Keeping your organization protected against malicious attacks is important, especially when it requires you to update your operating system. But did you know not updating your operating system could make your business more vulnerable to data breaches? We’re here to explain why it’s beneficial to update your Windows operating system, and when it would be the best time to update to Windows 11.
Microsoft Ends Support For Windows 8.1
Microsoft ended support for Windows 8.1 operating system on January 10, 2023. From a usability standpoint, the legacy Windows software will continue to function. However, it’s crucial to understand that Microsoft Customer Support will no longer provide Windows 8.1 technical support or security updates. These critical security updates are what help keep your system safe from the latest threats designed to take advantage of identified vulnerabilities.
Of course, this software end-of-life cycle will repeat for as long as your organization relies on these systems. Updating to Windows 10 & 11 will help your office stay protected by the operating system's security features and patches. Looking ahead, Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 by October 14, 2025. By then, you will need to make sure your systems are operating on the latest Windows operating system.
Updating to the Current Operating System Helps Protect Your Business
Updating to the most current Windows operating system is important to keep your organization secure. When you update your operating system, you’re maintaining Microsoft’s customer service and technical support to continue to resolve issues and bugs that you may have within your system. Once they stop offering support for a particular system, you’re essentially going it alone and needlessly exposing your system and your data to cyberattacks.
When is the Best Time to Update to Windows 11?
Determining when to update to Windows 11 is a topic best addressed by your Managed Service Provider or CIO based on timing, budgeting, and the overall complexity of the current organizational architecture. It’s usually advisable to postpone new version upgrades until the first major update of a new operating system is released. While Windows 11 received the update last fall, support for Windows 10 will be continuing until 2025. So basically, your organization has the luxury of time to fully evaluate the benefits and functionality of Windows 11 while your systems are still protected by Windows 10 security updates.
When it comes to upgrading Windows software within an organization, there are a lot of factors to consider, plan, and implement. Contact PCS today to review your current systems and ensure the ongoing security of your data moving forward.