Still using Windows 7? It’s time to upgrade

February 12, 2021

By Kim Komando

If you don’t ditch Windows 7, you could poison your water supply. Last week, a cybercriminal attacked a Florida city’s online system. They remotely manipulated the chemical levels, skyrocketing the amount of lye that slipped into the drinking water.

The hacker likely would have done more if the system’s operator hadn’t noticed the intrusion. While the people in Oldsmar city got lucky, their officials made a fatal flaw that put everybody in danger. The water treatment facility ran on Windows 7, a Jurassic system Microsoft cut off from security updates in January 2020.

In other words, the system used outdated software with well-known vulnerabilities hackers love to take advantage of. Tap or click here to see the risks you’re taking when you stay with Windows 7. If you don’t upgrade to Windows 10, you could find yourself in hot water — literally!

I’m not sure I want to upgrade

It’s worth noting Microsoft promised to extend its Windows 7 support for businesses through 2023, but it may be less expensive and easier to upgrade to Windows 10 now.

Windows 10 does make multitasking easier with the option to scale your multiple monitor sizes. It’s also more secure and offers relevant updates.

Plus, new apps and programs are actually compatible with Windows 10. If for no other reason, you should consider upgrading to Windows 10 so you can get the most updated versions of native programs and download great new software. Tap or click here to see a few great Windows 10 features.

If you’re ready to upgrade, the Windows 10 OS is available on Microsoft’s website for $139.

OK, I want to upgrade. How do I do it?

The newer your Windows system is, the easier it will be to upgrade. But if your system dates back to when Windows 7 was first introduced, you may not have all of the technical requirements needed to make a smooth transition. Microsoft has posted these requirements on its website:

Despite Microsoft’s improvements for its upgrade process with Windows 10, there’s always a chance the upgrade will fail during the download process. To avoid any problems, back up your entire system before you begin the upgrade. That way, you can easily recover anything that may be lost as a result of a failed download. 

We suggest backing up your data in a cloud service like IDrive. Learn how IDrive can protect your priceless memories and important documents by tapping or clicking here.

Additionally, it’s strongly advised you uninstall any software, such as antivirus or any old third-party applications, that may prevent you from successfully upgrading to Windows 10.

Once you’ve backed up your information and uninstalled unnecessary software, go to the Microsoft website to purchase Windows 10 Home (or purchase the Pro version for small business use) and follow the prompts. Then:

  1. Select Download tool and click Run.
  2. Accept the License terms.
  3. On the What do you want to do? page, click Upgrade this PC now, then choose Next.
  4. The install program will download and install, then walk you through the Windows 10 setup.
  5. Type in a valid Windows 10 key, which should have been sent to you when you purchased the upgrade. If Windows 10 was ever installed on the device before, the original product key will be automatically applied.
  6. When Windows 10 is ready to be installed, the computer will display the choices you made during the install program setup. To keep previously downloaded files on your device, make sure Keep personal files and apps is on this recap page.
  7. Save your choices and close any open apps your device is running,  then click Install.
  8. Do not turn off your PC during the installation period.

After the upgrade is complete, your device should restart itself and you’re ready to explore Windows 10 features. If you have any further questions or concerns, refer to Microsoft’s FAQ page.

MORE LIKE THIS: For more tech upgrades and help with Windows programs, tap or click here.

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