There’s no more support from Microsoft for any problems in Windows 7, including security vulnerabilities, but if you’ve still got machines on it, you’re not alone. Although it’s over a year since end of support for Windows 7, some surveys show as many as 20% of systems are still on that operating system. The challenges of 2020 provided a ready-made excuse for not moving ahead with upgrades, but as life returns to normal in 2021, it’s time to take steps to migrate to Windows 10 and to mitigate the risk of any systems that can’t be upgraded.

Options for Windows 7 Retirement

Unless you have business justification for moving to another platform entirely, the solution for Windows 7 end of support is to upgrade those systems to Windows 10. Not only will you be back on a supported platform, you’ll gain new features, including cloud support. The release includes advanced security features and easier management.

The migration to Windows 10 also provides an opportunity to switch to Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365). Microsoft 365 provides cloud-based access to office productivity software, including email and desktop productivity tools.

Options for Remaining on Windows 7

Some systems’ hardware or workloads may not be compatible with Windows 10. Because Windows 7 isn’t “broken” and still works, you can continue to run those non-upgradeable apps on the old platform. However, it’s important to make sure the Windows 7 boxes are well-protected with the latest antivirus and other security tools. Consider purchasing Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates, which will provide critical support up to 2023. You can also move all your Windows 7 systems to a separate network with limited access to protect them from attacks.

You can reduce your Windows 7 support requirements by migrating to Windows 7 in Microsoft Azure’s Windows Virtual Desktop. This enables users to have Windows 10 machines and still be able to access Windows 7 applications if necessary.

Get Help Solving Windows 7 Upgrade Issues

The switch to Windows 10 doesn’t need to be complicated. Microsoft provides a number of tools to help ease the process, including an app directory to check compatibility and desktop analytics to generate migration recommendations.

Working with an experienced IT services firm like Prescient Solutions can also simplify your Windows 10 migration, as well as provide support for any other Microsoft challenges. As a Microsoft partner, Prescient Solutions brings expertise to its comprehensive Microsoft support offerings. Our support includes desktop and server deployment and management, along with Office 365, Azure cloud, and other Microsoft technologies. Contact Prescient Solutions to get your systems off Windows 7.