Windows 7 Support Ends on the 14th of January 2020. This means that after this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs with Windows 7.
The wildly popular program celebrated its 10th Birthday in July of this year, and according to an ongoing report from Net Marketshare, 33.37% of all PCs are still using Windows 7. This means there is still a good portion of users that really need to get a wriggle on and start updating their systems.
With 2020 rapidly approaching, Microsoft is keen to let people know that support for the operating system is ending and, of course, encourage users to move from it.
If you are part of the 33.37%, we are here to help you prepare for Windows 7 End of Life!
What happens next?
While Microsoft will stop releasing updates, patches and support for the operating system, that doesn’t mean Windows 7 will stop working on the 14th of January 2020, so you won’t wake up on the 15th of January to find your Windows 7 PC no longer works. You can use the system for as long as you want.
Just because you can, it doesn’t mean you should.
The biggest problem with choosing to use Windows 7 after End of Life, is that it won’t be patched for any new viruses or security problems, leaving you wide open to any emerging threats. If a large percentage of people continue to use Windows 7 after the 14th of January 2020, it will inevitably flag a big incentive for malicious users to target viruses at Windows 7.
So, while Windows 7 will keep on working after the End of Life date, you should upgrade to Windows 10, or an alternative operating system, as soon as possible!
Moving to Windows 10
This upgrade comes with several benefits. For a start, seeing as both systems are made by Microsoft, the upgrading process is relatively smooth. Most programs you use will have been updated to work on Windows 10, and the layout and interface are like Windows 7, so it shouldn’t be a major adjustment for you.
While you can buy a copy of Windows 10, download the installation file and run it to start the process yourself, it’s better to ask your IT support partner to do this for you – after all, it’s their job to ensure your technology is working properly and aligns with your business goals.
Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 is by far the easiest solution, however, there will be reasons as to why it won’t be right for some people. For a start, you’ll need to buy a Windows 10 license, and these can be quite expensive…
As a modern operating system, although Microsoft has done an admirable job of making Windows 10 run on older hardware, it will struggle to work well on your old Windows 7 machine.
What is the minimum specification for Windows 10?
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC.
- RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit.
- Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS 20 GB for 64-bit OS.
- Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver.
- Display: 800 x 600 resolution
If your Windows 7 machine doesn’t meet these specifications you won’t be able to run Windows 10, and even if your machine just meets the requirements, Windows 10 won’t run to its full potential.
To meet the requirements, you could consider buying the parts you need to upgrade your PC, however, this could prove more costly than you first thought… It might be more cost-effective to buy a new machine with Windows 10 installed. Your IT partner will advise you on the best option for you and your business!
Windows 7 End of Life is coming in hot and there is no way to avoid it, so let’s summarise your options
Option A: Do nothing and pray the cybercriminals won’t take advantage of unpatched flaws (which they will).
Option B: Follow your IT partner’s advice and upgrade to Windows 10—even if that means replacing all staff PCs.
Either option is going to cost you money. If you choose option A, you run the (very high) risk of malware infecting your machines, both your and your client’s data being stolen and major damage to not only your financials but your reputation too. A business of any size will struggle to recover from a hit like that. Option B may cost more money in the short term, but in exchange, it will keep your operating systems safe and up-to-date and your reputation intact! A far more cost-effective solution.
It is also worth noting that if you are Cyber Essentials/Cyber Essentials PLUS certified, you will lose your certification if you do not upgrade your systems.
The moral of the story is that it’s better to be safe than sorry—upgrade to Windows 10 now!
Your IT partner will have already contacted you to let you know if you need to upgrade your systems. Don’t leave it to the last second—an upgrade is not a 5-minute job.
As the curtains draw close on Windows 7, businesses face a pivotal decision: adapt or risk falling prey to cyber threats lurking in the digital shadows. While the allure of familiarity may tempt some to cling to the past, the perils of doing so far outweigh the benefits.
In the face of evolving cyber threats, upgrading to Windows 10 emerges as the beacon of security and stability. Yes, it may entail upfront costs and logistical hurdles, but the investment pales in comparison to the potential fallout of a cybersecurity breach. Remember, the price of complacency far exceeds the cost of preparedness.
So, whether you choose to heed the warnings and embrace change or linger in the realm of outdated technology, the choice is yours. But remember, in the digital age, ignorance is not bliss—it's a liability. Reach out to your IT partner, embark on the journey to Windows 10, and safeguard your business against the perils of obsolescence. After all, in a world where data is king, it's better to be safe than sorry.