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Read and share online: https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/tell-microsoft-to-upcycle-windows-7-set-it-free

Dear Free Software Supporter,

It was just last week that Windows 7 crossed into the afterlife. While we can't say we've been in mourning, we have spent that time thinking back on Windows 7's legacy of abusing users, and reflecting on Microsoft's change in tone over the last few years. For one, they now state clearly that Microsoft "loves open source" (sic).

But things were not always this way, and we can thank software activists around the world for making the message of software freedom too loud to ignore. In the headlines we've seen many stories of people feeling burned by the support cutoff, and justifiably angry by being forced to upgrade. Microsoft is leaving its users high and dry, but they don't have to. There is another option.

Microsoft has taken a few steps in the right direction, such as releasing some small but important components of Windows as free software. We want to push them to go further. We need Microsoft to prove to the world that their "love" of free software isn't just an ad campaign, and that they aren't just reaping the benefits of free software in order to exploit users.

They can do this by releasing Windows 7 under a free software license. The history of free software has shown us that software doesn't have to expire, and can even be written to last fifty years. And now that this version of their operating system has reached its "end-of-life," they have no good reason not to.

We need your help to urge Microsoft to give Windows 7 to the community. It is our aim to get 7,777 supporters to take a stand for user freedom. Sign the petition here.

In addition to signing, you can:

• Share the #UpcycleWindows7 image to show your support of the campaign.

• Share on social media that you've signed the petition. Write your own message, or feel free to use ours:

  Microsoft's support of Windows 7 is over, but its life doesn't have to end. Join me in calling on Microsoft to #UpcycleWindows7 by signing https://u.fsf.org/upcycle

In solidarity,

Greg Farough
Campaigns Manager