Windows Vista Users Given 30-Day Notice For Support Termination

Hardware enthusiasts that read HotHardware surely aren’t running a tired and busted operating system like Windows Vista, right? Besides the fact that the OS was widely panned following its release on January 30^th 2007, Windows Vista is a decade-old operating system that is antiquated in today’s modern computing age.

However, for those of you that are somehow still clinging to Windows Vista, Microsoft is making it clear that time is nearly up for the operating system. On April 11^th, Microsoft is pulling the plug on support for Windows Vista, which means that that the company will end the practices of providing security updates and hotfixes. In addition, Microsoft will no longer provide support services for the operating system.

According to Microsoft, continuing to use Windows Vista after April 11^th will be done at your own risk. “Your computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses,” Microsoft writes. “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.”

Microsoft goes on to note that it has already cut off download access to its Security Essentials software for Vista owners, but for those that already have it installed, you’ll continue to receive definition updates “for a limited time”. Microsoft hasn’t yet provided an exact cut-off date for Security Essential virus definition updates.

As you might expect, Microsoft is suggesting that Windows Vista users purchase an upgrade to Windows 10 to ensure that they have the latest features and state-of-the-art protection from security threats. However, if you’re still using a decade-old PC, chances are that you won’t get much use out of Windows 10 according to Microsoft.

“Very few older computers are able to run Windows 10,” Microsoft adds. “We recommend that you check out the Windows 10 specifications page to find out if your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 10.” If your PC doesn’t make the grade, Microsoft suggests that you simply go out and buy a brand-new machine. “They're more powerful, lightweight, and stylish than ever before—and with an average price that's considerably less expensive than the average PC was 10 years ago.”

According to the latest market share numbers from NetMarketShare, Windows Vista is installed on 0.78 percent of PCs globally.