Nothing stands still in the world of technology, and that includes operating systems. Your Microsoft Windows OS will eventually become outdated. You may think that the older version you’re using works perfectly well, but new operating systems have important updates. As well as new features, the built-in security measures are adapted and improved to keep up with new threats posed by cybercrime. Eventually, updates and support for older systems will no longer be issued. So – how long can you carry on before support for your older OS is ended?
Two Important Dates to Understand
Microsoft doesn’t just turn off the tap. It’s a process. The first key date is when mainstream support is stopped. The second is when extended support ends. Extended support typically ends five years later. Let’s look at what this difference means.
Mainstream Support
On this date, Microsoft stops issuing non-security fixes. There may be exceptions – your service agreement may specify something different – but this is something you should check. Even if your warranty hasn’t expired, these fixes will cease.
Extended Support
You may have carried on after mainstream support ended but, when extended support ends, it’s time to act. This is the end of the road for your old OS. Cybercrime is a huge and evolving problem, and without security updates you will be vulnerable. If you haven’t upgraded your OS, Microsoft is not liable for any problems that occur. There may be an option to pay for extended support, but it won’t be cheap and it’s almost certainly not worth it. It’s usually far more cost-effective just to upgrade to a newer OS, and preferably the newest one available.
Windows 10 is Being ‘Retired’
You may have seen notifications asking you if you want to upgrade to Windows 11. That’s because support for Windows 10 will end on 14 October 2025. Extended support, which will only include security updates, will be available thereafter, but for a fee. You will be responsible for applying patches. This can be a mission when they need to be implemented on all computers and servers in a company’s IT systems.
Resist Putting it Off!
In theory, you can carry on using your old OS with no problems for some time. Many people procrastinate OS version updates. This can be because people become comfortable with the OS they have, and the logic is ‘if it’s not broken, why fix it?’. There may also be concerns about a new operating system’s compatibility with other software that you run. It’s still important not to leave it too late. Also, when new OS versions appear, hackers can see the security fixes in the new OS, which alerts them to the flaws in the previous one. They can then try to target users with the older system, with expert knowledge of the vulnerabilities that exist. This is known as a zero-day attack.
When it’s time to upgrade your OS, or if you need help applying patches and updates, Quikteks can help. Give us a call today at 973882-4644.