Microsoft has announced that official support for this OS will end on January 14, 2020. While computers running this OS may continue to function beyond that date, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates or patches. Running this OS beyond January 14th would represent a significant security risk to your organization.
Aligned has been planning with our clients over the past year to prepare for this. While January may seem far off, now is the time to start contemplating the options, making decisions, and developing plans. Generally, we recommend a 3-5-year life span on end-user laptops or desktops. As it relates to upgrading to Windows 10, we commonly recommend three options:
- Buying a replacement PC with Windows 10 installed
- We don’t recommend upgrading computers to Windows 10 older than four years old. These should be replaced as they are more prone to run into issues with upgrading and would need replacement the following year. For anything older than five years, we highly recommend replacing it.
- Review Windows 10 system requirements
- Buying an upgrade license to be applied to the current PC (subject to PC’s age and capabilities)
- The cost to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro is $199.99 per computer. This can take up to an hour to install and does not wipe out any existing data. Upgrades can also be done remotely and do not require an onsite visit. Before upgrading, the Aligned technician must do a quick remote session on the computer to ensure they are compatible.
- Changing your licensing model or current Office 365 subscription to “Microsoft 365 Business”, which includes a free upgrade to Windows 10 (subject to PC’s age and capabilities)
- If you are considering moving to O365 and/or are already on it, this may be the optimal solution! Yes, M365 is different than O365 and includes an upgrade OS license. With the Business plan, you get only an upgrade license for Win 10 Pro. This means you must have a valid Windows 7 or 8 license from which you can upgrade.
Check out “5 Common Mistakes for SMBs to Avoid as Windows 7 and Server 2008 Demise Looms” from our friends at TechGen.
