In what has come as a big setback for users of Microsoft OneDrive on Windows, 7, 8, or 8.1, it has been announced that they will not be able to sync their content to the cloud and that a deadline has been set too. The last date is March 1, 2022 for all users of these products. Microsoft shared the announcement on its Tech Community forum through a
However, there is more. It has been made clear that OneDrive will also no longer receive updates if it's running on a system that doesn't have Windows 10 or Windows 11 installed. This was reported by The Verge.
However, there is a bit of relief that has been provided. It is being reported that users' files will still be accessible from the OneDrive app. However, the only thing that will change is that they'll no longer automatically upload to the cloud. In fact, no matter what version of Windows users are on, they will be able to access their files and they probably do not have to go through the frustration of having to shift their files.
As such, there are no options open for these users except to upgrade to a newer version of Windows before the deadline comes along.
That is still not all. There is more. Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 will themselves lose support on January 1, 2021 as their life cycle is already over. Microsoft says the reason it is doing this is to ensure users get the most 'secure experience'. It also said that this will enable it "to focus resources on new technologies and operating systems."
Notably, Windows 8 life cycle ended in 2016. For Windows 8.1 Microsoft halted mainstream support in 2018. Windows 7's number came up in 2020.
In short, even those who get onto the Windows 11 eco system should remember that it too will have a life cycle at the end of which it too will lose Microsoft support.
Notably, Microsoft Windows 11 was rolled out to users starting October 5. It is a free upgrade for all Windows 10 users. However, it will take some time for everyone to get it as it is being rolled out in a phased manner.