There have been no updates for Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 since spring 2023. Support for Windows XP ended almost ten years ago. Nevertheless, many German computers still use one of the outdated operating systems – and that can become a problem for users.
Version:6.1.7601
Languages:German, English
Release:22.10.2009
License:Full version
Plattformen:Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 9x, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows 10
ESET study comes to a frightening Windows conclusion
The security software company ESET has published a new study that should make every IT professional sweat. According to the Slovak company are in Germany more than 1.8 million computers with outdated Windows operating systems connected to the Internet. All systems on which a Windows version before Windows 10 is installed are considered outdated – because Microsoft does not publish any feature or security updates for them.
The majority of affected PCs are running Windows 7. No wonder, the operating system is still considered one of the best versions among Windows fans. But Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 are still used by hundreds of thousands of users. However, Microsoft pulled the plug on all three systems in spring 2023.
Almost strange: According to ESET, there are still around 90,000 computers in Germany on the Internet that use Windows XP (source: ESET via Deutschlandfunk). The Windows classic is now over 20 years old and support was finally discontinued in 2014.
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Old Windows version? Better to update or use offline
All users who are still online with this or another outdated Windows system join one major security risk out of. There are now likely to be major security gaps in all versions, which give cybercriminals the opportunity to steal personal data or make the computer part of a bot network. This can cause gigantic damage, especially for shops and companies.
Affected Windows users should be aware of this and should rather switch to one of the current Windows versions or a Linux version. Alternatively, the system can of course also be used offline.
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