Microsoft sent a warning message to users ahead of the suspension of "Window 7" security support on Jan. 14, 2020.
"If users continue to use Windows 7, they will not receive support even if they are attacked by zero-day attacks on new vulnerabilities," said Kim Gwi-ryon, director of customer support, at a press conference to release the "Security Intelligence Report" at the Korea MS headquarters in Gwanghwamun, Seoul on Tuesday.
Regarding the reason for the suspension of technical support, Microsoft said, "Because Windows 7 is an outdated OS more than 10 years after its launch, it is difficult to properly cope with the latest security threats."
The reason why Microsoft even tried to persuade users is because many individuals and companies still use Windows 7 even though it is an old operating system.
For Windows 7, which was released in 2009, Microsoft ended its five-year general support on Jan. 13, 2015, after deploying Windows 7 Service Pack 1 on Feb. 22, 2011, and has provided additional five years of support.
However, after the extension period ends, the company will no longer be able to receive any technical support services and the latest security updates that are regularly distributed by Microsoft.
Market research company Statcounter recently announced that the ratio of Windows 7 users stood at 32.7 percent as of March this year. Although percentage of Windows 10 users has increased to 61.2% since its release, one out of three PCs is using Windows 7.
"The most important thing is to maintain the latest OS," said Kim. "Starting with Windows 10, security updates are enforced without the user having to choose whether to proceed."