Windows 7

You'll still be able to use Win7 after January, so there's no rush to upgrade. Believe it or not there's a lot of major companies, banks etc still using win xp.

What happens when you try to upgrade? Is there an error message?

Windows 7 is not 'closing down' it's just that MS will stop issuing any further updates which might, and I emphasise 'might', make it more vulnerable security wise but if you know what you're doing its really no biggie. 

I run 7 on 2 laptops and a PC and have applied zero MS updates on any of them pretty much since Win 10 arrived and was selective before that.

I have NEVER EVER allowed automatic updates to any version of Windows and I've been using it since v3.1 which came out way back in 1992, all without any significant security issues. 

Two choices then really, learn how to stay safe with 7 or buy a new machine. 

Or you could bin Windows altogether and switch to Linux, many flavours out there which are aimed at 7 users who want nothing whatsoever to do with 10.

Before anybody asks, sorry but I don't do tutorials! 

Browse the usual torrent sites and find what you want and much more - it's all there waiting. If you need details PM me.

Curious what is it you're suggesting to the OP in response to the question? 

Download what? 

As far as I am aware, it will be similar to what they do with XP. There will no longer be any updates, but there will be critical security updates issued.

But also note , that like with XP, some internet browsers may also start to stop working or updating too.

You missed the opportunity to upgrade to W10 for free.

But you can still update from w7 to w10, but you will have to buy a license if you want it fully activated.

Or you can still download and install w10, and for free, via the MS w10site, or other sites...but if you do not pay then you will not get it "activated". Which means a few things will not work (like personalisation of some screens), and you will have a "watermark" on the screen, reminding you that it is not activated. But most functionality and updates will work fine on a "non activated" version...

"As far as I am aware, it will be similar to what they do with XP. There will no longer be any updates, but there will be critical security updates issued." 

Not so, end of support means exactly what it says. Also, re XP, it's 'did' not 'do' as ALL support for that ceased in 2016.

When Wndows 7 reaches end of support on January 14, 2020, your computer will still function but Microsoft will no longer provide the following:

• Technical support for any issues
• Software updates
• Security updates or fixes

The sole exceptions are:

Windows Embedded POSReady 7 (POS = Point of Sale so shop tills etc.) support for which runs out on Nov 1st 2021. 

Windows 7 Enterprise (corporate users with volume licences) will be able to pay for security support on a 'per device' escalating basis until 2023.

Both of course irrelevant to home users. 

OP says his machine won't allow an 'upgrade' and that could be an issue with hardware or drivers so before anything else a Google search on the make & model is required to prove whether it's actually capable of taking 10 or not.

Thank you for your reply

They are only removing support for Windows 7. You will still be able to use it