Q: I’ve been resisting the OS upgrade dance and, after your article today, thought I’d ask. I’m running Vista and constantly get messages that my browser is no longer supported. I’ve not upgraded to 10 as I run old hardware and software and everything seems to work — except when on the net. — Bradley Pomeroy
Q: I know I am not eligible because I have Windows Vista, but I have been putting off purchasing the upgrade. …My main concern now…and in the coming months…is security. I get a message whenever I use Google Chrome that says my computer will no longer receive Chrome updates because Vista is no longer supported. Is my computer more vulnerable to viruses and hacks because of this? — Melanie
Tech+ After reminding readers last week that deadline for the free upgrade to Windows 10 has come (and gone, as of July 29), a whole new barrage of Windows 10 queries arrived in my inbox. This is a response to all those who didn’t upgrade, like Bradley and Melanie.
The upgrade is still available, but it will now cost about $120. My advice has long been that if you are not ready, don’t do it. If third-party hardware or software you need stops working, then keep your existing Windows and pester those third-party companies to upgrade already so you can too.
Security, of course, will be the major issue. Microsoft extended support for various Windows ends or ended on the following:- April 8, 2014: Windows XP, Service Pack 3
- April 11, 2017: Windows Vista, Service Pack 2
- Jan. 14, 2020: (download SP1 at )
- Jan. 10, 2023: Windows 8 /8.1
That gives Vista users another nine months of support. Come April, Vista machines will be 7 to 9 years old, since Vista’s replacement (Windows 7) was released in 2009. While a 7-year-old computer will still work, it’s had a good life. Buying a new PC with Windows 10 makes more sense.
Buy a new computer when you’re ready. Another alternative is to switch to Ubuntu Linux, which Denver-based to help users with.
Or find alternatives to help your PC stay safe. For Bradley and Melanie, they’re right. Google Chrome stopped supporting Vista users. Even Microsoft’s older versions of Windows (Windows 7, 8.1 and 10).
But for now, Firefox still machines (download it at ) and some versions Windows XP running Service Pack 2 or higher (see ).
And for those who did upgrade to Windows 10 but don’t like it, you to your old Windows. Just go to “Settings” then “Update & Security” and then “Recovery.”
Some PCs will also give users the option to go back to the original factory settings, just check with your PC maker. You may need the Windows product key. If you go this route, don’t forget to back up all photos and files.