At the beginning of next year, Microsoft will finally call time on providing support to users of Windows 7. From January 2020, you will no longer receive any security updates targeted at the aging operating system (OS), which was released in 2009.
The announcement from Microsoft could pose a problem for a huge volume of users, as it’s revealed that around 40% of computers around the world are currently using Windows 7. For small business owners, it may be possible to pay for extended support, though it will come at a cost. But for personal, home users, the news is much worse — you will no longer receive security patches to protect against new viruses and other threats,s potentially putting your personal data at risk.
Your options
Of course, you could accept and finally make the switch from Windows 7 to Windows 10. The newer operating system receives all of the official Microsoft security patches and updates. And you can easily get help with problems through the official channels of customer support. However, you may be dubious about updating to the new OS after reading some of our more recent articles.
At the beginning of January, we reported how Microsoft were pushing automatic, forced upgrades on some users in months and years gone by. Some people found that their computers were upgraded to the newer Windows 10 operating system without their permission being sought first. Though the operating system was free for a period, there are many users who have suffered problems with the OS, such as disappearing files, as we reported back in October 2018.
And more recently, it was revealed that one Finnish user was awarded damages from Microsoft after the forced upgrade process broke his PC. The official channels of customer support were unable to offer a solution, resulting in a consumer rights organisation awarding over 1,000 Euros to the PC user.
Still, you are essentially left with two options. You can disable the forced update process, as highlighted in the above linked articles, or you can go ahead and upgrade to Windows 10. Should you choose to remain on a Windows 7 PC, it’s important to remember that you won’t get the same protection against malware and other threats to your computer.
WiseGuys can help
If you need help deciding what to do about the operating system you’re currently running, or you’re not sure on how to check what version you have, then get in touch with WiseGuys on 0808 123 2820. We can help you to find your current version, as well as discuss whether you should consider upgrading.
Recent Comments