The era of Windows 7 is quickly coming to a close.
Microsoft is telling us that “Windows 7 support will end on January 14, 2020.”
You can read the announcement I’m referring to for yourself, but here’s a quick summary: Next year, Microsoft is pulling the plug on Windows 7 “technical assistance and software updates.”
So what should businesses expect when Windows 7 support ends?
In this article, I’m sharing why businesses should prepare for loss of productivity and—even more importantly—increased exposure after the January 2020 cutoff date.
1. When Windows 7 Support Ends, Expect Lots More Risk
In its announcement, Microsoft says (in effect) no more support means no more security patches.
Security patches are an important part of closing the cybersecurity cracks inherent in any software. But when Windows 7 support ends, any new loopholes hackers discover are theirs for the taking.
I’d also point out that hackers know that support will be nonexistent. And they’re going to take advantage of it just like they did with Windows XP. Windows 7 will become more and more vulnerable as time passes.
2. When Windows 7 Support Ends, Expect Poor Interoperability
Interoperability is defined by Merriam-Webster as the “ability of a system…to work with or use the parts or equipment of another system.”
When Windows 7 support ends, your older operating system may begin to experience issues interacting with other software.
Ever tried downloading an app, only to receive a notification that your software is unsupported?
Prepare yourself for more of these if you stay on Windows 7.
3. When Windows 7 Support Ends, Expect Poor Responsiveness
Technology will only continue to advance.
However, Windows 7 will remain stagnant.
If you stay on Windows 7, you can expect your computers to struggle to keep up as new software will be written for Windows 10.
Supporting Your Future Cybersecurity and Productivity
Microsoft recommends that Windows 7 customers start using Windows 10 “before January 15, 2020.”
At Proactive IT, we’d strongly recommend that businesses heed this advice.
Don’t put your cybersecurity and productivity at risk in 2020.
While we realize that some of our clients still use Windows 7, now is the time to sit down with your team (and/or with us) to consider what it will take to implement Windows 10.
Let’s discuss how to budget for it by the end of the year. If this is not possible, then let’s implement a plan to replace or upgrade as soon after January 15 as is feasible for your business.
If you have questions about Windows 7 support, I’d encourage you to call us at 704-464-3075 or drop us a note online.