Businesses moving from Windows 7 to Windows 10 as end of support nears

Most Microsoft products have a defined lifecycle, at the end of which Microsoft terminates support for that product. January 2020 sees the end of support (EOS) for Windows 7 – the operating system launched in 2009, and for many years forming the IT bedrock for a high number of businesses. In the UK, 21.94% of computers running Windows, run Windows 7.

EOS means that after 14 January 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide updates, bug or security fixes for Windows 7 (although some emergency security patches may be offered) – and devices running Windows 7 will therefore become increasingly less efficient, and more vulnerable.

Signs are, this messaging is now increasingly being taken on board.

Various reports are pointing to Windows 7 users moving in growing numbers to Windows 10 – such as the Digital Trends’ article, As end of support nears, Windows 7 users are finally moving to Windows 10, and Computerworld’s Windows by the numbers: Finally, the 7-to-10 migration kicks into high gear.

And the workplace and IT has moved on since 2009.

In addition to removing the risk associated with an out of support product, a move to Windows 10 gives businesses a newer, up-to-date product, more relevant for today’s workplace.

Users of Windows 7 will experience a range of benefits and improvements on migrating to Windows 10 - including;

• Improved operating speed
• Enhancements to functionality and usability
• A range of security improvements

For more information...

Keir Nolan, Cobweb’s Head of Operational Support Services, says, “It’s encouraging to see businesses realising the seriousness of the implications of end of support.

“However, there are many organisations out there still “relying on an operating system that soon won’t get security patches”, and which includes almost 50% of SMBs, according to CSO Online.

“If you’d like more information about Windows 7 end of support, take a look at our eBook, Microsoft Windows 7 & Office 2010 end of support (EOS). This paper also looks at migration options for Office 2010, which comes out of support later in 2020 – in October – and if you’re a businesses with both Windows 7 and Office 2010 , it’s worth considering a move now to Microsoft 365. Cobweb also offers a comprehensive managed service for Microsoft 365 which increasing numbers of customers are taking advantage of”.

The Cobweb team will also be very happy to help with advice and support.