Definition: Windows 7 ESU

(Windows 7 Extended Security Updates) Security updates for Windows 7. Windows 7 was given end-of-life in January 2020, but Windows 7 ESU can extend security updates for up to three years. Initially intended for large corporations that have relationships with Microsoft or Microsoft partners, the program was extended to small businesses. However, for individuals and mom and pop shops that do not have these affiliations, obtaining an ESU is exceedingly difficult to navigate. See Windows 7.

Why Stay With Windows 7?
Windows 7 is a stable operating system without all the extras of Windows 10. Like all software used for a long time, people become familiar with it and are loathe to change. In addition, for many people, updating to Windows 10 does not offer any advantages in their day-to-day work (this could be said for many OS version upgrades!).

In addition, 32-bit Windows 7 runs legacy 16-bit Windows apps, which are still running in many companies. In order to run a 16-bit program on any new machine, a 32-bit version of Win10 has to be purchased separately and installed. Windows 11 is 64-bit only. There are DOS emulators for 64-bit Windows computers but nothing is as straighforward for running legacy 16-bit applications than a 32-bit version of Windows.

The Message Windows 7 Users Dreaded

On January 20, 2020, this message appeared full screen on every Windows 7 computer and continued to appear periodically if users clicked Remind Me Later.