Windows 10 has officially taken over, bringing with it faster speeds and a more intuitive interface. But while there’s plenty to love about the latest Windows update, many PC users continue to resist all signs of change. Several stubbornly rely on Windows 7, often because they dread learning about and adjusting to a new system. Unfortunately, this refusal to adopt Windows 10 could ultimately prove damaging, as support for its predecessor will no longer be available as of January 2020.

What Will Happen When Support Ends for Windows 7?

Technically, support for Windows 7 ceased nearly five years ago – mainstream support officially ended on January 13th, 2015. However, Microsoft offered the option of extended support, with the official End of Life (EOL) scheduled for January 14th, 2020.

Once the official EOL has arrived, Windows Update will no longer provide technical assistance or software updates. However, you’ll still be able to use Windows 7 on your PC – and you can even install or activate the operating system after support ends.

Without regular updates, your computer could become extremely vulnerable to viruses and other security threats. Unfortunately, this is only the beginning. Additional changes in store include the following:

No More Support for Internet Explorer – As of January 14th, support for Internet Explorer will end on Windows 7 devices. Because Internet Explorer is a key component of Windows, it closely follows the support timeline of any operating system on which it is installed.
Changes to Microsoft Office – Depending on your current setup, you may still be able to take advantage of Microsoft Office if you neglect to switch to Windows 10. In fact, in the interest of maintaining a stable experience for Office 365 users, Microsoft will continue to provide security updates for an additional three years. This is primarily intended as a transition period, which will allow users to seamlessly shift from using Office 365 on Windows 7 to a supported operating system such as Windows 10.

Why Upgrading Is Essential for Richmond Businesses

Upgrading to Windows 10 is strongly advisable – especially before support for Windows 7 ceases in January. This is particularly true if you run a company that still relies on this operating system. Minimal support can prompt a whole host of problems for household users, but these concerns may prove far more dire for businesses, which are increasingly vulnerable to hacking and other malicious behavior.

Once you update your system, you’ll wonder why you insisted on clinging to Windows 7 in the first place. Upon upgrading, your household or business will enjoy the following benefits:

A User-Friendly Interface – If you’re like the average Windows 7 devotee, your loyalty to this outdated operating system derives, in part, from its highly accessible interface. Thankfully, upgrading to Windows 10 doesn’t mean giving up this major benefit. Like Windows 7, Windows 10 boasts an intuitive interface that’s extremely easy to navigate.
A Universal Approach – With past operating systems, interoperability was not a chief concern. However, that has all changed, as Microsoft seeks to provide a cohesive “platform convergence journey.” Ideally, the same apps will be capable of running across multiple Windows devices. This will benefit the many users who frequently switch between smartphones and computers. In a business setting, greater interoperability could dramatically improve both productivity and customer service.
Cortana – Windows 10 comes equipped with Microsoft’s answer to Siri, a voice-activated assistant known as Cortana. Granted complete control over search functions, Cortana can be relied upon to locate hidden settings, retrieve essential files, or provide answers to urgent questions.
Continuous Updates – It’s time to bid farewell to disruptive updates. Windows 10 offers an approach that looks, in many ways, like Apple’s rolling upgrade system. Essentially, Microsoft has integrated an as-a-service model. This could make updates easier to implement, thereby saving both residential users and business owners considerable time while also promoting greater security.

Upgrading to Windows 10 may seem like an annoying ordeal, but it could prove extremely beneficial for your home or business. Therefore, the sooner you take care of this essential step, the better. If you’re struggling to get started, don’t hesitate to seek help from an expert. You’ll ultimately thank yourself for investing in better data security and a more efficient operating system.

Contact a Trusted IT Company in Richmond, VA

Still reluctant to switch to Windows 10? Seek help from a friendly expert who can guide you through the process! With NerdsToGo in your corner, you just might discover that you’re ready to upgrade to Windows 10 and Windows 12.

However, at NerdsToGo, software updates are only the beginning. Our Nerds offer a wide array IT services for small businesses, including computer repairs and cloud data backup. Contact us today to learn more!