Microsoft is already preparing to announce Windows 11, but many users still prefer the old Windows 7, citing stability and access to all the capabilities they need. Gamers who are still on Windows 7 or 8, however, will soon have to switch to Windows 10, if not directly to 11, as NVIDIA announces that it will no longer launch drivers for its video cards for these platforms, considered obsolete.
The graphics chip maker has announced that starting in October 2021, all driver updates will be made exclusively for Windows 10. Older platforms Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 will only occasionally receive security updates, and they will only be available until September 2024.
NVIDIA leaves behind gamers on Windows 7, 8 and 8.1
However, this announcement is not exactly surprising, given that Microsoft has also abandoned support for its old platforms for several years. Windows 7, Windows 8 and 8.1 now only receive paid security updates, only for companies that still use these operating systems. Incidentally, including official paid Microsoft support will be shut down in January 2023.
However, it seems that not many gamers will be affected by this decision. According to the latest data collected by Steam, the largest PC video game distribution platform, 93% of users already use Windows 10 and less than 2% still use Windows 7, for example. That’s because component manufacturers like Intel or AMD no longer support their new processors for older platforms, and technologies like DirectX 12, which provide access to capabilities like ray tracing, only exist on Windows 10.
Windows 10 is also an operating system considered “free”, anyone can use the “Insiders” version for free, and those who have had a license for Windows 7 or 8 in the past, have been able to turn it into a Windows 10.
Microsoft is preparing next week to announce what appears to be Windows 11, the operating system that is expected to be released in October. Most likely, the new software will be distributed as a free upgrade to Windows 10.
Robert J. Smith is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including JoyStiq and Android Authority. In regards to academics, Robert earned a degree in business from Fordham University. Robert has passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.
