Please be advised that coming in 2025 AV Defender will introduce a split version for N-central users, based on the operating system of the device. The new releases will be split as follows:

• Windows Modern Operating Systems: designed for Windows 10+/Windows Server 2016+ and higher, this version will allow updates/upgrades to newer versions.
• Windows Legacy Operating Systems: This includes Windows 7, Windows 8.x, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 will not be allowed to update/upgrade to newer versions.

As of January 14, 2020, Microsoft discontinued support for Windows 7, and on January 10, 2023, for Windows 8.1. Similarly, support for Windows Server 2008 R2 ended on January 14, 2020, and for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 on October 10, 2023. Consequently, computers and servers operating on these versions will no longer receive security updates or technical support from Microsoft, rendering them vulnerable to security risks.

Starting with January 2025, the following will apply for the aforementioned Legacy operating systems:

• AV Defender will no longer release new features and product updates.
• Security updates and maintenance releases will still be provided until January 2026.

Recommendations:

When Microsoft’s support ends, security updates are no longer delivered, leaving the system vulnerable to threats. While Managed Antivirus AVD provides an additional layer of protection, it cannot replace Microsoft’s security updates. Therefore, users should upgrade to a newer Windows version to ensure they continue to receive security updates and technical support.