Windows 7 Updates Causes Nightmares

In the last decade, Windows 7 has become one of the most popular operating systems in the world. In fact, it might still be even though Microsoft officially stopped support for Windows 7 since Jan 14, 2020.

As a matter of fact, it is estimated that there are some 200 million devices that are still running on that operating system! Interestingly, the company gave out something of a valedictory update for users around that time. Sadly, lots of users complained that it replaced their desktop wallpapers with a black screen.

After these valedictory updates, technical support, software updates, and security updates and fixes from Microsoft will cease. While some folks think that Windows 7 is a dead OS, the fact that Microsoft has stopped support for Windows 7 is not the end of the world. It does not mean that your device will stop working. It merely means that there will be no more patches, security updates, and technical support. Well, not exactly. Some folks still expect Microsoft to release critical security updates periodically.

“lots of users complained that it replaced their desktop wallpapers with a black screen.”

Light At the End of the Tunnel For Software

If, for one reason or the other (economic and technological, among others), you are still using Windows 7 as we mentioned a while ago, the world has not ended. There are some options provided by Microsoft to ease your migration or upgrade (that is, if you are interested). Some are free, others not so much.

Azure users can employ the Windows Virtual Desktop on the Azure service. With this, they get an additional three years of extended support that comes with the package. However, the thing is that there are overhead costs that attend the initial migration to the cloud service. Beyond that, users can enjoy the service without additional costs.

Users can also pay for Extended Security Updates. However, this is only a temporary solution. This service used to be used by the company to get feedback in the past.

What You Must Do For Updates

Running unsupported versions of Windows is an opportunity for would-be hackers. How? You will not be able to update your device continually. This leaves your systems vulnerable to new hacks and malware that are regularly being modified.

Without regular security updates, you are at the mercy of cyber attackers. Indeed there is currently a malware scare at the moment. IoT devices on Win 7 are the targets of a malware campaign. And it does not end there. There will be newer, more efficient, and better co-ordinated cyber attacks in the future. It even gets worse with businesses as there is the risk of compromising compliance standards and due diligence.

It is advisable to make an OS upgrade. If your business has not moved from Win 7, then you are shortchanging yourself. Hence the options we just described should be seen as a way to make a move from Win 7 easier and all. It is also noteworthy that the move should be a controlled one that factors the whole IT setup. You might even need to take a look at your hardware and software too.