As of January 2020, Windows 7 will no longer be supported….. What does that mean and what do I need to do?
According to StatCounter, nearly 27 percent of all Windows users in the U.S. are still running Windows 7. As we are approaching the 2020 deadline, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of the changes and how it may impact you and your business.
WhAt DOES END OF SUPPORT MEAN FOR ME
Once support for Windows 7 ends, Microsoft will no longer produce updates for the operating system. This will prohibit certain Microsoft features such as the faster search bar or improvements to Microsoft’s digital assistant Cortana. Features are nice, but the biggest concern is that you will be cut off from security updates. Not having the secuirty updates will put you and your data at much greater risk.
I have Anti-virus software, IS THAT ENOUGH
While anti-virus software can protect you from malicious software, a Microsoft says it may still leave you vulnerable to “sophisticated attacks like phishing and ransomware” if your operating system no longer receives the necessary security updates.
So what do i need to upgrade to
Come January, Windows 8.1 and 10 will be the only versions supported by Microsoft. If your laptop runs Windows 8.1 (a free upgrade from Windows 8), you’ll continue to get updates until January 2023. We do not recommed this route though…. your best bet is to upgrade to windows 10. To find out more about the differences between Windows 8.1 and 10, check out this article in How to Geek.
The GOOD news is ….. Windows 10 users should receive at least six more years of support, based on Microsoft’s history.
HOw much is Windows 10 GONNA COST
Well you have 2 options:
You can either have a professional IT Company, like AIT, Install it for you which is the surefire way to avoid data loss. Albuquerque Information Technology (AIT) only charges the cost of the software and standard bench time which runs $229.
You may also download Windows 10 from the Microsoft website or buy the software on a thumb drive from a retailer such as Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart. Either way, the upgrade will cost you $140 at minimum.
You may either install the software yourself using the detailed instructions provided by Microsoft, you reboot your PC and follow the on-screen prompts.
Before you begin that process, it is essential to perform a backup of your computers data to an external drive or in cloud storage just to be safe.
Keep in mind that you’ll need at least 8GB of free space to download Windows 10 from Microsoft.
It is a good practice to loading the software onto a blank DVD or a USB thumb drive to start.