The countdown has started, End of Life is just 190 days away
The business world much like the consumer world is always late to adopt the newest versions of an operating system. This is usually due to a number of primary factors, most of them revolving around the productivity of their employees. Whether it’s the new interface users are uncomfortable with, or the volume of machines that need to be updated by the one and only IT person. Upgrading your Windows operating system is something that often gets held off until the last minute.
Welcome to the last minute. In just 190 days Microsoft will be halting all support, including paid support for all versions of Windows 7. The end of Microsoft Windows 7 support extends to all updates & security patches which will essentially leave your computer vulnerable to any future attacks.
At this point, Microsoft has already limited the type of support it is providing Windows 7, to paid support. Microsoft will also continue to release security patches throughout the remainder of the year. However, they will not be releasing any feature, design, or software updates.
Why is Microsoft Ending Support for Windows 7?
As Microsoft states “Every Windows product has a lifecycle. The lifecycle begins when a product is released and ends when it’s no longer supported. Knowing key dates in this lifecycle helps you make informed decisions about when to update, upgrade or make other changes to your software.” The reason for this is to make way for newer & greater technologies.
Don’t worry, there’s time to Migrate!
Upgrading from Windows 7 for the standard home user, and even the small office, is no huge task. It’s actually a rather simple process. However, be warned several things can go wrong that may result in you contacting a local support team to help you resolve.
First a Disclaimer: It is this writers opinion, that you review the age, quality, and hardware of your computer before upgrading. If your computer cost you less than $500 4 years ago and only has 4 gigs of ram. Then it might be time to upgrade. My advice is to wait until the next deal at Best Buy or Amazon (or your favorite retail location), or wait for Black Friday/Cyber Monday, and purchase a brand new device already installed with Windows 10. It is a far better way to go than installing Windows 10 on an older/slower device. Also, as always, remember to back up your data!
Microsoft has made the installation/re-installation & upgrading process for windows 10 pretty simple for intermediate & advanced users. Providing you’re not attempting to recover from a hack, or a virus it’s not a complicated process. In a situation where you are just upgrading, or doing a fresh install, the process takes very little interaction from you, other than to answer a few simple questions.
To get started upgrading to Windows 10, simply click this link & download the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant provided by Microsoft & follow the on-screen instructions. Please note that the Free upgrades to Windows 10 window expired many moons ago & you will most likely need to purchase a license during this process.
As of June 1st, 2019, the Free Upgrade to Windows 10 for valid Windows 7 installations, appears to still work thanks to writer Ed Bott over at The Bott Report via ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade/
Not the DYI Type? Here’s another Solution!
If you’re not looking to upgrade your operating system yourself, or you have too many to do and not enough time. Then IT help is just a few clicks away. There is certainly enough time to migrate your computers to the latest Windows 10 operating system before the end of the year.