In case you’ve missed it, Microsoft has announced it will end security updates and technical assistance for Windows 7 operating systems on Jan 14, 2020. That’s right, it’s only six months from date of this post.
Below we list a handful of reasons one should consider upgrading to Windows 10 from security and administration perspectives.
Redmond company will stop support and security updates
Come January 14th, 2020, if you’re running Windows 7, an outdated then OS, you’re vulnerable to hacks, malware threats, exploits and other potential future security flaws, hence you’re putting your company’s systems and data at risk.
Bettered ransomware detection and prevention
Windows 10 has touted a feature to thwart ransomware from locking up a user’s work and personal documents on their computer. That’s big, compared to older versions of Windows that remain more vulnerable to devastating ransomware hits.
Robust antimalware and security toolbox
Windows 10 comes natively with Windows Defender Exploit Guard, which scans for, quarantines and removes malware. Additionally, it includes other tools that can be used to stop zero-day threats and to block and quarantine malicious programs on your computer or office network, as well as to isolate infected computers on the network.
Furthermore, you get the option of subscribing to Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection. It’s a sophisticated, cloud-based service for managing security threats across the network comprised of Windows 10 computers.
Safer web browsing with WDAG
Windows 10 Enterprise and PRO ships with a hidden, free Web browser called Windows Device Application Guard (WDAG) for secure browsing. It lets you use the Edge browser inside a virtual machine (Hyper-V). If you or an employee unknowingly contracts malware by visiting a malicious website, it won’t be able to damage the computer or the network, because it will be confined inside that virtual machine.
Streamlined updates and patches installation with UUP
With release of Windows 10 the update model was moved to the Unified Update Platform (UUP) that significantly streamlines the whole process. UUP identifies new changes to Windows 10 that the system needs and downloads only those specific updates – everything from monthly quality updates to new feature updates.
Alleviate initial set up process of office computers
Windows 10 Autopilot lets the admins set up system configurations that can be downloaded from the cloud onto the business’s Windows 10 computers. You can ship a clean slate computer to a staff member, who then can take it, connect it Internet and it will automatically be configured to your business specific settings. A system configuration can be tailored for different users. This particular feature makes configuring, managing, and resetting your business’s computers easier, faster, and more secure. Pretty cool, eh?
Sync your work between different computers securely
The Timeline feature saves snapshots of the Windows applications you are using at a given point of time. You can then select a snapshot at work to pick up where you left off and continue working on a document or presentation on a different Win 10 computer at home. The requirement is that you are signed into the said computers with your Microsoft user account.
Hopefully you find them compelling enough to take a leap sooner than later. As the initial step in the preparation process, we recommend starting with taking an inventory of hardware as well as applications to be tested for Windows 10 compatibility. This pertains especially to your mission critical business app that drive your business. Start planning and preparing for Windows 7 retirement today.
Up until recently one could still upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Microsoft has taken that option away. However, we can assist with the process and let you upgrade qualified computers without a need of purchasing new Windows 10 licenses.
Contact us to discuss your Windows 10 upgrade path.