to check.
Anyway, I’m glad it is coming to an end because I’m going to be in the market early next year.