Support for Windows 7 is ending as of January 2020. This means that Microsoft will no longer be providing patches, security updates, or technical support for systems running on Windows 7. Don’t worry, your PC will still work, but it may become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. It’s time to start thinking about the next steps and prepare for Windows 7 End of Support.
What Are Your Options
Option #1:
The best option and the one that we most recommend is to migrate all your machines to Windows 10 prior to January 2020.
Option #2:
If you don’t have time to upgrade to Windows 10 by January 2020 – there is a solution! For customers moving from Windows 7 Pro, Windows 7 Enterprise, or Windows 7 Ultimate, there is an Extended Security Update (ESU) sku available with an Enterprise Agreement. This Extended Security Updates is available for purchase as of April 1, 2019 and includes updates for critical and important issues as defined by the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC). They are sold on a per-device basis for eligible customers and the price will increase each year, however customers with Windows SA, Windows E3, or Microsoft 365 will receive advantageous pricing. The Windows 7 Extended Security Update sku is available through to January 2023, at which point you will need to migrate to Windows 10 in order to continue receiving Microsoft support.
ESU pricing is as follows:
· Year 1 (January 2020-January 2021) – $66.80 CDN/device
· Year 2 (January 2021-January 2022) – $133.60 CDN/device
· Year 3 (January 2022-January 2023) – $267.20 CDN/device
Option #3:
Microsoft Enterprise Agreement and Exchange ActiveSync customers with active subscription licenses to Windows 10 Enterprise E5, Microsoft 365 E5, or Microsoft 365 E5 Security (as of December 31,2019) will get Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) for the first year (Year 1) as a benefit. For each user in the organization with this active subscription will not need to purchase an additional Windows 7 ESU sku for Year 1 for the devices which that user is using.
Option: #4
Windows Virtual Desktop Preview is a comprehensive desktop and app virtualization service running in the cloud. It’s the only virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) that delivers simplified management, multi-session Windows 10, optimizations for Office 365 ProPlus, and support for Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environments. With extended support for Windows 7 ending soon, get free extended security updates for your Windows 7 virtual desktop. This includes more support options for previous app versions while you transition to Windows 10.
Option #5
We don’t recommend this, but should you choose not to proceed with any of the above options, you can accept the risk of running a non-supported operation system.
How Softlanding Can Help
Embrace Windows 10 with Softlanding’s Windows 10 Fast Start offering. This is a five-day engagement will cover the benefits of a Modern Desktop. A modern desktop is Windows 10 and Office 365, kept up to date. Making the shift to a modern desktop helps you to foster a highly secure workspace, empowered by the latest productivity, teamwork and collaboration experiences for your organization. This is best achieved through Microsoft 365, which brings together Office 365 with Windows 10 Enterprise, and Enterprise Mobility + Security, in a complete intelligent solution.
We will then guide you through the process of reviewing your existing management landscape and provide you with a recommendation on preparatory activities for the pilot or deployment and management of Windows 10 Modern Desktops.
Learn More at Our Next Webinar
Join an upcoming webinar on Windows 7 End of Support, where we will discuss everything you need to know about this change, you will get an in depth look at all of your options, and see how Softlanding can help you and your organization. Register today
Have more questions about Windows 7 End of Support? Leave a comment below, or contact us here.
Written By:
Caroline Blivet
As Softlanding's Marketing Lead, Caroline and is responsible for driving lead generation, developing a go-to-market strategy and, delivering marketing campaigns. Outside of work, Caroline enjoys hiking the beautiful trails of British Columbia.
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