On January 13, Microsoft's Mainstream Support for Windows 7 Service Pack (SP) 1 ends. Do not panic. This does not mean that Microsoft is about to stop the security update release for Windows 7 SP1 tomorrow.
“Mainstream support” is the period during which Microsoft provides free security and non-security updates as well as phone support for producthers.
“Extended Support” or “Extended support” – is the period during which Microsoft continues to provide free security updates for its products and will end on January 15, 2020 for Windows 7 SP1.
Support ending tomorrow for Windows 7 SP1 does not affect downgrade rights. Users will still be able to buy a new PC with an OEM license for a business edition of Windows and then install an older version. Computers with Windows 8.1 Pro can be downgraded to Windows 7 Professional or Windows Vista Business.
The 13 January deadline also has nothing to do with the end of sales and the end date for computers with Window 7 Pro. Microsoft has not yet given a date on when Windows 7 Pro will no longer be distributed to retailers or OEMs. Company executives said they would give one year before the end of sales.
On October 31, 2014, Microsoft stopped providing partners and system manufacturers with copies of Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium and Ultimate for pre-installation on new computers. But OEMs are allowed to continue selling their inventory of PCs running these versions of Windows 7.
WindUws 7 still hold more than 50% of the world market share of operating systems, according to Net Applications.
