According to Microsoft, January 2020 will mark the “end of life” phase for Windows 7. The company will be ending extended support for Windows 7, which means users can expect a major security risk once that takes place. Microsoft will no longer release any updates for Windows 7 after that date, and there’s nothing consumers or even small business customers can do about it.
Can’t I just upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10?
Many customers in the education and business industry are already making arrangements for their migrations to Microsoft Windows 10. However, the reality for most companies is that they will require Windows 7 extended support for some systems that cannot be transferred to Windows 10 before that lifecycle ends.
If you are a customer who will be affected by this major Microsoft Windows change, you have the option of getting a new computer. Anyone who will continue running Windows 7 on their PCs will have to pay certain fees to Microsoft in order to get updates.
Since that is obviously not an option for most consumers, an upgrade to Windows 10 through a new PC is the better thing to do if you want to stay updated against the latest viruses and other cybersecurity problems.
It’s also worth noting that most Windows 7 machines are out of warranty, so it’s only wise to get a new device with a new operating system. Any new Windows PC you buy in this year will already have Windows 10 pre-installed.
What if the upgrade from Microsoft Windows 7 to 10 doesn’t work?
There are a lot of things that could go wrong when upgrading your system from Windows 7 to 10. To avoid potential problems, it’s an excellent idea to work alongside a company like 1+1 Tech.
1+1 doesn’t do upgrades. Instead, they have people who can upgrade computers and set them up on the software, with everything still under warranty.
Security Risks Involved if You Don’t Upgrade to Windows 10 Right Away
If you decide not to upgrade, you can expect your operating system to face potential security dangers.
- No security updates from Microsoft Windows. Once the support for Windows 7 ends, no security update will ever be rolled out by this tech giant. That’s why experts recommend customers make the switch to Windows 10 instead.
- You won’t be allowed to use HIPPA, GDPR, or other forms of compliance.
- Your system can be hacked easily. Because there are no security updates to protect your PC from potential threats, it’s much easier for hackers to steal your data.
Although Windows 7 itself is still very popular, Windows 10 has managed to surpass the older operating system in market shares. Aside from being more popular, Windows 10 offers plenty of value for all customers.
Experts also recommend Windows 10 Professional instead of Home because it comes with several features not available on the latter version, including Remote Desktop, Bitlocker, and Device Guard. Small to medium enterprises will find these features useful, making Microsoft Windows 10 Pro the better choice.
