Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) officially ended the sale of the retail copies of its Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems.
The software giant announced its decision to stop selling Windows 7 and Windows 8 to consumers a long time ago. Technology observers believed stopping the retail sales for both operating systems should encourage consumers to the new Windows operating system Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)
The copies of Home Basic, Home Premium and Ultimate versions of Windows 7 were no longer available starting October 31. Today, copies of Windows 8 are no longer for sale. The Windows 8.1 version will serve as the default operating systems on laptops and PCs for sale.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ”MSFT) released the Windows 8 operating systems in 2012. The original version of the operating system did not click to consumers because the company removed some of the familiar features of the desktop version such as start menu. The software giant eventually brought back the start menu to Windows 8.
On the other hand, the Windows 7 remained popular among consumers. The operating system was available since 2009. Gordon Kelly of Forbes noted that approximately 53% of Windows users are still using different editions of Windows 7. The Windows 8 only accounts 6% market share.
Last May, China banned the government use of Windows 8 as it develops its own operating system. The Chinese government made its decision after Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) decided ended to support for its Windows XP.
Microsoft to launch Windows 10 in 2015
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is expected to launch Windows 10 in 2015. The latest operating system combines the features of the Windows 7 and Windows.
The software giant considered Windows 10 as the most audacious release in the history of the platform because it can run universal mobile apps on the desktop side by side with other apps.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) said the Windows 10 offers platform unifications, pervasive security, consistent and positive upgrade experience for consumers. Businesses will be able to use Azure Active Directory (AAD) instead of Microsoft Accounts (MSAs). The software giant also integrated multi-factor authentication more deeply into the platform and other features.
