In December 2017, Windows 7 finally let go of the top spot of Microsoft’s Operating System market share. Only 2 years later, in January 2020, Microsoft will end support of Windows 7, ending a 10 & 1/2 year run.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-windows-7-support
Why is Windows 7 support ending?
It is the end of the Windows 7 life cycle. According to Microsoft, “Every Windows product has a lifecycle. The lifecycle begins when a product is released and ends when it’s no longer supported.”
The Windows 7 architecture is old. 10.5 years on EOL. This means that software running on Windows 7 is limited to software design from 10.5 years ago, and the deference’s could be huge. At some point in time, the world will have to move on. January 2020 to be exact.
What happens on Windows 7 EOL Day?
Not much really. End users still using Windows 7 won’t notice any difference, unless Microsoft pushes a message to the desktop about the End of Life. The big issue is behind the scenes.
Windows 7 will no longer receive regular updates, bug fixes, or security patches. Generally, Windows 7 will no longer meet any regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA or PCI. (https://compliancy-group.com/microsoft-to-end-service-for-windows-7-hipaa-compliance-requirements/)
Software companies will stop supporting Windows 7 as well. Some sooner than others. This means that technical support for a lot of software products will become harder and more expensive.
Why should I upgrade?
This can actually be answered with a commanding answer. In 2009, when Windows 7 was released, the cloud existed, but it was an enigma reserved for large corporations and websites. Its 2019, and the cloud is the dominating feature of the IT landscape.
Windows 10 integrates with cloud features, such as Office 365, SharePoint, Azure, etc. seamlessly. Windows 7 does not. Windows 10 streams updates from Microsoft, Windows 7 still requires downtime. Windows 10 can search directly from the task bar, Windows 7 can’t.
Not to mention when Windows 7 was developed and designed, the internet was a friendlier place. Today its a war zone (literally, https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23030790-300-what-does-natos-move-into-cyberspace-mean/).
Windows 10 is designed for this environment with stronger built-in malware tools, and has the cyber threats of today in mind. You are better protected from ransomware and modern evolving threats.
And, if that isn’t enough, Windows 10 is faster. Since Windows intruduced fast start up, videos have shown Windows 10 starts up faster than a MacBook on OS X (once a benchmark in the industry). Windows 10 leaves Windows 7 in the dust when it comes to speed.
How do I upgrade?
Your best option is to speak with one of our support specialists. Some machines sold in the last couple years have been sold with a downgraded Windows 10 license, and can be upgraded without needing a new license.
For the most part, if your machine still has Windows 7 as its operating system, we recommend taking this time to have us replace your workstation with a newer, faster model. However, some machines are new enough, and strong enough to purchase an upgrade license.