Is there someone out there that still wants to a buy a desktop with Windows 7 or 8.1 pre-installed? Here’s an important update for you all.

Microsoft has updated its Windows Lifecycle Fact Sheet page, saying Oct. 31, 2016 is the last date it will sell PCs with Windows 7 Professional and Windows 8.1, said ZDNet that broke the news.

This means PC manufacturers won’t be allowed to ship units with Windows 7 Professional or Windows 8.1 pre-installed on them after this date. Businesses with license agreements will only be entitled to opt for the version of Windows while making a purchase.

In this context, it’s worth mentioning that PCs with preinstalled Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium and Ultimate versions became unavailable from Oct. 31, 2014. Moreover, June 30, 2016 has been designated as the last day for selling Windows 8 PCs.

After Windows XP, which was available for sale for nine years, Windows 7 Professional version will have the second longest tenure to date, from Oct. 22, 2009 to Oct. 31, 2016. Due to the poor market response to Windows 8, Microsoft decided to continue with the previous version for a longer period than expected.

Users that are happy and that still want to continue with Windows 7 Professional will receive security updates during the Extended Support period until Jan.14, 2020. For users that run Windows 8, technical assistance and security updates will be provided till Jan.10, 2023, as reported by CNET.

After Oct. 31, 2016, OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) will only be allowed to build new business PCs for the retail channel with only Windows 10 preinstalled. Launched on July 29, Windows 10 was made available as a free upgrade to Windows 7 and 8.1 users for the first year.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au or tell us what you think below.

RELATED STORIES