On January 14, 2020, Microsoft Windows 7 reached the end of extended support. This means that Microsoft is no longer issuing updates to the Windows 7 operating system. This includes patches and security updates.
Your PC will continue to operate, but new security flaws will not be patched. This means your computers running Windows 7 will be extremely vulnerable to any new malware. Basically: the bad guys will keep finding vulnerabilities, but the good guys will no longer be fixing them. As with all out-of-date software, you have become a very likely target.
Mainstream support, “extended” support and End of Life.
Microsoft generally ends mainstream support five years after the release of an operating system, at which time it goes into extended support. In mainstream support, Microsoft provides security updates, patches, makes design changes and addresses any warranty issues around that version of the operating system. Extended support means Microsoft will continue releasing bug fixes and security patches but stops adding new features and making design changes.
If you are using Windows 8 will continue to receive patches and security updates until January 10, 2023. If you’re on Windows 10 your support will continue beyond that. But End of Life – which is where we’re at with Windows 7 – means all updates cease.
Out of date or unsupported software is one of the top ways that hackers get into your systems. So if you are still running Windows 7 in your business we recommend that you upgrade or replace quickly to ensure you’re using supported software. You can contact us on the form shown below and a member of our team will be happy to reach out to you to schedule an appointment or send you a Windows 7 Upgrade vs Replacement Checklist.
Despite Microsoft’s warnings, 25% of large businesses are still running Windows 7 on desktops according to an IDC survey. If you’re still on Windows 7 – or if you are unsure of that or any other aspect of your cybersecurity defences – please drop us a line. We’d be pleased to review risks with you and recommend next moves. We can also offer you some other tips on how to protect your business.
If you have a security breach, you can reach us in an emergency at 911@padv.ca. But why not use the form below and let us help you prevent a breach before it happens?