Have you upgraded to Windows 10 yet?
If you have not already upgraded to Windows 10, you may want to get that to the top of your to-do list. Microsoft has announced the end-of-life date for their Windows 7 operating system support: January 14th, 2020.
This is not like another browser update that you can put off for a few weeks until your browser gets a little slow. The end of Windows 7 means that, if you choose to continue using Windows 7 without upgrading, you will stop receiving security and feature updates altogether. You won’t have support for problems. And, in likelihood, you’ll leave your computer completely vulnerable to security risks.
Read on for more details of the update, and how Xecunet can help to smooth this transition.
Why Windows 7 Support is Ending
Microsoft made the commitment in October of 2009 to run Windows 7 product support for ten years. In January 2020, those ten years will be up. Microsoft is keeping true to their word, and as a result, they’re expiring the support of Windows 7 in 2020.
Although the change is coming, there is still time to weigh the options and figure out how you want to navigate this change. Updating to Windows 10 Pro is Microsoft’s suggestion.
Here are a few additional details into the complexities of updating operating systems, along with what’ll happen if you don’t switch by January 2020.
What This Means for You
There are millions of pop-ups and announcements displaying on Window users’ systems all around the world to ensure that everyone is aware of the changes coming.
Microsoft will be displaying these notifications on Windows 7 computers through the remainder of 2019 in order to provide ample reminders to their users.
Maybe you have seen a few popups come your way, too? Don’t ignore them; you’ll thank us later.
Here are the main things you should know about the update and how it will affect you.
Services that will no longer be provided after January 14th, 2020 include:
- Tech Support
- Software Updates
- Security Updates & Fixes
If you are a Windows 7 user after January 2020, you have an increased likelihood of online attacks because the software updates within Windows 7 will cease.
If the stripped security features within Windows 7 aren’t enough, Microsoft announced that support for Internet Explorer on Windows 7 devices will also discontinue in January 2020.
In light of this support termination for Windows 7, Microsoft recommends its users to switch to Windows 10 Pro.
What Windows 10 Pro is All About
Windows 10 Pro is a new Microsoft Operating System, which Microsoft claims is the most secure version of the operating system that has ever been developed. It comes with built-in security features, including a firewall and internet protections to safeguard against viruses, malware, and ransomware.
Windows 10 Pro was built for businesses, so it’s meant to provide you with the security and creative intelligence you need to thrive.
There are a few system requirements needed in order to make the switch:
- Required Processor – 1 GHz or faster compatible processor
- Required Memory – 1 GB RAM for 32-bit; 2GB for 64-bit
- Required Hard Disk Space – Up to 20GB available hard disk space
- Required Video Card – 800 x 600 screen resolution or higher. DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM driver
- Required Connectivity – Internet access (fees may apply)
- Other System Requirements – Microsoft account required for some features. Watching DVDs requires separate playback software
In general, the age of your device will impact the success of your Windows 10 installation. Having an ancient computer with a brand-new operating system doesn’t always go well (in large part because most older machines don’t have the necessary specs to run the system). It will most likely only cause you more issues.
You should talk to an expert if you are thinking of downloading Windows 10 to your older device.
Are you feeling daunted by the complexity of the decision and switching everything over to Windows 10? Don’t be. We are happy to help in this process.
How We Can Help
Ready to make the switch to Windows 10 now before any real damage is caused?
If you aren’t sure how to move forward, we’re here to help. At Xecunet, we’ve been providing Frederick businesses with IT solutions for over twenty years. We’re honored to serve the Frederick community with technology support that empowers business success.
If you are looking to switch to Windows 10, contact Xecunet today. We have the capacity and the expertise to make the transition from Microsoft 7 to Microsoft 10 as smooth as possible.
For more information regarding this Microsoft update, give us a call, we’d be happy to assist you.