Microsoft End extended support for Windows 7, Should you upgrade to Windows 10.

Do you use Windows 7?

Microsoft will End extended support for Windows 7 on 14^th of January 2020.

What does this mean for you if you are still using Windows 7?

I am sure many of you will remember when Microsoft stopped support for Windows XP, and forcing you to upgrade to Windows 7 or higher. Well I’m afraid you will be in that position again.

Microsoft’s Operating System have two different types of support – Mainstream support and   Extended support.

Mainstream Support lasts for 5 years after its release date. In short these updates include extra features and functions as well as bug fixes within the operating system and programs which are included within Windows 7. Most importantly these fixes eliminate security problems. Windows 7 mainstream support ended in January 2015.

Extended Support Since 2015 you wouldn’t have been receiving any new features or functions on Windows 7. However, if your computer is setup to update automatically or you have manually updated your operating system you will have received critical security updates. These are very important if you use the internet to protect your personal information and data.

If your computer isn’t connected to the Internet and you’re just using your computer as a glorified typewriter, then you don’t need to worry about support from Microsoft and you can continue using Windows 7. However, if you are using Windows 7 with the Internet then it would be wise to think about upgrading to the latest version of Windows 10. At the very least you should make sure you have all the latest updates for Windows 7. You can find out how to update Windows 7 by viewing the instructions on the How to update Windows 7 page.

If you do not upgrade from Windows 7, then you will leave your computer and personal data vulnerable to be accessed by third parties. Criminals could also access your address book and send emails to your friends, colleagues and family and the emails will look as if they are from you. These emails could contain viruses or, as is often the case, could inform the recipient that you are in trouble and need their help by sending you money which obviously ends up in the hands of the criminal.

These criminals can also access any data that you store on your computers which may include family photos, bank details and other personal data. When fixing computers, I often see people who have scanned documents on to their computers such as driving licence, bank statements, passport and other personal data which could lead to problems in the wrong hands.

You could also fall prey to ransomware which could lock your computer and encrypt personal data followed by a demand for payment, generally not a small amount, to unlock your computer and data.

How to upgrade to Windows 10

To upgrade to Windows 10 you will need to purchase a Windows 10 license. This cost around £100. If you purchase a license for less than this please make sure that it is a copy, if it is you could find that Microsoft will stop updates and features from working in months to come as they are tightening up on illegal copies of their software. If they do this you will end up on spending more money on a legal version of the operating system.

You will also need to make sure that your computer is fully backed-up. I would recommend a fresh install which would involve backing up your data, deleting everything on your computer, installing windows 10 and your software and finally restoring your data. You could use the ‘run’ the ‘upgrade’ function, however this would mean that any issues you currently have may also transfer to Windows 10.

If you would like help in upgrading to Windows 10, please contact us for a quote.