Windows 7 is Less Than 60 Days Away from Retirement

On October 22, 2009, Microsoft released Windows 7 and on January 14, 2020 they officially discontinue support for the software. Many businesses still use Windows 7 and we’re here to make sure you are prepared for the software change and take appropriate steps now to prepare your organization for January 2020. 

With less than 60 days until the launch of Windows 10, it is time to update your computer from Windows 7 to Windows 10.  

What does the discontinuation of Windows 7 mean for you?

• If your PC is running Windows 7 after January 14, 2020, it will no longer receive security updates. 
• If you’re in a regulated industry you’re likely required to use software that still receiving security updates from the manufacturer in order to be compliant. 
• After January 14, 2020 Windows 7 will be the new “Windows XP” and will be red flagged during IT assessments as a security risk.

If you’re a business and run Windows 7, here’s what we recommend:

• If your computer was manufactured less than 3 years ago:
  1. If it’s less than 3 years old, you may have rights to Windows 10 Pro for free.
  2. Manufacturers were selling Windows 10 Pro computers with a downgraded Windows 7 operating system (for software compatibility issues) as recently as just last year. 
  3. Ask your IT company about this strategy. 

• If your computer is over 3 years old:
  1. You can buy a Windows 10 Pro retail copy for $199 and squeeze more life out of your computer. We do not recommend using a computer past 5 years, as it will be more likely to experience hardware failure and have trouble keeping up with modern demands of business software.
  2. You can replace the computer with a modern Windows 10 Pro machine. Please note that the computer hardware industry is experiencing massive Intel CPU shortages (read our blog about it here) and it’s difficult to find Intel computers in stock. Get with your IT company sooner rather than later to start the process.
  3. Your final option is buying an “Extended security update” 12 month subscription from Microsoft for $50 a device if your Windows 7 was purchased via Open Licensing. This should only be used in special situations, such as if your proprietary application only works on Windows 7 for now and you need another year to move to Windows 10. If you’re not on Open Licensing, this can be very expensive path to keeping Windows 7.

To learn more about the software: 

1. Visit the Microsoft website for Windows 10 software purchase options. Microsoft recommends purchasing a new Microsoft computer for maximal Windows 10 functionality. PK Tech can guide you through the purchase or update process to ensure proper compatibility and functionality. To contact PK Tech, click here. 
2. To read more information about Windows 10 versus Windows 7, click here. 

Please reach out to us if you need assistance reviewing your IT fleet for Windows 7 and for a solution to get to Windows 10 for a maximum return on your IT investment. If you’re interested in getting a quote for any PK Tech services, we’re always here to help answer any questions and provide more information. To contact PK Tech, click here.

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