Cybersecurity
Windows 7
End of Life
Everything you need to know about how Windows 7 EOL will impact your business.
Connect with usWindows 7 will end of life on January 14th, 2020, and Microsoft has encouraged all its users to upgrade to Windows 10. So, what does this mean? Any unsupported program has an increased risk of spreading malware because it is no longer receiving security updates and patches from developers.
Don’t trust the hype? In 2017, hackers used WannaCry ransomware to exploit vulnerabilities in unpatched Windows 7, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2008 systems. This attack successfully impacted thousands of users, and history often repeats itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Windows 7
It’s Been Awhile...
Some may think that the upgrade to Windows 10 is a money grab for Microsoft. However, they have offered the upgrade for free in the past and have been warning users of the ending support date for the past few years. Let's look at the timeline below!
FAQ’s on Windows 7 End of Life
Have questions regarding the Windows 7 end of life date? We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about the upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
1. What happens after Windows 7 end of life?
After January 14th of 2020, Windows 7 security risks will greatly increase because it will stop receiving security updates and patches from Microsoft. Meaning, if you are still running on Windows 7, your computer can be easily exploited by hackers through the software.
2. Can I still run Windows 7 after it is end of life?
Yes, you can technically still run Windows 7 on your computer but there are many risks involved. See question 3 for more information.
3. What risk am I taking by ignoring the Windows 7 end of life?
Running Windows 7 after end of life will leave users vulnerable to cyberattacks, broken compliance regulations, and application compatibility issues. In the long run, you are costing yourself/your business more money not upgrading to Windows 10.
4. Won't my antivirus protect me?
No, Windows 7 security risks will still be present with or without the use of antivirus. As cybersecurity grows more complex, using antivirus as your standalone security infrastructure isn’t wise. Antivirus can detect viruses based on signatures, but it cannot detect new variants. Therefore, a cyberthreat can easily move past your first line of defense without any trouble.
5. I'm thinking of upgrading to Windows 10. How is it different from Windows 7?
Don't fear the switch to Windows 10! There are not a lot of changes to the platform's overall user functionality. Windows 10 is a great blend of Windows 7 & 8 and is more secure, faster, and performs better on tablets and touch screen devices.
6. How much will it cost for me to upgrade to Windows 10?
There are three pricing models for Microsoft Windows 10: Windows 10 Home ($139.00), Windows 10 Pro ($199.99), and Windows 10 Pro for Workstations ($309.00). Other costs can be incurred if you are relying on a third-party to facilitate the upgrade for your business. These typically depend on the age of your devices (3+ yrs. old), your storage type, the use of hard disk drives (HDD) or solid-state drives (SSD), and what applications you're currently running on your computer.
7. What will happen to my data when I upgrade to Windows 10?
Your data will be safe and sound when upgrading to Windows 10. As with any operating system update, we do encourage you to back up your data beforehand.
8. What happens if I wait until after January 14th to upgrade to Windows 10?
If you wait after Windows 7 reaches end of life to upgrade, you are susceptible to significant security vulnerabilities in the unpatched OS. Microsoft has been talking about Windows 7’s security risks for years now. This is giving hackers a huge advantage to prepare for its expiration and research all the possible vulnerabilities.
