January 23, 2020
Microsoft Ends Support of Windows 7
Microsoft ended support and security updates for their Windows 7 operating system on January 14.
While the Golden West Help Desk will still provide support to ensure internet connectivity, Windows 7 users are now much more susceptible to viruses, ransomware and spyware. In addition, several Windows 7 programs may lose some or all of their functionality over time.
"This could result in email software no longer working, network adapters becoming corrupted (which is very difficult to resolve), or a Windows 7 users' device being unable to connect to the internet," explains Golden West Help Desk Supervisor, Seth Engel.
Again, Golden West will still provide best effort support for Windows 7, but users of this operating system should consider moving to a new version (like Windows 10) to prevent any virus or security issues.
The official statement from support.microsoft.com reads:
Windows 7 Support Lifecycle - Microsoft made a commitment to provide 10 years of product support for Windows 7 when it was released on October 22, 2009. When this 10-year period ends, Microsoft will discontinue Windows 7 support so that we can focus our investment on supporting newer technologies and great new experiences. The specific end of support day for Windows 7 will be January 14, 2020. After that, technical assistance and software updates from Windows Update that help protect your PC will no longer be available for the product. Microsoft strongly recommends that you move to Windows 10 sometime before January 2020 to avoid a situation where you need service or support that is no longer available.
Germany’s government didn’t upgrade at least 33,000 computers before Microsoft ended the life of Windows 7 officially on January 14. Now the German Federal Ministry will have to pay Microsoft almost $1 million in extended security update fees.
You don’t have to pay security update fees for not upgrading. But you could pay in other ways as Windows 7 users are now much more susceptible to viruses, ransomware and spyware. In addition, Windows 7 programs may lose some or all of their functionality over time. To read the full story visit: https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/22/21076653/microsoft-windows-7-extended-security-updates-german-government-cost-price