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What Windows 7 End of Life Means for Your Organization

It’s the battle of the operating systems: Windows 7 vs. Windows 10. You probably use one of these operating systems to send emails, communicate with customers and clients and access software.

Windows 7 is more popular than Windows 10 right now, but experts predict that the latter will overtake the former and have more users by December. And here’s another good reason to switch – Microsoft is officially ending support in January of 2020. Without support, Windows 7 will become vulnerable to cyberthreats stemming from a lack of patches. It’ll also provide a feature-limited user experience. 

In short, Windows 7 end of life spells out trouble for outdated PCs. If you still need convincing, here are even more reasons to upgrade to Windows 10.

1. Improve your security credentials

Upgrading to Windows 10 might sound like a big deal, but it’s packed full of features that could provide you with data recovery, network security, compliance, and password management. Case in point: Microsoft Passport. It’s an alternative way to protect your passwords when browsing the web, and it’s only available on Windows 10.

Other brand-spankin’ new security features include Windows Hello, which provides you with the security you need when using your device and data, and cloud access management solution Microsoft Azure Active Directory.

Research shows that Windows 10 is just more secure than Windows 7 — definitely something you should consider if you handle valuable customer data and private business information. One study suggests that Window’s most recent operating system is twice as secure as the older version.

2. Improve your productivity

Windows 10 can streamline productivity in your office and solve many of the problems associated with older operating systems like Windows 7. First off, there’s a brand new web browser. It’s called Microsoft Edge, which and it replaces Internet Explorer. Browsing the internet has never been easier — you can even access Cortana, Microsoft’s voice assistant, from any tab or window.

Other new features include Task View, which allows you to control your desktop by quickly opening and closing programs. Have you been using Windows 7 for a while? you’ll find the start menu on Windows 10 a huge change, too. It features live tiles from your favorite apps — a feature that Microsoft introduced in Windows 8.

If you want to optimize performance in the workplace, Windows 10 can help. There are various apps that help you manage documents and share information with colleagues.

Take PDFs, for example: “There are a ton of new features in Windows 10 that makes opening, editing and creating PDFs easier than ever before,” says Tech Radar. “For instance, in Windows 10 you can create PDFs from, well, anything by using the Microsoft Print to PDF option as a printer.”

3. More support

Microsoft discontinued mainstream support for its Windows 7 operating system back in 2015. Although users can still access extended support, this will end, too. (As mentioned previously, Windows 7 support stops in January 2020.) If you are still using Windows 7, this means Microsoft won’t support your operating system in just over a year.

“Your computer will still work, but you will be vulnerable to exploits and bugs after January 14, 2020,” says Joe Anslinger from Lieberman Technologies. “I would advise you to begin planning your company’s transition to Windows 10 now, well in advance of the 2020 deadline. The sooner you begin these plans the more time you will have to address issues while Windows 7 is still supported.”

You may be comfortable using Windows 7 in your office, but making the switch to Windows 10 could provide you with a heap of benefits. Microsoft’s most recent operating system provides you with full support, more security and threat management and loads of new features that increase productivity and optimize performance.

Windows 10 – The next generation

(Wait, what happened to Windows 9?!)

 

Windows 10 Family

The New Windows 10 Family

 

Recently Microsoft launched the Enterprise Technical Preview of Windows 10. This will be the direct successor to Windows 8, with an estimated formal release in late Q2 2015. Microsoft reportedly skipped the “Windows 9” name to underscore the new direction it is taking with its multi-platform OS and to avoid consumer perception this follows the old tick tock ‘cycle’ (i.e. Vista = problematic, Windows 7 = good, Windows 8 = problematic, Windows 8.1 = stable, etc.) It is also reported this may be the last major version of Windows OS.

Versions of Windows 10 are planned for devices running both ARM and x86 processors including Xbox, Windows phones, tablets, convertible laptops and desktops. The new OS will be responsive meaning it can adapt the GUI to better serve the host hardware — tablet and touchscreen all-in-one desktop versions will provide different input options / features depending on whether a mouse / keyboard / dock is present.

 

Windows 10 Screenshot

Windows 10 Screenshot

 

Windows 10 marks the return of the Windows (‘Start’) Menu — a hybrid offering Windows 7-like ‘Start’ menu layout combined with Metro applications. The Metro section is dynamic (shrinks / grows based on pinned / removed apps) and can also be resized at will (all Metro apps can be removed if preferred.) Other new OS functionality includes:

 

  • Windowed Applications – All applications (including Metro apps) will now run in a resizable window
  • Quadrant Active Desktop Layout – Up to four windowed apps can be snapped onto the same screen, sharing focus. Windows will now also provide tips for better utilization (visibility / work flow) of active / background apps. Overall snapping apps in Windows 10 is better handled
  • Windows Search – Web searches are now also included in results (as web links)
  • Task Preview – This new task bar button gives an overview of all opened windows. It is different than Windows 8.1’s ALT-TAB window manager and a little more like Mac OS X’s Exposé
  • Virtual Desktops – Multiple virtual desktops are better handled with integrated indicators to allow easier switching and application management
  • Command Prompt – This features an ‘Expert’ mode which finally (!) gives the option for enabling shortcut pasting (CTRL-V)

 

Microsoft indicated the Windows 10 Technical Preview only demonstrates a fraction of the planned new functionality. A more consumer focused Technical Preview is estimated to be released in early Q1 2015 which could demonstrate further features.

Microsoft says Windows 10  is redesigned to allow for more frequent and seamless updates. Patches are planned to be more responsive, being released in one to three days as opposed to the current weeks or month release cycle. Reportedly all future Windows 10 upgrades will be more frequent (at least yearly), be incremental (10.x) and will be free (matching Apple’s current OS model.) Indeed according to Microsoft Windows 10 itself will be a free upgrade.

 

Windows 10 is available from July 29th, 2015. Businesses will welcome its return to a more familiar interface while also providing enhanced security and functionality.  To learn more contact RWA today and schedule your free IT health check .