Microsoft is ending the support for Windows 7. Your Windows 7 PC will continue to run but will no longer receive updates and could compromise the security of your system as the updates, in addition to adding functionality, include patches to vulnerabilities discovered in the operating system.
This is Microsoft’s official statement and FAQ below.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/windows-7-end-of-life-support-information
What does this mean? I suspect most people will continue to carry on as usual as “it’s not broken” and “still works” attitude. Previous experience with Microsoft will mean you will begin to nagged to move on to Windows 10. I agree that it should be done sooner than later.
The options for you are to either buy a new computer or use a license (new or existing Windows 7) for Windows 10 and install on your existing hardware. In either option, you will need to transfer all of your data to your new or refreshed PC or laptop. This can be done by yourself or get a tech involved to ensure it is comprehensive and painless.
New Computer
BossTech will perform the following steps if you choose to get a new computer;
- Ensure the new computer has the latest updates (its been in a box for a while)
- Reinstall software you had on the old computer (MS Office, Chrome, Firefox, PDF Reader … )
- Transfer the data from old to new. This includes some program setting and favorites.
- You can also remove the old drive and put it in a USB enclosure ($20ish) and use it as a backup drive for your new system AND/OR just keep it as a time capsule of all your data. It will always be accessible.
- Ensure you have a backup strategy in place (Cloud, External drive)
- Recycle your old hardware
Reusing Old Computer
If your old computer is not that old and still performs well, you might consider just upgrading it to Windows 10. It should have processor (CPU) that is 2.1 GHZ or higher and at minimal 8 GB of ram. Anything less and you’ll be disappointed with the results.
You could buy a license as recommended by Microsoft or leverage the existing license you have with Windows 7 to do a fresh install. The official upgrade to Windows 10 from 7 expired long ago. It provided you with a link to do this. What is not commonly known is that the license key for Windows 7 will still activate a fresh install of Windows 10 using a process involving their media creation tool.
If reusing your existing system, I recommend buying a new faster solid state hard drive (SSD). This will greatly increase the speed of your day to day use of your computer (20 second booting) and the conversion to Windows 10 process. This will also ensure your data remains on your old drive versus writing over it. You could put the old drive in a USB enclosure and use it as a backup drive.
BossTech will perform the following steps if you choose to get a new computer;
- Backup your existing data. As an option, you could provide your own external drive (you’ll walk away with a copy) or buy an SSD drive as explained above.
- Install a fresh version of Windows 10 using existing or purchased key. This will wipe your existing drive of all data.
- Ensure the new Windows 10 has the latest updates.
- Reinstall software you had on the old computer (MS Office, Chrome, Firefox, PDF Reader … )
- Put you old drive in a USB enclosure (SSD Option)
- Restore your data back to new Windows 10 version of your PC.
- Ensure you have a backup strategy in place (Cloud, External drive)
Summary
Moving to Windows 10 is inevitable, your going to get there eventually and it’s best to address it early so it’s planned and not the result of a panic response.
If you choose new or reusing your existing hardware, BossTech can manage the transition for you so that it is as seamless as possible.