It’s Time to Upgrade to Windows 10 Computers!

If you’re still running computers with Windows 7 at your business, you’re leaving yourself at risk of both cybersecurity and productivity issues.

Microsoft ended Windows 7 support on January 14, 2020. This means vital security updates needed to keep an operating system (OS) secure from hackers are no longer provided. It also means no more support from software or hardware manufacturers, who have no reason to make their systems backwards compatible with an outdated OS.

60% of data breaches in 2019 were the result of unpatched system vulnerabilities.

Business technology has become intrinsically linked with how well a business operates and its bottom line. When your technology isn’t optimized, secure, or running efficiently, your business has some major problems.

Important Reasons to Upgrade from Windows 7

Just shy of 20% of computers are still operating Windows 7 as of October 2020. If your office has some of these, it’s time to upgrade now. Here why.

Security Risks

There are several known security vulnerabilities in Windows 7, including a directory traverse issue in Terminal Services that allows a remote attacker to gain access privileges. Another is a Windows OLE remote code execution vulnerability that allows installation of malware.

Since Windows 7 has already reached end of support, if you’re running the OS, you can’t download an update to get a patch for these like you could before support ended. This leaves your business at significant risk of a data breach or malware infection.

Older Computers Cost More

It costs businesses an average of $2,736 per year to run an older computer (4+ years). In most cases, a computer running Windows 7 is older, meaning hardware can begin having problems. This leads to higher operational costs due to:

• Lower productivity
• More downtime
• Higher rate of data loss
• More cybersecurity issues
• More tech support calls

You may be spending more each year to keep that Windows 7 computer, in fact, than the cost of two new Windows 10 computers.

Lack of Software Support

The longer you keep an outdated operating system running, the more compatibility problems you’re going to run into when you try to add new software.

Software developers are looking to the future, not the past. There is no incentive for them to continue to support an operating system that is no longer receiving updates.

This can severely limit your company’s growth because you won’t be able to take advantage of the newest technologies. You may also find that when you go to update an application that your company has been using for a while, you’ll get a warning message that the update isn’t compatible with your operating system.

Reduced Choice of Hardware

Just like software manufacturers, hardware manufacturers have no reason to make their devices work on outdated operating systems. This means that if you’re running Windows 7, you’ll be severely limited in the choices you can make for everything from headphones to wireless printers to projectors.

This can leave you with no choice but to use older printers and other hardware, which can lead to compounded risk if those devices are internet connected and also not getting any more security updates.

You Miss Out on Great Windows 10 Features

Windows 10 is an operating system that has been well received and it has many upgrades that make it more user friendly and more secure than Windows 7.

If you are staying with Windows 7 just because of the familiarity, you’re missing out on multiple features that could make your employees’ work easier and improve overall device security.

Some of these include:

• Multi-search that can search documents, systems, files, and websites at the same time
• Revamped, customizable Start menu
• Ability to text from your computer through an Android phone link
• Faster performance than Windows 7
• Integration with Cortana voice assistant
• Support for touch screens

Upgrade Before Year-End for Tax Deductions

One benefit you have when upgrading IT at the end of the year is that you can still take advantage of that purchase as a tax deduction on your 2020 taxes.

Section 179 of Form 4562 for depreciation and amortization deductions lays out a variety of technology-related purchases that you can deduct. These include both hardware and off-the-shelf software.

This means that if you purchase new or refurbished Windows 10 computers before December 31, 2020, you may be able to use them as a tax write-off.

This year’s limit is $1,040,000 and there is also a 100% bonus depreciation deduction.

Get Help Upgrading to Windows 10 Computers Today

Don’t leave your Central Massachusetts business at risk. Cleartech Group can help you with affordable Windows 10 computer options that will make your business more secure and productive.

Contact us today to discuss your options! Call us to chat at 978-466-1938 or reach out online.