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Support for Window 7 is ending


While Windows 7 is over 9 years old, all good things must come to an end, even Windows 7. Microsoft will no longer provide any security support or patches after January 14, 2020. But you can keep the good times going by moving to Windows 10.

Recently, Microsoft announced that it will no longer support or distribute any patches to its long-used Windows 7 Operating System. Nearly 70% of businesses worldwide use Windows 7 on their desktops. The sooner you plan to migrate the better it is for your employees and security of your assets.

Although Microsoft announced its end-of-life for Windows 7, most users are concerned whether their computers will stop or continue to work. The simple answer is yes it will continue to work, but you will stop receiving any security patches or updates for that operating system. This is a major concern as hackers release new viruses and attacks every day targeting any vulnerabilities that exist. With un-patched OS, that might be a major risk that has businesses have to evaluate.

As a business, you need to move ahead with the upgrade and train your staff on how to use it as the User Interface is different than its predecessor, Windows 7.

Below some Questions and Answers as described by Microsoft

  • Can I upgrade my existing PC to Windows 10

Yes, you can upgrade compatible Windows 7 PCs based on these requirements with a full license. To take advantage of the latest hardware capabilities, we recommend moving to a new PC with Windows 10.

Requirements:

  • Required processor: 1GHz processor or faster

  • Required memory: 1GB RAM for 32-bit; 2GB for 64-bit

  • Required hard disk space: Up to 20GB available hard disk space

  • Required video card: 800 x 600 screen resolution or higher. DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM driver

  • Required connectivity: Internet access (fees may apply)

  • Other system requirements

  • Microsoft account required for some features. Watching DVDs requires separate playback software

  • Additional system requirements

  • You must accept the License Terms, also at microsoft.com/useterms

  • Activation required • Single license • 32 and 64-bits on USB 3.0 media included

  • What happens if I continue to use Windows 7

You can continue to use Windows 7, but once support ends, your PC will become more vulnerable to security risks. Windows will operate but you will stop receiving security and feature updates.

  • Can Windows 7 still be activated after Jan 14, 2020

Windows 7 can still be installed and activated after support has ended. However, to avoid security risks and viruses, Microsoft recommends that you consider upgrading to Windows 10.

  • Will Internet Explorer still be supported on Windows 7

Support for Internet Explorer on Windows 7 devices will be discontinued on January 14, 2020. As a component of Windows operating system, Internet Explorer follows the same support lifecycle.

  • Can I get a free upgrade to Windows 10

Microsoft 365 Business comes with a free upgrade for users with a Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 Pro license on their device. By purchasing Microsoft 365 Business your users can upgrade all of their old Windows Pro licensed devices at no additional cost.

  • Does this also apply to windows Embedded 7

There are a number of members of the Windows Embedded 7 product family with different support lifecycles. The earliest end of support date is January 14, 2020 and the others follow thereafter. For more details see Microsoft product lifecycle page.

  • Are there alternatives that give me extra time to complete my migration while keeping my users safe

For users of Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise, you can purchase Extended Security Updates through January 2023. For an in-depth FAQ about Windows 7 Extended Security Updates, please download the Microsoft End of Support FAQ.

Source: Microsoft Inc.


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