Microsoft has set Oct. 31 as the end of sales of new consumer-grade Windows 7 PCs, but for now has left open the do-not-sell-after-this-date for business machines. On the site where it posts such policies, Microsoft now notes that Oct. 31, 2014, is the end-of-sales date for new PCs equipped with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, or Ultimate. All three are consumer-oriented versions of Windows 7; Home Premium has been the overwhelming choice of PC makers for consumer systems.