As you may have heard, Microsoft will be saying its official goodbye to Windows 7 on January 14, 2020. The “end of life” of an operating system means that they will no longer be releasing any of the updates that keep it safe and secure.
Most people agree that continuing to use an unsupported operating system has major security risks and will put many businesses out of compliance, but that doesn’t change the fact that some people just don’t want to make the switch.
If you fall into that category (I certainly did), don’t fear! I switched to Windows 10 about two years ago and I haven’t looked back since.
It has some cool new features and many people argue that it’s the best operating system Microsoft has ever made.
Related: Learn how to avoid disruption and data breach by planning ahead for your Windows 7 to 10 transition.
Here are a few features and benefits of Windows 10 that may make the switch more exciting:
1. It’s faster! Remember switching from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7 and being blown away at how quickly it could start up and shut down? Windows 10 raises the bar again. It’s a powerful operating system, designed to take advantage of modern computer hardware. It starts up seemingly instantaneously, and applications open quickly. I will warn you though; as with any operating system, if your computer doesn’t meet the minimum suggested specifications, it will be a slow and frustrating experience.
2. The search bar is incredible. Like Windows 7, it can help you search your files and launch applications quickly and easily, but it gets better. It’s powered by Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual assistant. This means that it can also search the web, and even act as a personal assistant. Want to quickly add an appointment to your calendar? Type it into the search bar and Cortana will add it for you.
3. It’s stable. One of the major fears when changing operating systems that it might be worse than what you have now. Windows 10 is already three years old and has a track record of stability, so you won’t have to worry about it crashing in the middle of your projects.
4. You can have separate workspaces. Ever been working on a project and felt like you have way too many windows and tabs open, but you can’t close any because you might need them? You can now use separate “virtual desktops” to help you stay focused. Working in the additional desktop provides a clean slate to focus your efforts on one project at a time. This is especially useful if you’re working on a laptop, or if you only have one monitor.
5. It’s more secure. Microsoft beefed up the security features in Windows 10. It doesn’t replace a firewall and other security layers, but having a more secure operating system will help prevent malware and other threats. Security vendor Webroot compared the number of infections on Windows 7 machines to Windows 10 machines and found that Windows 10 is “twice as secure.”
6. It’s familiar. Windows 10 incorporates many of the features that people love about Windows 7. Many users also find the look and feel to be intuitive, shortening the learning curve. Your Start Menu will be right where you left it, but it’s been given a makeover. And if you really miss Windows 7, you can change the settings to make Windows 10 look almost just like it.
The January 2020 deadline may seem like it’s still too far off to worry about now, but the timeline for businesses to upgrade their Windows 7 machines is shorter than it appears.
Talk to your IT support team now to start planning your transition. They’ll help you figure out which machines need to be upgraded or replaced, as well as plan to minimize cost and disruption.
