Microsoft is officially ending support and security updates for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020.
Microsoft advises after next January, "technical assistance and automatic updates that help protect your PC will no longer be made available for the product. Microsoft strongly recommends that you move to Windows 10 sometime before January 2020 to avoid a situation where you need service or support that is no longer available."
The operating system will still function, but it will be vulnerable to any security threats found after the end of extended support date. See the Microsoft FAQ for the end of Windows 7 support.
The popular operating system was widely recommended for many years after critics preferred it over its predecessor and successor, Windows Vista and Windows 8.
How to move on from Windows 7
If you're currently running a Windows 7 computer, we recommend upgrading to a new computer by the end of the year. This is the preferred pathway because:
- It lowers the risk for hardware compatibility issues by trying to migrate the same computer from Windows 7 to 10.
- Ensures you have a new warranty for your hardware.
- Better performance.
- Avoid the cost of outright Windows licensing, e.g. Windows 10 Pro has an RRP of $339 (we always recommend Windows Pro in a business environment).
By the end of 2019, most computers sold with Windows 7 will be at least three years old - a good time to upgrade.
This pathway is recommended by both Sentrian and Microsoft.
Microsoft have been transparent
Before Windows 10, Microsoft supported each operating system in two phases, mainstream support and extended support. Mainstream support includes both feature and security updates; extended support includes only critical security updates.
Since mainstream support for Windows 7 ended in January 2015, the operating system has received only critical security updates and Microsoft have heavily pushed users to upgrade to Windows 10.
Windows 10 was initially free, support for Windows 7 on new Intel computers from late 2016 was dropped, and the recently released Office 2019 cannot install on Windows 7.
Microsoft will continue releasing paid support updates for Windows 7 until 2023, however this option is only available for high volume enterprise customers.
You can view further details for the Windows 10 lifecycle, and others, here.
Plan your options
If you have any questions or would like specific info for your organisation, please contact your Sentrian Client Services Manager.
