If you’re running Windows 7 or Windows 8, or 8.1 don’t expect any help from Microsoft with questions or problems. As of July, the company will no longer answer questions about those operating systems in its forums, though users can still get advice from other users. Both operating systems are reaching the end of active support, though security updates will continue for Windows 7 until January 2020 and for Windows 8.1 until January of 2023.
If you’re using early models of the Surface devices, don’t look for help either. The company will no longer help you out with your Surface Pro, Surface RT, Surface 2, or Surface Pro 2. (Being an owner of an original Surface Pro, I’m not exactly thrilled.)
Also getting the boot from forum support are Office 2010 and 2013 and Internet Explorer 10. Again, users can seek assistance from other users in the forums, but there will be no official advice or solutions offered by Microsoft. There will no longer be support for Windows Security Essentials as well. Two other devices are also affected by these changes, the original Microsoft Band and the Zune music player. These topics will be locked, so you won’t be able to seek advice from other users, but you will be able to browse existing posts.
These actions seem rather harsh. Is it meant to be? Or, is MS coming out with yet new(er) version(s)?
I’m considering a Surface Pro due to much travel, however this gives me pause. I’ll need to revisit options.