Microsoft end support and upgrades for Windows 7

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What does this mean, and what does my organisation need to do?

After January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs with Windows 7.

Microsoft made a commitment to provide ten years of product support for Windows 7 upon release on October 22, 2009. When this 10-year period ends, Microsoft will discontinue Windows 7 support to focus on supporting newer technologies.

Am I Running Windows 7?

A quick way to determine if your PC is operating Windows 7 is by looking at the start bar, which will show the following icon if it is running Windows 7.

The specific end of support day for Windows 7 will be January 14, 2020. After that, technical assistance and software updates from Windows Update that help protect your PC will no longer be available for the product. Furthermore, PCs running Windows 7 will no longer receive critical security updates.

What To Do Next

Both Microsoft and Extech Cloud strongly recommend that you move to Windows 10 before January 2020.

For most Windows 7 users, moving to a new device with Windows 10 will be the recommended path forward. Today’s PCs are faster, lightweight yet powerful, and more secure.

If you continue to use Windows 7 after support has ended, your PC will still work, but it will become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Your PC will continue to start and run, but you will no longer receive software updates, including security updates, from Microsoft.

According to NetMarketShare’s October 2019 data, 27% are still using Windows 7 compared to the 54% who have moved on to the latest operating system, Windows 10 (with the rest of users using other operating systems, such as Mac OS).

These products will continue to work, but new security and feature updates will stop. Knowing end of support timelines will help keep your business and employees productive and secure.

Thinking Ahead

Take an inventory of the software and devices within your business. This step will help you scope the extent of your plan. Review the end of support FAQs to understand what this moment means for your business & determine how your business will approach end of support. View this guide from Microsoft for further information.

Otherwise, contact Extech Cloud, who will aid you in the upgrade process to Windows 10.

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