Coming January 14, 2020 Microsoft is announcing the end of support for the Windows 7 Operating System.

What does this mean for your system? This means the endpoints for antivirus will no longer be supported by the platform and no patches, updates, or extended security measures will be offered. Although your hardware can still operate on the Windows 7 Platform this puts systems at risk for encryption, ransomware, and viruses.

To learn how to migrate away from Windows 7 read below.

The biggest threat that comes with the End of Life (EOL) for Windows 7 is the security vulnerabilities. With your security subject to multiple risks this directly effects downtime and business continuity.

Deciding to make the upgrade? 

NetMarketShare states that 40.88% of users are still using the Windows 7 operating system. Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 can have a number of benefits for businesses. Both these operating systems offer similar layouts and interfaces, and because they are both Microsoft platforms the upgrade process is fairly easy.

There are a few requirements your hardware must meet in order for Windows 10 to operate. Those include

-      Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor or SoC

-      RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit

-      Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS 20 GB for 64-bit OS

-      Graphics Card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver

-      Display: 800 x 600 resolution

If you are looking to make the upgrade to Windows 10, you can start the process easily after buying a copy and installing the program on your system. However, there are a number of other factors associated with the Windows 10 upgrade. First, you will need a Windows 10 license. This license can be costly, so there are a number of other options companies can consider.

If your hardware doesn’t meet the requirements listed above, another option is purchasing new hardware that is already installed with Windows 10. This will allow you to easily move your files and data from a hard drive. 

If a new system is not an option, you can also upgrade your PC. This is a cost-effective option for businesses that only need minor upgrades to their system to support Windows 10.

With the EOL approaching for Windows 7, it is important to make sure your system and data are secure and decide which migration option works best for you. For questions, contact us at Advanced Business to help your business advance.