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Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 last month (January 14). The software company has retired the aging operating system after more than a decade of use.

This doesn’t mean your computer will stop working suddenly, but you’ll no longer receive software updates, technical support or any security patches to avoid viruses or malware.

According to Microsoft, 34% of small and medium-sized businesses in Australia still have PCs running Windows 7.

We encourage any business to seriously consider moving to a newer operating system like Windows 10 to stop the potential of costly downtime from needless IT problems or cyber-attack.

Why Should I Move to Windows 10?

Like it or not, even if you don’t want to move to Windows 10 now, eventually you’ll have little choice. PC makers are already bundling Windows 10 into new computers, with no option to downgrade to Windows 7.

What Does Windows 10 Offer?

• Speed: Windows 10 reduces unnecessary start-up processes resulting in a faster overall user experience
• Usability: Things like touchscreen capability, universal applications, and tighter sync between multiple devices
• Security: Windows 7 is far more likely to be targeted by a ransomware attack. Past data provided by Microsoft has shown that Windows 7 devices are three times more prone to ransomware than Windows 10 devices

Low Cost

One way to reduce the costs of upgrading is to consider switching your business to the cloud.

Businesses can avoid the upfront cost and complexity of owning and maintaining their own IT software and other infrastructure, and instead simply pay for what they use and when they use it.

Businesses of any size can now rent access from a cloud service provider to applications and storage which can be tailored to suit their individual requirements.

It gives business certainty in budgeting, the flexibility of software options, and the reliability of backup and support.

If your business is still using Windows 7, we recommend you begin planning for its end of life date. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, Think Technology Australia can assist you in that planning and help you create a schedule for the transition. We can help you implement a number of solutions to help ensure a smooth transition to a more modern and secure operating system.