What You Need to Know About Windows 7 End of Life

Starting January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs with Windows 7. As a result, companies still using Windows 7 will need to plan and implement a Windows 10 migration in order to keep their operating systems secure. Whether you want to upgrade to 10 using your existing hardware or purchase new hardware that already includes the OS, it’s highly recommended that all businesses switch to Windows 10 before the end of life date in order to stay safe and receive necessary security updates. 

What is Microsoft’s end of life?

Microsoft is unique in that it has a very specific lifecycle for all of its operating systems. An operating system’s life begins when it’s rolled out to the public, and it ends when it’s fully no longer supported. There are two phases to Microsoft’s end of support process: end of mainstream support and end of extended support. Windows 7’s mainstream support ended on January 13, 2015, meaning that this was the date when Microsoft stopped offering new features and complementary support for the program. However, Microsoft still provides bug fixes, patches, and other security updates until the end of extended support. That date is January 14, 2020, or Windows 7’s official end of life date. After this date, security updates will no longer be pushed through to Windows 7 and your computer becomes much more susceptible to security breaches and malfunctions. That’s why it’s highly advised that you switch all of your Windows devices to Windows 10, especially in a corporate environment where digital security is of the utmost importance.

What happens if you keep using Windows 7?

You can keep using Windows 7 after January 14, 2020, if desired. Your computer will power up and run using the old operating system. However, you will no longer receive any software updates or security updates from Microsoft. This means that continuing to use the old operating system will make your computer much more vulnerable to security breaches and viruses. Microsoft applications like Office 365 will also run less effectively since no further updates will be offered for that operating system. If you do run into any trouble using the platform, you also won’t be able to receive any Microsoft support after this date. Although it is possible to run Windows 7 after its end of life date, we highly advise against doing so if you want to adequately protect your company from security risks.

What should you do to upgrade?

There are two ways to upgrade to Windows 10: by upgrading your existing hardware’s operating system or by purchasing new hardware with Windows 10 already installed. If you wish to upgrade your hardware as well as your software, it’s fairly affordable to do so. The PCs of today are much less expensive compared to the computers that came freshly installed with Windows 7 eight years ago. They will also have additional security and functionality features that will enhance your company’s productivity, making it a worthwhile option to consider. If you don’t want to invest in all-new hardware, you can upgrade your existing computer’s operating system to Windows 10. When it comes to upgrading your Windows 7 enterprise and migrating your entire company’s operating system, it’s always best to seek the help of an IT professional. C3 Tech’s managed IT services and network security services are here for you to help you remain as efficient, productive, and secure as possible. 

If you’re preparing for Windows 7 end of life and need help migrating your office’s technology solutions to Windows 10, give us a call here at C3 Tech. We specialize in IT services and office technology solutions for Orange County businesses of all sizes, with custom packages that give you exactly what you need to succeed. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today at (714) 689-1700 and speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members about your options. Want to upgrade from 7 to 10 for free? Check out this CNET article.