According to several online surveys, including Windows IT Pro, more than 30% of Windows-based computers in the United States are still running Windows 7. This includes many small businesses that may lack the necessary internal IT support and/or available budget for costly upgrades. Does your organization have PCs that are still running Windows 7? If so, January 14, 2020 is a critical date for you. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss why 1/14/2020 is so important for Windows 7 users and what the options are for moving forward.

Microsoft recently announced that January 14, 2020 is the last day it will support Windows 7. Here’s the key quote from that announcement: “If you continue to use Windows 7 after support has ended, your PC will still work, but it will become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses because you will no longer receive software updates, including security updates, from Microsoft.” With that in mind, businesses that have PCs running Windows 7 will have essentially three options – although one of those options is not remotely viable or advisable, so it’s really just two legitimate options. Let’s discuss:

The option that is neither viable nor advisable is to do nothing. PowerObjects strongly advises against this due to the security risks and virus vulnerability. Similarly, Microsoft strongly recommends upgrading to Windows 10 before 1//14/2020 “to avoid a situation where you need service or support that is no longer available.” So, let’s take this one off the table – leaving you two good options.

Your very best option is to upgrade to Windows 10, which is a much more robust and powerful operating system than Windows 7. Please be aware that it may not be as simple as installing Windows 10 on your older PCs, as some Windows 7 devices are not compatible with Windows 10. In these cases, you will likely need to purchase new PCs that are pre-loaded with the latest version of Windows. In either case – upgrading your software/licenses or purchasing new PCS, there will of course be an associated one-time cost, but it is worth it to avoid risks and to benefit from a better system. Note that PowerObjects can help you procure these licenses.

Your other option, which will save you a little money in the short run but will end up being more expensive long term, is to purchase the Windows 7 Extended Security Updates. If your plan is to continue running Windows 7 on your PCs after January 14, 2020, the extended support is an absolute must. The cost is $50/PC for 2020. Note that once again PowerObjects can help you procure these licenses.

For more information on our procurement process, and to see all the associated benefits of getting your licenses through PowerObjects, please see our Licensing Fact Sheet. When you’re ready (which needs to be soon!), please give us a call. As always, we are here to help!