Microsoft posted a lengthy piece to its German newsroom in which it said an “early goodbye” to Windows 7. It suggested the aging platform cannot support the “increased security requirements” of modern devices and internet users, advising customers upgrade to Windows 10 for increased protection.
Migration difficulties
The company pointed out that many businesses struggled to move away from Windows XP when support ended in 2014. Because of this, it advised firms to start planning their migrations away from Windows 7 now. When support ends in 2020, it should then be possible to move to Windows 10 without facing so many issues.
Problems that arose during Windows XP’s end of support included a lack of awareness around the risks of continuing to use the OS and some reluctance from consumers to move to newer devices. The familiarity of the old platform allowed it to retain popularity for years past its intended life.
In enterprise environments, the issues primarily derived from software incompatibilities. Some older programs that companies rely on can’t run on newer versions of Windows. Device drivers also proved to be problematic. Legacy hardware often fails to operate correctly on more modern platforms.
It’s safe to say similar roadblocks will be hit as individuals and businesses move away from Windows 7 in the coming years. As with XP, the OS is well-regarded and remains popular with users.
Compatibility issues may also arise again, although generally Windows 10 can run most software that functions on 7. After helping companies move away from XP, Microsoft intended its post to be a warning that preparation is needed for 7’s end of support.
READ MORE: CHECK OUT OUR MOST POPULAR STORY ON THE EARLY GOODBYE FOR WINDOWS 7
EMET and Windows
Its post has been criticised by security experts though. According to people in the industry, there is no reason to migrate away from Windows 7 today, interpreting the company’s claims as an effort to increase Windows 10’s adoption. Some experts suggested Windows 10 is actually less secure than Windows 7.
German Windows expert Günter Born published a response to Microsoft’s article on his blog that explains the company’s flawed logic. Born cited a recent study from Carnegie Mellon’s CERT division that presents in great detail evidence showing Windows 10 is less secure than Windows 7 in some situations.
Windows 7 with Microsoft’s EMET security software offers better protection than Windows 10 without, according to the study. In its enterprise marketing materials, Microsoft implies Windows 10 does not need EMET. Last year, it announced EMET will be discontinued on July 31, 2018, to the protest of many users.
Not suited to businesses
Born also noted that Windows 10 isn’t what many business customers want. Microsoft’s focus on attracting new users and appealing to consumers has led to feature bloat that isn’t desirable on enterprise systems.
“Machines with Windows XP and then Windows 7 have been a solid foundation for my SoHo business,” said Born. “Windows 10 isn’t what I need as a SoHo business user. It’s focused on things Microsoft’s marketing identified as ‘good for the company’s revenue.'”
There is still good reason for companies and individuals to be thinking about moving away from Windows 7 though. When support ends in 2020, the OS will no longer receive security updates, making it far more vulnerable than Windows 10.
In the meantime, there’s little to fear, as shown by CERT’s investigation into EMET. Since publishing its controversial post, Microsoft has removed and then reactivated the article, seemingly realising it has once again passed beyond the facts.
