Windows 7 computers will still run, your anti-virus will still work, as will your other programs. But you are taking a significant risk because Microsoft will no longer provide security updates that help keep attackers out of your network.

Security patches are one of the best ways to protect your systems from attacks.

Any of your computers that you purchased six years ago came with Windows 7 installed. Unless you paid for new licenses and gave your team time to upgrade them, those computers run Windows 7 today.

Some of your options include:
– Buy new computers
– If the computer is strong enough, upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 8.1 or Windows 10
– You can ask your IT team if you use a technology called VDI. If so, they can uninstall Windows 7 completely. They can install Linux, or make a bootable thumb drive, or use a No Touch Desktop program. The computer can function as a screen and keyboard to a server where Windows runs

If, for any reason, you need to keep Windows 7 on some workstations, be sure to give your IT team time to implement compensating controls. For example, they can isolate the computers from the rest. Ask them to install Microsoft’s downloadable EMET security tool that works in Windows 7.

Support for Windows 8.0 ended in 2016.
Support for Windows 8.1 ends on January 10, 2023.

Please forward this to your friends and business associates, so they know January 14 is the when Windows 7 becomes a severe security risk to their networks.