Let the countdown begin. Three years from now on January 14, 2020, Microsoft will end their extended support for Windows 7. However, Microsoft recommends that you upgrade sooner rather than later, especially if you are a business user. Windows 7 can no longer keep up with current security requirements leaving many businesses still using this outdated security platform vulnerable.

Microsoft ended basic support for Windows 7 in 2015. Since then users have still been receiving security updates but these updates do not include any new functions or features. In fact Microsoft’s largest partners such as Dell, HP and Lenovo have not been able to build and sell new PCs that run on any Windows version, except for Windows 10, since November 1, 2016.

Markus Nitschke, Head of Windows at Microsoft Germany, stated in a recent article that Windows 7 “Does not meet the requirements of modern technology, nor the high security requirements of IT departments.” (This article is easily translated in a Chrome browser using Google Translate.)

Microsoft even warns that the already outdated Windows 7 operating system is exposed to malware attacks that would otherwise not breach a Windows 10 system. If your business experiences an escalation of evolved malware attacks it is likely that your operating costs would also increase due to maintenance, an influx of support requests and/or downtime.

Some of Windows 10’s modern security features pushed out by Microsoft include Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection and Windows Hello biometric login; which permits users to log on to their devices through fingerprint, facial or iris recognition.

Microsoft has made substantial investments in Windows 10, making it the most malware resistant Windows operating system thus far. With the security of your business in mind, it is a waste to continue updating your Windows 7 when migrating to Windows 10 is a more secure and efficient option.