Windows 7 – The End

We authored a blog on Win7 back in 2016…it was on end of sale of the popular OS. Arguably, one of the most popular operating systems of all time, certainly Microsoft’s most popular…or was. One that has lasted even longer than Microsoft expected…GA – generally available in October 2009, Microsoft has announced the end of extended support for this uber popular OS. We still have a number of clients with Windows 7 in production. As of January 2020, there will be no more updates or security patches.

As of a year ago, it is estimated that were are 1.25 billion Windows PC’s running. As of April 2017, an estimated 48% were running Windows 7…and those numbers are rapidly changing (upgrading from Win 7 to Win 10). I would still estimate there to be 100,000’s of Win 7 instances out there.

Do you have any systems running Windows 7?  We authored a blog on Winows 7 back in 2016…referencing the end of sale of Win 7 (on OEM devices). If so, now is the time to plan for updating those systems. Assuming that your Windows 7 system is 4-5 years old, the good news is Windows 10 devices have:

  • 5x better performance
  • Much longer battery life on laptops and notebooks
  • Much faster startup

Some of the main benefits of switching to Windows 10 Pro PC’s are:

  1. Built-in Security
  2. Seamless integration – most Windows 7 apps are compatible with Windows 10
  3. Superior wifi – security and performance

With all the hardware enhancements that continue to come out, it is a good time to review what users’ needs are. The following can be a good start:

  • Total # of devices & users – mobile and desktop
  • Can we group users together – task workers, power users, special requirements
  • Current inventory – # of Win 7, Win 10, other OS (Chromebook, Mac, etc.)
  • Lifecycle management considerations – refresh intervals and rolling or roll out
  • Displays/Monitors – size, resolution, price & # (single, dual, etc.)

Once the inventory and overview has been completed, there are options and considerations as to how and what to do. You can keep your existing devices or buy new and upgrade. You can look at endpoint protection. You can look at tools and systems to monitor, update and/or proactively manage your desktop environment.

Our team has worked with several clients on desktop roll outs and desktop deployments. There are lots of options. If you need help or just don’t have the time, let us know.

 

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