Now is the time for all Windows 7 users to upgrade to Windows 10. Windows 10 has been generally available to users and organizations for over four years. Yet, according to Computer World, Windows 7 users still make up around 30% of the Windows installed base, as of August 2019.
That is about to change. The big driver is Microsoft’s End of Support announcement for Windows 7. This event is serious business for any organization concerned about the security and productivity of its users.
Here are seven important facts about the imminent End of Support for Windows 7.
1. The time is now: Windows 7 End of Support date is January 14, 2020
If your users are still on Windows 7, you likely appreciate stability in your technology decisions. It is completely valid to let pioneers and other early adopters work out the kinks in any new operating system or piece of software. However, Windows 10 is now mature and very broadly deployed. The end of support date for Windows 7 is on January 14, 2020 and time is of the essence. Unfortunately, migrating your remaining users to Windows 10 and new hardware is not an overnight exercise. It requires planning and organization. There is high risk in waiting until the end of the year to get your users into new hardware and the latest Windows operating system. The time to act is now.
2. End of Support is a security risk for the remaining Windows 7 users
End of Support means Microsoft will no longer release security updates to the operating system after January 14, 2020. In Microsoft’s own words, no more operating system updates means your PCs will become “vulnerable to security risks.” Security risks are one of the top concerns for business executives and employees alike. No one wants to risk data loss, data breaches, or system downtime by remaining on an outdated operating system.
3. End of Support means just that, no more support from Microsoft
Vendor support for operating and software systems is vital for your company’s technology strategy. After January 14th, your team or your MSP will no longer be able to open support tickets or receive telephone based support on the Win 7 operating system. Zero support means big challenges for your IT team who is working around the clock to make sure your employees are productive and secure.
4. The path forward: Windows 10 is a win-win for users and organizations
For nearly every user, switching from Windows 7 to Windows 10 means new hardware. The good news is, Windows 10 is now fast, stable, and secure and runs on the most advanced and affordable commercial PCs the world has ever seen. Users will benefit from the latest laptops and desktops, featuring blazing fast processors, abundant and affordable RAM, and SSD drives for superior I/O performance. With the latest generation of Windows 10 PCs, everything gets better for the user. What’s more, new Windows 10 commercial hardware features Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip technology, unleashing a host of powerful new security capabilities, such as system integrity checks and the storage of cryptographic keys.
5. Windows 10 means better security, across the board
Windows 10 is Microsoft’s most secure operating system to date. With Win 10, you can implement Bitlocker for full-disk encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA, 2FA), and biometric authentication techniques, such as Microsoft HELLO. Security is always a balancing act between convenience for the user and the security needs of the organization. With Windows 10, big advancements in security come standard and are easy for users to implement in their daily lives. Full disk encryption and MFA used to be enterprise-only technologies, but today they are standard for businesses of any size.
6. Microsoft 365 is a great way to get into Windows 10
Microsoft is making it easier for businesses to upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft 365 is a bundle of SaaS solutions from Microsoft combining the standard capabilities of Office 365, with powerful new services such as Azure Active Directory (AD) for cloud-centric authentication and application management, Intune for device deployment and management, and Mobile Device Management (MDM) for secure management of iOS and Android devices. And what’s more, Microsoft 365 includes a license to Windows 10 Business, easing the upgrade costs from Windows 7.
7. Your users will thank you
Ask the team today at Protek Support to explore your options for your Windows 10 migration. Your users will thank you. From productivity to security, everything works better for your team when they are running the latest operating system on brand new hardware. The Protek Support team is standing by to help new and existing clients make the switch to Windows 10.
Reach out to Michelle Lawson at Protek Support to get your own 1-on-1 Windows 10 consultation. Book a time with Michelle today.