Microsoft Windows 7 End of Life Migration Support to Windows 10

  Microsoft is ending support for its Windows 7 Operating System on January 14, 2020. The Windows 7 OS is a widely-used and much-loved system within businesses around the world, so this transition will be a difficult and challenging obstacle for many. Since the operating system is so prevalent on such a wide scale, it’s crucial that businesses begin to partner with Information Technology firms to come up with a transition plan, especially if they operate on a global scale. With only six months to decide, it’s imperative that businesses begin preparation.

What Does End of Support Mean?

The end of support for the Windows 7 platform involves more than a lack of customer support. Microsoft will stop rolling out updates to machines using a Windows 7 software, so compatibility and security fixes for modern software will no longer exist. If businesses don’t update their software and instead choose to work on the outdated Windows 7 platform, their users will slowly lose the ability to work with their existing software and the business will be exposed to major security threats. The longer the licenses are used, the greater the threat becomes. This could open a business up to lawsuits, intellectual property theft, or data leaks. Since Microsoft will no longer offer support, users will no longer be able to address OS compatibility issues through their customer service portal, which creates even more issues. Ultimately, the end of support for the Windows 7 Operating System means a lack of security, issues with program compatibility, and a drastic hit on business productivity.

Available Options

Microsoft recommends you upgrade to the Windows 10 Operating System. Businesses using Microsoft 365 Business software have access to a free upgrade from Windows 7 to 10. For businesses using older software, including older Office versions, this is a great option. However, rolling out a new OS to your entire infrastructure will undoubtedly cause problems. While updating your users’ OS won’t be difficult, addressing the software compatibility issues with older hardware will be a challenge. You could choose to continue using Windows 7 since it’s familiar. Microsoft is continuing to offer support for up to three years, with pricing increasing each year at $25 per device in year 1, $50 per device in year 2, and $100 per device in year 3. If you’re unable to transition your workplace to a new Windows 10 installation, this might be a good option, but the mounting costs will quickly outweigh the benefits. Alternatively, you can work with a local IT firm, like Buchanan, to set up a plan of attack. Instead of simply updating Operating Systems and causing headaches, we will work with your entire business to create a transition plan that makes the entire process run smoothly. We can update every part of your infrastructure and systems to avoid any compatibility issues, and you’ll be back up and running in no time.