It Is Official: Windows Vista Support Ends

The end of Windows Vista is nigh
Perhaps it is time you considered making the upgrade to Windows 10 now that Windows Vista support has officially ended? Screenshot

All good things must come to an end, and here we are with the closure of a chapter in many computer users’ lives -- one that is far less painful and emotional compared to the end of Windows XP. I am referring to the official end of support provided for Windows Vista by Microsoft. Just what does end of support for Windows Vista mean?

Basically, when the Gregorian calendar arrived at April 11, 2017, Windows Vista customers will no longer be on the receiving end of new security updates. Neither are they going to pick up non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options, as well as online technical content updates from Microsoft. Over the past decade, Microsoft has provided all of the above mentioned, but they are moving on now with their hardware and software partners. After all, maintaining support for legacy systems can be an expensive affair, especially when the number of Windows Vista users continue to dwindle as more and more people go through hardware upgrades that include a jump to newer software -- such as Windows 10, for example.

I still love my Windows Vista! What happens next?
Should you decide not to make the jump from Windows Vista to other newer operating system versions (such as Windows 8 or Windows 10), then be prepared to face the following consequences.

Your Windows Vista-powered machine will continue to run, but over the course of time, there is a very high possibility of it being exposed to additional security risks and viruses for the simple fact that there are no more patches or updates from Microsoft to stop malicious exploits and code. Internet Explorer 9 will also lose its support, hence any Internet connected machine that relies on Internet Explorer 9 while surfing the Internet would see exposure to extra threats. It is also most likely that more apps and devices will no longer be compatible with Windows Vista in due time.

In addition, Microsoft has ceased from offering downloads of Microsoft Security Essentials on Windows Vista. Those with Microsoft Security Essentials installed will be able to receive antimalware signature updates for a limited time only, but the effectiveness is limited since the newest security updates will be missing.

Am I even running Windows Vista?
Just to make sure that you are on the same page with us, how about finding out just which particular version of Windows your machine is running?

Click the Start Start button icon button, followed by typing winver in the search box. Double-click winver in the results listed, and the About Windows dialog box will open. That is how you know what version of Windows is powering your current machine.

What do I do if my machine still runs on Windows Vista?
Easy peasy. Just make the jump to the latest version of Windows, which is Windows 10. You can either upgrade your existing PC by purchasing a full version of Windows 10, but ensure that it has the processing muscle to handle this new version. Otherwise, the best way would be to purchase a new computer with Windows 10 running on it already.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.