Microsoft committed to 10 years of support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. As this 10-year period has come to an end, Microsoft has stopped supporting Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 in order to focus its investments on new technologies and experiences.
Microsoft's support for Windows 7 ended precisely on January 14, 2020. Windows 8.1 support ended on January 10, 2023. Technical support and Windows Update software updates to protect your PC are no longer available for the product. Microsoft strongly advises you to upgrade to Windows 11 to avoid finding yourself in a situation where you need a service or support that is no longer available.
- Why do some computers have problems and not others?
The principle behind Microsoft's end of support on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 is that any problems that arise on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will not be fixed by Microsoft. This makes the use of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 random. Some things will work one day and not the next, and may come back the following week. The first functions that are generally affected are all internet connections, driving your protections "crazy". They'll be hyperactive one day, then completely inoperative the next.
The difficulties encountered may differ completely from one computer to another.
- Why do some software programs or features experience disturbances while others don't?
There are two factors at play here. The first is the randomness of malfunctions, as explained in the previous paragraph.
The second is the technologies used by the software. When a software publisher creates, maintains or adds new functions to its software, it will use the latest technologies to achieve better performance in normal use. The editor will then provide a list of operating systems compatible with his product. Installing software on a non-compatible operating system, let alone one no longer maintained by its publisher, is not normal use of any software.
When you are under the impression that one software works better than another, pay attention to the year in which it was released, as well as to the compatibilities indicated. Software created in 2022 is unlikely to run correctly on an operating system more than 10 years old.
- What if my computer is still on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1?
If your computers are still running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, we advise you to contact Microsoft customer service. They will be able to diagnose your computers to determine whether they can be migrated to Windows 11.
Currently, if your computer is compatible, migration to Windows 11 is free. You won't have to change your computer. Simply follow Microsoft's instructions.
To contact Microsoft support: https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/contactus
- What about Heredis?
We cannot provide technical support for a product that is no longer supported by its publisher. As explained in this article, the malfunctions encountered are not due to any defect of the software, but to the instability of the operating system. We have no control over Microsoft and its products, and can in no way substitute ourselves for their maintenance service.
We invite you to contact Microsoft to consider migrating to a more recent operating system, and to check that your version of Heredis is compatible with the latest versions of Windows. You'll find this information in our compatibility table: Compatibility of versions