04 Nov Windows 7 End of Life: Everything You Need to Know
Microsoft announced that it would begin the Windows 7 End of Life phase on Jan. 14, 2020. On that day, the company will stop supporting Windows 7 and will no longer patch it with security updates. Windows 7 is still a wildly popular operating system that, even ten years after its release, is still relied upon by millions. Windows 7 going End of Life will leave those who stick with the operating system at a potentially higher risk of being targeted by hackers. What does this mean for you?
What is Windows 7’s End of Life?
End of life is the term Microsoft uses to identify the period when the company will no longer support an operating system or application.
In this case, it means that as of January 14, 2020, Microsoft will move on from Windows 7 and no longer patch security holes in the operating system. If malfunctions and bugs develop, you won’t be able to call on Microsoft to fix the problem.
The move is often used by Microsoft and other companies to dedicate people and time to the applications and services to new products and innovations. So, when Microsoft’s End of Life date hits, any device that’s running on Windows 7 will be on its own when fending off hackers.
How many people are still using Windows 7?
You might be surprised to learn that Windows 10 only became the most popular Windows version in the world at the end of the fourth quarter of 2018, surpassing Windows 7. At that time, Windows 10 captured 39% of market share, compared to 37% for Windows 7, according to Net Applications. To put that into perspective, there are more than 1 billion Windows 7 users around the world. So, hundreds of millions of people are going to be affected by this change.
What does Windows 7 End of Life mean for my security?
Windows provides software support and security patches for all of their products until that product reaches End of Life. Then, all of that support will go by the wayside after January 14, 2020. It is common knowledge that when products go End of Life, hackers will take advantage of users and find ways to exploit vulnerable systems and wreak havoc. After all, if Microsoft isn’t going to support the operating system and there are still plenty of people using it, why not attack? The fact is, the sooner people can get away from Windows 7 and switch to Windows 10, the better.
Does the End of Life apply to all Windows 7 versions?
Yes, the End of Life date does apply to Windows Home and Pro.
How do I move to Windows 10 from Windows 7?
That is what we are here for! Our team can help you make the transition seamless and cost-effective for your business. To get your customized plan, contact us here.
Will Windows 7 still operate without the upgrade?
If you’re are serious about sticking with Windows 7 and don’t want to give it up, you can keep it. It will still keep working after January 14, 2020, but you will be putting yourself at an increased risk for being targeted by hackers.
Can I get an extension on my Windows 7 support?
Yes, if you are not ready to make the upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft will allow users of Windows 7 to extend their security updates through January 2023 for a fee.
Need help to make this transition? Contact us here to get your customized transition plan.