Free Windows 7 support ends today, June 13, as Microsoft slowly drops the curtain on the OS. Windows 7 is the current favorite version, and is running in almost half of the world's PCs.

Microsoft is pushing for a transition to Windows 8, with an announcement for Windows 10 expected next week; Windows 7 support ends only in terms of free service, though; Microsoft will still accommodate inquiries and help for the OS but will charge for the service.

Microsoft intends to close the book on Windows 7 by 2020, so current users need not fret just yet.

The OS will also continue to receive security patches as needed, but it's official mainstream support has been shut down. No new features will also be released for the software.

Windows 7 has been the preference of many Windows users, especially when compared to its predecessor Windows Vista, which is plagued with many issues. The radical changes in Windows 8 also put many users off, thus keeping their current Windows 7 OS installed.

Microsoft is keen on the transition to Windows 8, though, especially with Windows 10 on the horizon ("Windows 9" was skipped for reasons unclear). Users who find Windows 8 too much of a change can make a big leap and wait for Windows 10, with release date later this year.

Windows 10 is expected to bring back some the classic features of the OS, which were left out of Windows 8 and its Live Tile system, alienating users who find the changes too drastic. A few of the favorite features promised to make a comeback are the Start Button and the Recycle Bin; Windows 10 is also expected to boot straight into Desktop Mode.

Updates on the new OS will be announced January 21 at Richmond. The Windows 7 support end is a gradual closure to the OS, which sold 100 million copies six months after it was released in 2009 (cnet.com).