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WHAT IS WINDOWS 7 END OF LIFE?

Microsoft will terminate support of Windows 7 on January 14, 2020. This means Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, software updates, or  technical support for devices running Windows 7. The reason is simple—supporting the outdated Windows 7 is too costly. The ultimate goal for Microsoft is to commit fewer resources to Windows 7 and focus more on making Windows 10 as secure as possible against threats.

 

Many people are also unaware that support for Internet Explorer on Windows 7 devices will be discontinued on January 14, 2020, as well. As a component of Windows operating system, Internet Explorer follows the same support lifecycle.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU? 

Not much will change in your day-to-day usage of Windows 7. You’ll be able to continue doing most of the things you do now: browse the web (with the exception of Internet Explorer), use Microsoft Word and Excel, hook up to your printer, etc.

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The difference is that your device will be extremely vulnerable to security breaches and malware. That means any computer or server running Windows 7 will be completely exposed to serious hacker attacks aimed at taking control of your network, stealing data, crashing your system. Cybercriminals are

already preparing to attack, knowing that users will be vulnerable without those security updates.

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According to Alexey Pankratov, enterprise solutions manager at the security firm, Kaspersky, the cost of a security breach in your system may be substantially higher than the cost of upgrading. “This is why we recommend that customers migrate to supported versions and ensure that additional security tools are in place during the transition period."

WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?

The best and most viable option is to replace Windows 7 PCs and devices with new Windows 10 PCs and devices. Updating an existing Windows 7 PC is not recommended. There are a few reasons for this.

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  • Not all PCs will support Windows 10.

  • Many updates that occur AFTER January 14, 2020 won’t work on Windows 7 converted PCs.

  • Older PCs are quickly becoming obsolete.

  • Newer PCs have the best performance and a one year warranty.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU’RE RUNNING WINDOWS 7?

Look at the bottom left of the start screen.

Windows 10 start screen with logo

Windows 7 start screen with logo

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