You would have already gone through numerous articles on Windows 7 End of Life or Windows 7 End of Support. Still, we are here with the most searched queries related to the topics that would come around Windows 7 End of Life for you. This article would cover the following topics in detail.
So Let’s Start,
Microsoft is pulling the plug on the operating system that was Windows 7 in January of 2020 popularly known as Windows 7 End of Life. There are millions of diehard Windows 7 still holding on, claiming to never be able to move on, but Windows 10 is changing minds rapidly. Let’s celebrate the life of this fine software and begin to push forward with what’s next, Windows 10! Since there are still a few months of support left there is still time to investigate viable options such as updates, upgrades or other changes to your current software. We will discuss tips, information, and share general ideas on how to help you transition into your post-Windows 7 lives as seamlessly as possible.
‘End of life’ means that, unless you purchase a Windows 7 extension (see more on those details below), in January of 2020, Microsoft will discontinue all support (including paid support) and all updates (including security updates) to the Windows 7 software. No more support, no more updates, no more anything. This includes all versions of Windows 7, too-Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate.
You may be wondering about the nifty Windows 7 support extension mentioned above. Microsoft will offer options to purchase into an “Extended Security Update (ESU) program” which serves as a last-ditch option for customers who desperately need to run certain legacy Microsoft products past the Windows 8 end of support. It includes ‘Critical’ and/or ‘Important’ security updates for a maximum of three years after the product’s End of Extended Support again. Just a reminder, the end of support date is January 2020! The repetitive reminders may be annoying, but it’s a crucial date to keep in mind.
Can we still use the Windows 7 OS after January 2020? Yes, you can still use the operating system. However, running an operating system after its End of Support date is risky. You face the prospect of being weighed down with the tasks of securing all your data and your company’s privacy. Running on an OS as after the end of support date is like swimming in a shark-infested riptide with no lifeguard. The big, red warning sign on the beach that says, “Swim at Your Own Risk!” means “Use old OS at Your Own Risk!” Microsoft is giving you all a big heads-up reminder that you’re only safe using Windows 7 until something drastic happens. If you encounter any issues like viruses, malware, software failures, and anything else you will need to address these issues all on your own. Think you or your IT can handle those kinds of issues without support or security updates?
Also, let it be known that Microsoft has stated: “ESU will only be distributed if and when available. ESUs do not include new features, customer-requested non-security updates, or design change requests.” This sounds like Microsoft isn’t exactly guaranteeing you an extension and even if you or your company does secure an extension, there are still too many open-ended issues to consider regarding your Windows 7 operating system. It’s just not worth the risk.
We understand all the diehard Windows 7 fans who may want to continue using this OS on computers asking the question, will we be able to install and activate Windows 7 after Windows 7 End of Life support? If you can track the software down, you can still install and activate the operating system. Remember, Windows 7 will operate exactly as it currently operates today-and the same goes for tomorrow, next week, next month, and even well after its ‘End of Life’ support date.
Microsoft simply won’t support or update or even field questions about the operating system, which means there’s the inevitability of experiencing the security problems down the road, not to mention incompatibility, reliability, and stability issues. Eventually, even third-party developers will grow weary and stop supporting and/or designing applications that depend on Windows 7, if they haven’t already. To stay relevant in this highly competitive business world, it involves being able to utilize and stay compatible with all of today’s modern applications, so maybe it’s time to make the jump to Windows 10 now. Save yourself some trouble, Netrix experts are right here and ready to help.
Most Microsoft users have made the switch to Windows 10, but what about those who haven’t? How many people are still using Windows 7? Windows 7 has quite the dedicated following, and there are many users still clinging to their beloved operating system. Windows 7 feels safe, comfortable, cozy, and we understand you or your company might be wary of the pains of going through upgrade-new settings, new features, new interface, and designs, all of which can potentially disrupt a user’s familiarity!
Then again, utilizing modern applications on a Windows 7-based machine can often slow down background processes and bog down your antiquated systems. Netrix experts are here to assist with your migration from Windows 7 to Windows 10, which was specifically built to streamline these tasks. For all your migration needs such as simplifying navigation, organizing your settings, signing into your account, and automatically connecting to the internet. Plus, Windows 10 has improved its security, is compatible with today’s apps, and supports synchronization with all Android phones. So, what are you waiting for?
Just like Windows 7, Internet Explorer is a comfortable security blanket that even Linus would take a shine to. However, the browser has also seen better days as well as its last incarnation with Internet Explorer 11, the final version of the web browser. Microsoft has stopped supporting previous versions of IE, including 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Even though Internet Explorer 11 has shipped out with the first iteration of Windows 10, it too will eventually have its own ‘Celebration of Life’ party. Microsoft Edge is now the built-in browser on Windows 10, which has been designed and proven compatible with the navigations of the modern web experience. Plus, it’s faster, more secure, and it’s already worked out all the quirky kinks IE has experienced over the years.
To fully enjoy all the features of Windows 10 it’s probably best to do so using a new PC, which will likely come pre-installed with the latest and greatest version of Windows 10. However, you can also use your existing device(s) to download the latest version of Windows 10, too.
For those of you with older machines, you’ll need, for starters: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster compatible processor or System on a Chip (SoC), 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit, and a hard drive of 32 GB or larger. There are other requirements and lucky for you, Netrix experts know these specs backward and are available to make sure you and your company are compatible when the decision to make the upgrade is finally made. For example, some apps may have to be uninstalled from your devices or there may be certain configurations taken into consideration for your devices or you may have to free up space on your device before the upgrade-just make sure you contact our Netrix experts to figure it all out. They’d be happy to help.
All set? Ready to face Windows 7 End of Life & migrate to Windows 10? Good. Remember, just because Microsoft is throwing a huge ‘End of Life’ party for Windows 7 end of support, it doesn’t mean you’ve come to a complete dead-end regarding your Windows software. There’s still time to investigate viable alternatives and options that make the most sense for you and your company, and Netrix would like to help in any way possible. The Windows 7 OS has served us well, but the party is finally over. You don’t have to go home, but you certainly can’t stay here. Please call your share rides or cabs and get home safe to your home and computer with all the new Windows 10 features.
