http://www.zdnet.com/how-to-skip-windows-8-and-continue-using-windows-7-7000001734/
How to skip Windows 8 and continue using Windows 7
Summary: If you're perfectly happy with Windows 7 and skeptical about Windows 8, I have good news for you. You've got seven more years before you have to give it up. Here are the facts, figures, and dates to know.
The copy of Windows 7 you're running today will not stop working when Windows 8 comes out. It will continue to be supported for an additional seven years, with mainstream support until January 2015 and extended support until 2020.
At the moment, Microsoft is supporting four releases of desktop Windows. For reference, here are the end-of-support dates for all currently supported Windows versions:
Windows XP SP3: April 8, 2014
Windows Vista SP2: April 11, 2017
Windows 7 SP1: January 14, 2020
Windows 8: January 10, 2023
Furthermore, you’ll still be able to buy Windows 7 PCs for at least two more years. Microsoft’s sales lifecycle for Windows (which is different from its support lifecycle) specifies that retailers will be able to sell the boxed version of Windows 7 until at least October 25. 2013, and OEMs can sell PCs with Windows 7 pre-loaded until October 25, 2014.
If Windows 8 gets any pushback from consumers and small businesses, we could see big OEMs continuing to offer Windows 7 as an option on its non-touch-enabled PCs for two more years, with Windows 8 as the sole option for tablets and touch-enabled PCs.
So relax. You have at least eight years left before you need to leave the comfort of the Windows 7 desktop and say goodbye to the Start menu.
Yes, thanks to Microsoft's extended support lifecycle you will probably be able to upgrade from Windows 7 directly to Windows 11.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/how-long-will-microsoft-support-xp-vista-and-windows-7/2304