Almost 11 years after the launch of the Windows 7 operating system, Microsoft officially dropped support for Windows 7 January 14, 2020. Despite Windows 10’s presence, the operating system’s popularity has held firm over time, maintaining 26% of the market share at the end of 2019. This change means no more upgrades or security patches, resulting in exploitable paths for cybercriminals. In this article, we unpack the consequences of Windows 7 end of lifestyle and the way you can ensure a smoother transition to a new operating system. The time has come to start the upgrading to Windows 10 process, and how a local computer repair company can help transition you to a newer system.
WINDOWS 7 END OF LIFE
If you are still using Windows 7 now, you might not observe a inherent change for your experience. You will still be able to surf the world wide web, answer emails, and access your files normally. Your PC will, for the most part, work as usual. However, you may no longer get software upgrades from Microsoft. This lack of support creates critical vulnerabilities to your personal computer, such as safety threats, viruses, and other cyber attacks.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF CONTINUING TO USE WINDOWS 7?
The more time you continue to use an unsupported operating system, the more susceptible you become to security risks. When Windows ended support for Windows XP in 2017, global malware outbreaks targeted companies and associations worldwide.
During the Windows 7 extended support period, patches were continually released to address security issues. Although some organizations have been resistant to make the change, the danger of conducting an unsupported system far outweigh the challenges of updating. There are more issues beyond that that delve into the security and the hardware aspect. The best thing to do is to contact a computer repair company in fort pierce.
WHAT IF YOU HAVE SECURITY PROTOCOLS IN PLACE?
Regardless of your best IT cybersecurity efforts, even the latest version of a respectable security solution can’t protect you from problems with the operating system. Gaps in safety are bound to arise without Windows’ support for Windows 7, and poor actors are going to have the ability to install malware, ransomware, and other dangers on any susceptible machines. Besides that, installed software may not get update anymore either. It’s best to reach out to a local computer repair company to help you with your needs.
Microsoft has addressed the time that it takes to finish the upgrade process, and published Extended Security Updates for a number of businesses. If your business qualifies for this paid service, it is well worth the peace of mind to make sure your information remains protected during the transition.
HOW CAN YOU UPGRADE?
There are several options to consider when making a company-wide operating system change. If you’ve been considering switching to another system entirely, then this is the ideal opportunity to start fresh. The cost of updating is much less than the cost of having a cyberattack. If you’re comfortable with the gaps between Windows 10 and Windows 7, then you might want to look at following Microsoft’s recommendations about the process. In the end, the right choice comes down to the requirements of your small business.
Undertaking the migration to another operating system is stressful, together with potential downtime and pitfalls to avoid along the way. Dealing with a dependable IT service can mitigate both the risks and stress on you and your organization. If you require assistance switching from Windows 7, consider reaching out to your local Computer repair company. Our local experts can help you figure out a solution which makes sense for your company while decreasing downtime to create transitioning a breeze.
By calling a computer repair company in fort pierce, you will be able to upgrade from Windows 7 to the more secure Windows 10. Some tech companies will even make a house call and not charge a fee.
