Microsoft kills Windows 7 and 8.1: how to upgrade your PC to Windows 11

When Windows 7 was launched in 2009, it gained huge popularity and users were excited about all the new features and updates. Three years later came Windows 8 and in 2013, we got Windows 8.1. However, many users chose to stick to Windows 7 as Windows 8 and 8.1 wasn't exactly a hit back then.

Now, more than a decade later, Microsoft has stopped supporting both Windows 7 and 8.1. The company has a policy of providing extended support for its operating systems for at least 10 years. Hence, support for Windows 7 ended in 2020 and for Windows 8.1, support ended in late 2022. This year, the two are being killed off together and users who still run their PCs and laptops on either of the two operating systems will be at a risk of exposing their devices to various threats and viruses.

What should Windows 7 or 8.1 users do?

For those of you who are still using either of the two operating systems, there is no need to panic. You can upgrade your system to Windows 11 in a few simple steps and continue using your PC. You may also upgrade to Windows 10 but support for the operating system will end in 2025. Alternatively, if you've been planning to buy a new PC or laptop regardless, now would be the perfect time.

How to upgrade to Windows 11

Windows 11 can only run on devices with specific requirements. You can head over to the Microsoft support page to check these requirements to determine if your device can run the operating system or not. You can also head over to Microsoft's website to check your system's compatibility with Windows 11.

If your system is compatible, here are the steps to be followed to upgrade to Windows 11:

1. From the start menu, head to settings
2. Locate the Update & Security option and click on it
3. Select check for updates and wait for the screen to show the Windows 11 upgrade option.
4. Click on 'Download and install' and wait for Windows to unleash the magic

Things to remember before upgrading

Here are certain things to remember before you decide to upgrade your system to Windows 11:

• Back up your files using One Drive to keep them safe and continue working seamlessly
• Ensure that your PC or laptop meets the minimum hardware requirements
• Remember to create a Windows recovery drive on your PC via a USB or a bootable CD/DVD.
• Backup your data on an external storage device just to be safe
• Keep your Windows product key handy along with your Microsoft account ID and password for successful activation of Windows 11