Official security support for Windows 7 ends today - leaving many computers more vulnerable to ransomware and viruses.
From today, the decade-old operating system will no longer receive critical updates - meaning Microsoft will stop fixing weaknesses that appear.
While computers with Windows 7 will continue to function, Microsoft will not offer technical support or software updates due to its 'end of support' of the ageing operating system.
The tech giant is still offering paid 'extended security upgrades' to businesses using Windows 7 until January 2023 - although the price will increase each year until then.
Around one-in-five PCs and laptops in Ireland still run Windows 7, with users now being advised to upgrade to the newer Windows 10 or buy a new PC.
Microsoft initially offered Windows 10 as a free upgrade, although that ended in 2016 - meaning users have to pay for a new licence if they do upgrade.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Jess Kelly outlined the risks of not upgrading.
She explained: "What this means is as of today, Windows will no longer send updates to your computer for software.
"You are slightly exposed to viruses, malware and bugs - not ideal, particularly if you're a business."
In 2014, Microsoft ended support for its popular Windows XP operating system.
However, it rolled out an exceptional update for the OS in 2017 following a major ransomware attack that impacted organisations including the UK's NHS.
