Windows 7 Upgrade – Will Windows 7 Work in 2020?

Windows 7 will no longer be supported by Microsoft in 2020. Find out if this operating system will continue to function after it loses support.  

Microsoft has announced that it will no longer be supporting Windows 7 as of January 14, 2020, despite the fact that it continues to run on millions of computers around the world. In light of this announcement, many businesses are now wondering whether they will be able to continue using Windows 7 in the new year.

Will Windows 7 Stop Working in 2020?

Even after January 14, Windows 7 will continue to operate. However, no further updates will be released for this operating system after this date. As a result, continuing to use this outdated system after support has ended is not recommended.

What Happens if I Keep Using Windows 7?

Because Windows 7 will continue to function even after Microsoft’s support ends, it may be tempting to continue with business as usual. However, if you decide to keep using Windows 7, you will face certain risks. Some of the risks of continuing to use Windows 7 include:

  • No support from Microsoft – Perhaps the most obvious drawback of continuing to use Windows 7 after January is the lack of ongoing support from Microsoft. If you have a problem, you won’t be able to reach out to Microsoft for assistance.
  • Security risks – With Microsoft no longer offering updates or support, users of Windows 7 will become vulnerable to security risks, such as viruses and other malware. It is possible to purchase extended security support through January 2023, but even this extended support is temporary.
  • Inefficiency – Windows 7 lacks the level of efficiency available from newer operating systems. If you choose to continue using this operating system after its support has expired, your system won’t be performing as well as it would be if you had upgraded.

Upgrading from Windows 7

The best step you can take to protect your company after Windows 7 loses support in 2020 is to upgrade to a newer operating system. For most companies, this will involve a simple upgrade to Windows 10. At this time, there is no longer an option to upgrade to Windows 10 for free, so you will need to purchase a license. However, all companies should be able to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 without losing any of their essential data or the functionality of their programs. If you aren’t sure whether Windows 10 is the right solution for you, you can even test this operating system before making the switch permanent.

The upgrade to Windows 10 may be confusing for some businesses. If you need help upgrading your operating system prior to 2020, considering consulting a professional for support.