What will happen on January 14, 2020?
Windows 7, the wildly popular operating system (OS) that’s still used by millions of users and enterprises around the globe even after 10 years of its release, will take its final bow. This means Windows 7 patches and support will no longer be available after that date, thus exposing the OS to security threats, which endangers the data of small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
It’s not all doom and gloom, however. The good news is you still have some time to upgrade to Windows 10. But before you do that, it's best to review your infrastructure, data, and other critical business services that will be affected by the Windows 7 end of life.
What does this all mean for your business?
Hackers will have free rein after the OS’s end of life. They will be able to exploit vulnerable systems and wreak havoc just like when they took advantage of Windows XP’s end of life and released the infamous Wannacry ransomware, which affected millions of unsupported Windows XP systems across the globe, all for the buck. So the sooner people switch from Windows 7 to Windows 10, the better.
Does end of life apply to all Windows 7 versions?
Whether you’re running Home or Pro, the answer is yes. The deadline applies to both.
Why does Microsoft have to end Windows 7 support?
Operating systems and software usually have a limited life span to make way for newer products, but this is only half the story. There comes a point where continued support for dated systems become too expensive and impractical for software developers. While Microsoft 7 is a powerful operating system, it's often weak against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. By giving their products an expiration date, Microsoft can push new features and protections to keep their customers safe.
Upgrade to Windows 10
When it comes to something critical like your operating system, your business will surely benefit from having the latest Microsoft products installed. By upgrading to Windows 10, you will get regular patches and updates to keep the OS secure.
For enterprise upgrades, it’s wise to seek the help of a managed IT services provider (MSP) like Charles IT to ensure that everything is upgraded correctly and all security software are in place and working optimally. Stay ahead of threats and begin your Windows 10 journey by scheduling a consultation with us.
