The time has come! Windows 7 and 8.1 PCs are about to reach the end of sales deadline of October 31 this month, with Microsoft all set to focus exclusively on Windows 10 for new configurations.
That said, even though we are approaching the end of sales deadline, it does not necessarily mean that PCs that come with these versions of the OS preinstalled will disappear from store shelves all of a sudden Redmond will still allow sales of these devices that are in stock.
Only that no new units will be shipped starting November 1.
As Microsoft explains:
End of sales refers to the date when a particular version of Windows is no longer shipped to retailers or Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Examples of OEMS are Dell and Toshiba PC manufacturers who often preinstall Windows software.
Note that when the retail software product reaches its end of sales date, it can still be purchased through OEMs (the company that made your PC) until it reaches the end of sales date for PCs with Windows preinstalled.
Windows 10 will thereby become the only version of Windows that will come preinstalled on new PCs, and this is a decision that is sure to boost the adoption of the new operating system.
At an opportune time, too, seeing that things are starting to slow down a smidgeon on this front.
And as for updates, this deadline only refers to sales, and not the patches that both operating systems receive. Windows 7 and 8.1 will continue to be supported and receive updates until January 2020 and January 2023, respectively.
But if you want to purchase a new computer with these versions of Windows on it, for one reason or another, then time is running short for that. Stock can clear very quickly!
source:windows10update
