Act now to avoid Windows 7 end of support
The Windows 7 end of life is upon us. On January 14, 2020, Microsoft will conclude the 10-year life cycle of its Windows 7 Operating System (OS) by discontinuing support on this date.
Windows 7 end of support: Discontinued necessary services
The Windows 7 end-of-support means the following related services will be discontinued:
- Technical assistance
- Software updates
- Support for Internet Explorer included with Windows 7
Why is Microsoft ending Windows 7 support?
Microsoft made a commitment to provide only 10 years of support for Windows 7 when it was released in October 2009. This 10-year period will end so that Microsoft can focus on supporting the next evolution of technologies and user experiences.
How does the Windows 7 end-of-life impact me?
If you currently have PCs running Windows 7, you will no longer receive these updates, also known as software and security patches after January 14, 2020.
If you are a Keysuite or NetxusPro managed service client running Windows 7, it’s also important to note that you must upgrade to Windows 10 in order to meet the minimum system requirements to qualify for continued contracted services. We recommend reviewing your most recent Netxus Workstation System Aging Report to help you to identify those PCs with Windows 7 that may be running in your IT environment. If you do not currently have Keysuite or Netxuspro, but would like to learn more about their robust reporting that gives you a birds-eye-view of everything happening with your network, contact us.
What if I continue to use Windows 7 after January 14, 2020?
Here’s what to expect: if you continue to use the software after the Windows 7 end of support, you will no longer receive updates. Microsoft routinely patches newly discovered holes and adds malware definitions, which is essential to keeping you and your data safe. So while your PC will continue to run after the Windows 7 end of life, you and your business will become instantly vulnerable to security risks such as viruses.
Experts agree: It’s essential to move to Windows 10
Microsoft strongly suggests you move to Windows 10 sometime before January 2020. For most Windows 7 users, moving to a new device with Windows 10 is the recommended path forward. Why? Because today’s PCs are faster, more powerful, and more secure. In addition, they are designed to accommodate and support the Windows 10 operating system whereas, PCs that are two years or older may not have the required specifications or hard drive space available to accommodate Windows 10 and its impending automatic updates long term.
Move from Windows 7 to Windows 10 today
Windows 7 is the most popular operating system on the market so the volume of Windows 7 PCs that will need to be upgraded by January 2020 is unprecedented. This volume has already created shortages of certain PC components, which has led to a backlog of PC orders with manufacturers. You need to act today so you’re ready for the Windows 7 end of service, and to allow yourself time for a smooth transition to Windows 10. The closer the Windows 7 end-of-life date becomes, the higher the demand for qualified IT experts to set up and install PCs and the more acute the hardware backlogs will likely be. At Locknet Managed IT, our experts are ready and waiting to help you.
Ready to migrate to Windows 10?
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Locknet Managed IT Account Executive can help you devise a Windows 10 strategy now, so you and your business are ready for the Windows 7 end of life. Contact a Locknet Account Executive at 844-365-4968.
