Windows 7 is No Longer Supported! Here’s Why You Should Be Moving to Windows 10
As of January 14, 2020, Microsoft ended support for Windows 7. The operating system has reached what’s known as end of life (EOL), which means it is no longer supported through feature or security updates or manufacturer technical support.
If you’re among the one-quarter of PC users still using Windows 7, that means big risks to your network and future compatibility issues with hardware and software.
As of January 2020, over 25% of users were still using the Windows 7 operating system.
What exactly does end of life mean?
Every Windows product has a lifecycle that is approximately 10 years. It begins with product launch and ends with the end of extended support. When you’re working with an experienced IT provider in Herts, UK or anywhere else, they’ll factor that lifecycle into your overall technology plan.
Here’s a brief look at the lifecycle for Windows 7:
- July 22, 2009: Windows 7 launched
- January 13, 2015: End of mainstream support (no more ability to request feature updates)
- January 14, 2020: End of extended support (no more feature or security updates or technical support)
It can be difficult for some users to let go of an operating system that they’ve been using for years and that doesn’t seem to be working any differently on January 14th than it did on the 13th. But EOL brings with it some serious consequences if you keep using an operating system that’s no longer receiving updates.
The Importance of Upgrading from Windows 7 to 10
While upgrading your office to a new operating system can be a daunting task, it’s vital to not only protecting your network and data from breaches, but also to ensuring you can continue to compete as technology evolves.
Here are several factors that illustrate the importance of upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 as soon as possible.
Windows 7 is Now Completely Vulnerable to Attacks
Security patches that are issued with those regular OS updates address newly found vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to breach your system. Now that Windows 7 has reached EOL it’s no longer receiving those, unless you’ve signed up for an extended support plan (only available to certain users).
Without those patches to fix system vulnerabilities, there is nothing to stop hackers from repeatedly taking advantage of newly found ways to exploit Windows 7.
Unpatched vulnerabilities were responsible for 60% of the data breaches reported by companies within the last two years.
Cybersecurity is perhaps the most compelling reason to upgrade from Windows 7 right away.
Software Will Begin to Be Incompatible with the Outdated OS
Software developers are looking ahead, not behind. There will come a time in the near future when you try to update a piece of software, only to find out that the upgrade is no longer compatible with your outdated Windows 7 OS.
This both intensifies the risks to your system, since you’ll no longer be able to update certain software either, but it also means you’ll be missing out on new features that could boost productivity and efficiency.
Your Hardware Options Will Dwindle
There’s little reason for a new hardware developer to make a printer, security camera, or other device compatible with an outdated operating system, especially if that OS can’t support all the features of the hardware.
If you stay on Windows 7, you’ll find that you’ll have fewer options when it comes to compatible hardware and may not be able to use the printers or IoT devices that want to.
Data Privacy Compliance Issues
Whether you need to comply with GDPR or another data privacy regulation, you’ll be out of compliance if you’re not able to keep your operating system patched for system vulnerabilities.
If you have a data breach, this can mean stiff penalties for continuing to use an outdated and vulnerable system when collecting, storing, or transmission sensitive client or employee data.
You’ll Be Holding Your Team Back from a Better System
It can be a bit of a learning curve going from one operating system to another, but Windows 10 has been very well received and is the most popular operating system in the world.
The OS includes multiple enhancements for both user productivity and security that Windows 7 does not have. Your employees could be missing out on several advancements that can help them do their jobs better if you’ll still using Windows 7.
47% of employees surveyed don’t think their company is paying sufficient attention to their technology needs.
Just a few of the enhancements of Windows 10 include:
- Built in antivirus and anti-ransomware protection and other security features
- Master search capabilities for finding settings, files, emails, and web links
- More controls over OS updates
- Integration with voice assistant, Cortana
- Ability to connect and share data between your smartphone and PC
- Faster performance and startup
Do You Need Help with Upgrades and Data Migration?
Enable Technology can make the process of upgrading your computers to Windows 10 and migrating data from an older computer to a new one much easier and less time-consuming. We’ll take the burden off your shoulders when it comes to upgrades!