It is still one of the most widely used operating systems. But Microsoft discontinued support for Windows 7 on 14.01.2020. We have summarized the possible consequences for users for you.

Back in December, Microsoft once again pointed out that it would discontinue its support for Windows 7 after more than ten years. If you use the operating system, your computer will continue to work. However, you will have to forgo Microsoft’s support for the following in the future:

• Technical support in case of problems
• Software Updates
• Security updates or bug fixes

In addition, support for the Microsoft Server 2008 and 2008 R2 server operating systems will also be discontinued.

What are the possible consequences of the end of Windows 7 support?

As the operating system with the world’s second largest market share (26.64%) in December 2019, numerous users are affected. It could be particularly unpleasant for the B2B sector:

Long-term consequences for the smooth functioning of your devices

Presumably, your computers will continue to function smoothly for some time. But without updates, you’ll run into problems sooner or later. This is because minor system errors will no longer be fixed and newer programs will no longer be compatible with your older system at some point.

Reduce the security of your endpoints

Without regular software updates, previously undetected security gaps in your systems remain open. New security vulnerabilities due to permanent technical development are also not fixed. Cybercriminals are just waiting for such an opportunity to penetrate foreign systems and pursue their own interests.

Data protection requirements

In the EU General Data Protection Regulation from 2018, Article 5 of the principle requires appropriate technical and organisational measures to be taken to protect personal data in order to ensure an appropriate level of security. In order to assess whether the measures are appropriate, the criterion of “state of the art” is often used. In today’s world, technology is developing at breakneck speed, so protective measures must be based on current developments. This can be doubted when using software that does not install regular security updates. To be on the safe side, you should consult with your data protection officer to be prepared for possible problems in the event of a data protection incident.

Effects on warranty services and the like

You should also keep in mind that some warranty services are only granted if you take sufficient security measures for your devices. The best way to do this is to look in your documents.

What can I do after Windows 7 support ends?

Buy a new device with a new operating system

To avoid the consequential problems of discontinuing support, you can of course buy a new device with the latest operating system. Even though modern devices are usually more powerful, this is of course also associated with a question of cost.

Special support for corporate customers

For enterprise customers of Windows 7 SP1, there is exclusive support that continues to provide security updates – Windows 7 Extended Security Update.

The service will be available for large enterprises as well as small and medium-sized businesses by January 2023. However, it is subject to a fee. Further information can be found here.

Switching to a different operating system

There is also the option to upgrade your system from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Some people report that this is even possible for free and this is how it works:

Prerequisites

(1) You have an official Windows license for Windows 7 that is also activated, OR you have a valid “Windows 10” product key. Note whether the license key refers to the “Home” or “Professional” version. If you only have a “Win10” key for the “Home” version, you may have problems switching from Win7 Professional to Win10 Home.

What can happen? You have to go to the nearest dealer and buy a “Windows 10 Pro” license key there

(2) You have a current backup of your data (data backup).

(3) You have checked all the programs used to make sure that they are also compatible with Windows 10. Sometimes you have to reactivate third-party programs because the operating system has changed.

(4) Your computer can cope with Windows 10 (it is not older than 5 years or was previously technically at a comparable level, ~8GB RAM, at least 12GB free on the hard drive, multi-core CPU)

(5) You have administrator rights for the computer.

(6) Your computer is connected to the Internet and you have enough bandwidth to complete the many downloads of updates that are coming your way.

(7) If you have a network administrator, then he should install the update or at least agree to the project.

Note: Never bypass the administrator!

(8) In the power saving settings, you should not have set the unused PC to shut down automatically in the next hour if you don’t want to shake the mouse regularly. It takes a while to download.

Implementation

1. Go to the following page. On this page, you can download the Media Creation Toolkit by clicking on “Download Tool”. Don’t be confused, the page looks different for “Windows 7” users than for “Windows 10” users. In addition, it is difficult to find on Google and many free-riding sites only claim that they offer the tool. Microsoft doesn’t really want you to upgrade for free so easily and rather sell new Windows 10 licenses.
2. Start the tool (with administrator rights) and select “Upgrade this PC now” and click on “Next”. From now on, it should continue automatically and it will take several hours – depending on your internet connection – for all files to be downloaded and the upgrade to go through. All other questions of the tool can be answered by the user without further ado. Please note: During the download, the tool still shows the “Next” button – don’t click again, no matter how boring it gets. Only when the tool displays new messages or the upgrade finally starts, you have to become active again. Unfortunately, the buttons remain unchanged after the click.
3. After successful installation, the new Windows 10 downloads heaps of updates, it can take several reboots and several hours. Ideally, you do this on weekends or at a time when no one has to use the PC.
4. Then check all programs, print out the test page, check data, set it back to your preferred browser (e.g. Firefox, Chrome) as the default and update it as well – get used to the new look and feel of Windows 10.
5. Windows 10 comes with a few surprising features (such as the Cortana voice assistant). In addition, Win10 transmits a lot of data to Microsoft in the default settings, which should be corrected accordingly in the settings under “Privacy”.

If something went wrong:

1. Luckily, you’ve previously saved all the data in a recent backup! Windows 10 may refuse to upgrade. Then a 30-day trial version is usually installed, which you then have to activate. The free upgrade is not a right of use per se, but is only tolerated by Microsoft – to get rid of the outdated Windows versions, which pose a significant threat to cybersecurity.
2. The new Windows 10 version deactivates itself when you replace the motherboard, for example, and even then you usually have to purchase a new, regular “Windows 10” license.

Switching to an open-source operating system such as Linux is also an option. However, this involves a little more effort and can have uncomfortable consequences, such as not being able to use certain programs. So before you change your operating system, you should find out whether such changes have consequences – for example, for the programs you use, data protection strategy or even the functionality of your computer (especially on older models).