The Windows 7 operating system, which was released to the general public in October, 2009, will reach end of support on Jan. 14, 2020. End of support means that Microsoft will no longer provide automatic fixes, updates or online technical assistance. Updates include those that protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware and other malicious software that can steal your personal information and spread to other computers on your network to do even more damage.
While January, 2020 may seem a long way off, any computer you purchase today with Windows 7, will need to either be replaced or upgraded to Windows 10 within the next 2 years, 9 months. That being said, your best strategy starting today, is to only purchase new computers with a Windows 10 operating system. If you’ve been resisting the change, there’s now a real financial incentive, since upgrading later will require the purchase of a Windows 10 license plus the cost to perform the upgrade. This isn’t something you’ll be able to do on your own unless you are particularly tech savvy.
Even before purchasing that first Windows 10 computer to install on your network, it’s important to ensure that your network and all your business applications are compatible. If not, now is the time to investigate what upgrades or replacements may be necessary and at what cost.
For your existing Windows 7 computers, we recommend reviewing those that will be 5 years old by 2020 and budget to gradually replace them by that date. For others that won’t be ready for replacement, budget to have them upgraded by that date. Planning ahead means you won’t be caught with a large capital outlay just before the deadline. Remember, getting rid of your Windows 7 computers by 2020 shouldn’t be considered optional; the security of your computer network is at stake.
If you would like assistance in determining whether you are Windows 10 ready and with planning/budgeting for your replacements and upgrades, please give BSC Solutions Group a call. We’d be glad to help.
