Patches that claim to bypass these restrictions can be found online, but we can’t comment on their safety or effectiveness. Image: MicrosoftĮxtended Security Updates are only officially available via licensed providers, and can’t be bought by private users or small businesses, even if running Windows 7 Pro. Refurbished: HP Compaq Desktop Computer Pro 6300 Intel Core i5 3rd Gen 3470 (3.20GHz) 16GB DDR3 1TB HDD Intel HD Graphics 2500 Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. This is through what’s known as theĮxtended Security Updates (ESU) program, although the last of these is set for 2022.

In this scenario, Microsoft is continuing to provide annual updates and patches for Windows 7 to companies.

Some employees may also need support when presented with a new operating system, and not all current apps and programs will still work. The software itself might be free, but the migration process certainly isn’t. However, some people have legitimate reasons for sticking with the 12-year-old operating system.įor many companies, upgrading to Windows 7 isn’t worth the hassle. The refusal to ditch Windows 7 doesn’t make sense to most of us, especially as you can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Paid Windows 7 updates only available for companies

Windows 7 pro