Windows 7 is rapidly approaching its end of support, so now that we're within the last Twelve months of updates, Microsoft must begin its typical struggle to make everyone conscious of the risks of staying by having an operating system that no longer receives patches.

While in the case of Windows, the latest operating-system that reached the end of life, the efforts in this regard were more or less minimal, Microsoft needs to do better this time because of a simple reason.

Windows 7 happens to be the 2nd most used desktop operating and until not a years ago, it was the top choice for PC users.

At this point, Windows 7 still has some 36 percent market share, while Windows 10, the new leader of the industry, is fairly close with approximately 39 percent. So Windows 7 remains an incredibly popular choice even almost ten years after its launch.

So now that the Windows 7 support is due a finish, Microsoft apparently has a more aggressive plan in mind in order to get people off this operating-system.

Among the ideas which are part of this strategy is a notification-based system that'll be used for Windows 7 users. Basically, what Microsoft will start doing is displaying warnings on Windows 7 devices in order to let users know that the support is coming to a finish.

Exactly the same notifications will also include learn more links to assist users find out more information about what's happening in January 2020, but additionally a recommendation to upgrade to Windows 10, which is the operating-system that Microsoft says offers the best available performance and security.

This means that Microsoft would more or less display Windows 10 upgrade notifications on Windows 7 once more, and although the company says users could block them, most are outraged the software giant is dependant on this approach once again.

These notifications tend to be more or less like the ones pushed as part of a company referred to as "Get Windows 10," which included messages turning up on Windows 7 users an encouraging these to upgrade to Windows 10 in the first 12 months after its launch.

However, while a lot of people don't think this is actually the right method for Microsoft, it is. And there's a very good reason for this.

A worrying number of users have no idea that Windows 7 is projected to achieve the end of life in January 2020, making this pretty much the simplest and most efficient method to let them know this is happening. And what's worse, I met users that didn't even know which form of Windows they were running, while others believed Windows 7 was the newest Microsoft operating-system.

Some people reading technology news are typically power or tech-savvy users, you will find way too many other users out there who know little about computers, no more support, Windows generally, and Windows 7 particularly. For all these, notifications displayed on their desktops is the most efficient way to make sure that once the end of life is reached, they simply don't become sitting bucks for hackers online.

There's no doubt that when these notifications begin to show on users' devices, Microsoft would always again belong to fire because of its aggressive Windows 10 push, but this time, the organization really has a very good reason to highlight the advantages of upgrading to the latest operating-system.

And despite all of these, not everyone would migrate off Windows 7 before the January 2020 deadline is reached. What exactly Microsoft must do is reduce the dpi as much as possible.

The newest Windows 10 preview build for users within the Fast ring comes with a bug that automatically kicks out insiders of the testing program.

What's important to know is that this doesn't seem to be an extensive issue, but Dona Sarkar, the main of the Windows Insider program, confirmed on Twitter that quite a few users may need to opt in once again after installing Windows 10 build 18356.

"#WindowsInsiders: some of you might have had your devices opted out of receiving new builds after installing 18356. You can check via Settings > Update and Security > Windows Insider Program. If your device was opted out, you can just opt in to receive the following new build," she said.

The bug didn't occur on our systems signed up for the short ring, but one user confirmed inside a tweet reply this thing did happen on their testing PC.

Hopefully, the issue won't make it to builds released towards the Skip Ahead ring, as re-enrolling within this ring is not possible. Microsoft only provided limited seats for Skip Ahead, and registration has become closed.

"Hello, Android screen mirroring!"

Windows 10 build 18356 was launched the 2009 week to devices within the Fast ring with a series of improvements, such as the Android mirroring feature that's now possible with the Your Phone app.

This is actually the first build that supports Android screen mirroring, although the feature happens to be restricted to Samsung Samsung galaxy s models and the Surface Go. However, as more improvements are finalized, it ought to become on more smartphones and Windows 10 devices.

Apart from that, the build is all about fixing bugs and improving general performance, that is something which makes total sense considering that we're approaching your day when Microsoft should sign-off Windows 10 19H1 and ship the RTM build to insiders.

Microsoft has made Windows 10 more costly for consumers in the usa, and now the company will the same thing for the Office 2019 productivity suite too.

As the cost of the Home & Student form of Office 2019 has remained unchanged at $149.99, consumers have to pay 9 % more for the Home & Business version when compared with how much they spent on Office 2016.

This particular version now costs $249.99, up from $229.99, according to a study from CW.

The most expensive version continues to be Office 2019 Professional, and this is even the release that suffered the largest price increase of 10 percent. Consumers now have to pay $439.99 for Office 2019 Pro, up from $399.99 for Office 2016 Pro.

"Pushing consumers to Office 365?"

While Microsoft hasn't explained why exactly it increases Office prices, the move was really announced earlier this year, which is believed to be an effort to push more consumers towards Office 365.

When compared with Office 2019, Office 365 includes like a subscription-based service and it is updated regularly with new features. Office 2019, however, wouldn't have any other new features, and updates would only be targeted at fixing bugs and addressing security vulnerabilities.

Earlier this month, it had been discovered that Microsoft increased Windows 10 prices in the usa, with the Home version now being sold for $139.99, up from $119.99. On the other hand, the Pro version is still available for $199.99 much like before.

There's an opportunity that with the cost increase, Microsoft also really wants to steer consumers to the Pro version of the OS that comes with several extra benefits.

It remains seen the way the price hikes is going to be received by potential buyers, but for now, both Windows and Office are getting more expensive for everyone

Microsoft started the Windows 10 Creators Update rollout in April, 2018, and also the company dedicated to a staged release, and therefore compatible devices would get it in waves, because the reported bugs and difficulties with hardware were fixed.

Within an announcement today, Microsoft reveals that Windows 10 Creators Update has become readily available for all compatible devices that are currently on Windows 10, and the company recommends everyone to install it as soon as you possibly can because of the security enhancements in this version.

"We are excited to make the Creators Update fully open to all of our customers. We encourage commercial organizations to start broadly deploying Windows 10, version 1703, if you haven't already done so. Staying up to date on the most recent feature and quality updates assures you of being around the most secure form of Windows 10 ever (version 1703)," John Cable, Director of Program Management, Windows Servicing and Delivery, explained.

"New semi-annual release schedule"

In addition to the Windows 10 Creators Update availability, Microsoft also announced a new feature update model that replaces the present Current Branch (CB) and Current Branch for Business (CBB).

Basically, Microsoft really wants to align the Windows operating system with Office 365 ProPlus, moving the company claims could be specifically helpful for IT pros, who are able to simplify and synchronize deployment across their organizations.

Consequently, Windows feature updates would be shipped in March and September, and both feature releases could be serviced for 18 months following the launch. The Creators Update becomes the first version to be part of the Semi-Annual Channel approach.

The Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) - now called Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) - remains unchanged and would continue to be serviced for 10 years in the date of release. This really is specifically aimed at enterprises where less frequent releases are needed. The next release that's part of LTSC will take place in 2019.

Microsoft has released a brand new Office app for Windows 10 that's designed to make it easier for users to access the productivity suite, their files, and share documents with contacts.

Basically, the simply-called Office app should really replace My Office in the operating-system and merely behave as a hub for the productivity suite.

Quite simply, though it may suggest otherwise given its name, "Office" for Windows 10 does not allow you to create, save, and edit documents without having to pay. Instead, it connects you together with your already-purchased Office product in a more seamless manner.

The Office app has already been available for download from the Microsoft Store, and users could possibly get it right now without paying a single cent. The app can come pre-installed in Windows 10 beginning with the April 2019 Update. Obviously, for this app to make any sense, you have to be running Office 2016, Office 2019, and have an energetic subscription to Office 365.

Office comes with a rather simple and clean interface, after launching it, the purpose becomes pretty obvious.

All Office apps are provided towards the top of the screen, and clicking any of the shortcuts opens them instantly. You can also open Office Online if you wish to access your documents within the cloud. Depending on the Office version installed on your device (subscription or on-premises), clicking the icons open the correct application after signing in.

There are also buttons to set up Office and buy the productivity suite towards the top of the screen when the software isn't detected in your device.

The lower area of the screen has been employed for quick access for your documents, and the files are grouped in three categories: recent, pinned, and shared with me.

The recent category displays the documents that you've done recently and saved in the cloud, while the pinned section only shows those files that you manually pinned.

To do this, in the recent category, click on the three-dot menu next to each file and click on the Add to pinned option. Exactly the same menu enables you to open a document in Office Online, open in the available Office app, remove it from list, or open its location.

The distributed to me section provides quick access to documents which have previously been distributed to you by one of your contacts, which option is available in particularly handy for enterprise customers or those using Office inside their company.

There are also shortcuts to upload and open documents, but additionally to quickly create new files in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Sway.

Aaaand, that's practically all concerning the app. Your bank account information is displayed within the top right corner, while an easy shortcut at the bottom from the screen lets you open more files in OneDrive.

What I'd like to see improved in the Office app, though I don't think it is really helpful right now, would be to see recent files that have been saved on my small device, not just in the cloud. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and also the remaining Office apps curently have a built-in list of recently-saved documents, and so i see no reason to display them here as well.

The state description published within the Microsoft Store claims searching feature ought to be offered to look for documents offline and online, but this doesn't seem to be available right now.

Most likely, nearly all Windows 10 users will forget this app exists because it doesn't bring a major benefit from home users, for example, and I said earlier, it can make more sense in the enterprise. We'll observe how successful it is once it starts being offered as pre-installed.

Windows 7, despite residing in use well into 2018, was succeeded by Windows 8 in 2012. Windows 7 ceased receiving updates after 2015 for many users; some corporate extended-support packages include 2020. Windows 7 has become several generations old. You should upgrade to Windows 10 to get vital security updates.

We're keeping the content about Windows 7 in accordance with Windows Vista for historical reference only. We don't recommend remaining on Windows 7 or Windows Vista.

When Windows 7 released in October 2009 it performed well in the market almost immediately because of the widespread dissatisfaction using its predecessor, Windows Vista.

The dirty little secret of the two operating systems, however, is that Windows 7 is really just a tuned up version of Vista that improves on the earlier operating system's deficits. Regardless, there's no denying that Windows 7 rocks. Listed here are five ways it's superior to Vista.

Increased Speed

Windows 7, unlike previous versions of Windows, didn't demand increased hardware requirements to run smoothly-a trend that Microsoft has held onto with Windows 8 and 10. On the same hardware, Windows 7 can run significantly faster than Vista.

Lots of people noticed a substantial improvement in how quickly applications open and close, and just how quickly their laptops boot. In both cases, the speed reaches least double what it really was under Vista-although Windows 8 and 10 are even faster to boot than Windows 7.

Windows 7 may even operate on some computers that ran Or windows 7; this practice isn't recommended however it can function for many people with tight hardware budgets. This flexibility in hardware demands helps guide you much leaner Microsoft made Windows 7.

Fewer Non-Essential Programs

Microsoft cut out a lot of the fat with Windows 7 by dropping programs which were included with Vista-programs many of us never used. All those programs - Photo Gallery, Messenger, Movie Maker and so on - were available if you needed them through Microsoft's Windows Live Essentials website.

A Cleaner, Less Cluttered Interface

Windows 7 is easier around the eyes than Vista. To consider just two examples, both Taskbar and also the System Tray happen to be refined, making your desktop more efficient. The System Tray, particularly, has been cleaned up. It does not string out a large number of icons over the bottom of the screen anymore and it's personalized how those icons are displayed.

"Devices and Printers" Section

Windows 7 added a brand new, graphical way to see which devices are linked to your computer-and it includes your pc like a device, too. The Devices and Printers windows could be accessed by clicking on Start/Devices and Printers (by default on the right-hand side, under Control Panel).

It had been smart of Microsoft to make it easy to find these details, and also the images are of help in identifying each device. No cryptic names or descriptions here. The printer device appears like a printer!

Stability

Windows 7 is more stable than Vista. At its launch, because of the massive under-the-hood re-engineering between Windows XP and Windows Vista, Vista were built with a nasty tendency to crash. It wasn't until the first service pack (a big package of bug fixes and other updates) came out that the operating-system stabilized.

There's two types of Windows operating systems: the ones that were purchased properly, and those that weren't, either at an extremely steep discount reely (that is what we call "stolen").

Typically, "Genuine" versions of Windows, as Microsoft calls them, are obtained over a couple of ways. Most often, it comes pre-installed on a new computer. The OEM, or original equipment manufacturer, has paid Microsoft for the copy of Windows on your computer and included its cost in what you taken care of your desktop, laptop or tablet.

Genuine vs. Non-Genuine

The other way most folks get Windows on a computer is to purchase a copy directly from Microsoft, either as packaged software (although that rarely happens anymore) or via a download. Then that copy is installed, either on the computer with no OS installed or over a previous form of Windows, e.g. an upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7. Those are legitimate ways.

There's also illegitimate ways. These include purchasing a copy from a vendor in the pub for $2 (this happens a lot in certain Asian countries, for instance), burning a brand new copy from a current one, or downloading an illegal copy from a shady Web site. These copies of Windows are what Microsoft calls "Non-Genuine" copies.

It's Stealing, Plain and Simple

What's important to note here is that Microsoft gets nothing for this; the individual setting it up has basically stolen it. It's really no diverse from downloading a film from the streaming site that provides away, or walking into a convenience store, stuffing a Snickers bar inside your jacket, and walking out. It sounds harsh, yes, but that is exactly what it is. Microsoft and lots of other software companies have forfeit billions upon billions of dollars through the years out of this piracy.

For those who have gotten Windows in a less-than-honest way, Microsoft has some news for you personally and some advice. First, Microsoft has marked Non-Genuine copies, so if you accidentally got one, you are able to give it back. "When we can't verify that Windows is correctly installed, licensed, and never tampered with, we create a desktop watermark to inform the user," blogged Windows Chief Terry Myerson. He points out these illegitimate copies are at higher risk of malware and other negative effects, and aren't based on Microsoft.

No Free Upgrade for You

Another problem with one of these Non-Genuine copies would be that the upgrade to Windows 10, which is free for users of Windows 7 and Windows 8 for that newbie, won't affect the pirated copies. Windows 10 upgrades are available to these illegitimate users, but they aren't free.

Myers did hint, though, that even those users could get a deal on the Windows 10 upgrade: "In addition, together with some of our valued OEM partners, we are planning very attractive Windows 10 upgrade offers for his or her customers running one of their older devices inside a Non-Genuine state," he wrote. So Microsoft is extending an amiable hand and hopes you'll grasp it.

An Invitation to Be Hacked

Unpatched Windows is certainly not more than a wide open invitation towards the Internet's Criminals to hijack your computer and employ it for his or her scummy purposes. You will also be the who owns a piece of equipment that can be used as another link in the chain to spread viruses and cyber-worms around the Internet, harming the knowledge for everyone else. You do not actually want to do that, would you?

Microsoft is getting aggressive with its campaign to upgrade people to Windows 10. If you want to banish these system prompts for all time, consider using a little program called GWX User interface.

Upgrading to Windows 10 is advisable for most of us. The operating system is fantastic and far more natural to navigate on a PC than Windows 8. It is also preferable over Windows 7 in many respects.

The first thing you need to do is download the GWX Control Panel installer from UltimateOutsider.com. The program should start automatically after installation. If not its on the All Apps screen in Windows 8 and under All Programs within the Windows 7 Start menu.

Once it's ready to go, you will see some questions with yes/no answers. You will want to focus on these questions as they can help you understand when the Windows 10 upgrade app is running if upgrades are allowed, and whether any Windows 10 download files can be found.

After surveying your status, you simply need to click a few buttons at the bottom of the window to prevent your upgrade. The first thing you should do is the click the button labeled Click to Disable 'Get Windows 10' App. Once that's done, you should no more begin to see the pops-up constantly nagging you to definitely install Windows 10.

That's not enough, however. All we've done this far is stop the visual prompts to upgrade to Windows 10, but there's a lot more going on behind the scenes.

Next, we're going to plug up any holes in your system settings that Microsoft can use to send Windows 10 upgrades for your PC. That's done simply by selecting Click to Prevent Windows 10 Upgrades. Ultimate Outsider also says this selection "restores your Windows Update control panel to the normal behavior" if Windows 10 ads or installers attempt to hijack it.

Finally, you want to get rid of any Windows 10 folders on your computer. Microsoft often downloads Windows installation files automatically for your PC. That way when the time comes to install the upgrade, the process can go considerably faster. In this instance, however, we do not worry about how well an installation would go because we don't want an installation at all. To get rid of these files choose Click to Delete Windows 10 Download Folders....

For most of us that needs to be enough to keep Windows 10 away. Should you actually want to gentle you may also choose Click to Enable Monitor Mode. If this feature is active GWX User interface runs without anyone's knowledge on your computer and looks for just about any system changes associated with the new operating system. Whether it finds something it'll alert you to the fact that new Windows 10 settings or files can be found.

Another setting that Ultimate Outsider recommends may be the option Click to Disable Non-critical Windows 10 Settings. This may prevent some annoying behavior related to Windows 10 updates, but like monitor mode, it isn't a necessity.

If you're concerned about GWX Control Panel disturbing your security updates that shouldn't be a problem. The program was created so that it won't prohibit regular updates and fixes.

Even though it is extremely effective, GWX User interface won't update automatically like most Windows desktop programs you use. Instead, you need to update by downloading the installer in the Ultimate Outsider site. It's probably not essential that often, but if the Windows 10 update prompts ever return GWX may need an update to cope with Microsoft's latest tactics.