3 Options for Upgrading Windows 7 Devices

Screenshot 2019 07 25 12.35.01 1

The deadline to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 is quickly approaching. Windows 7 will lose support on January 14, 2020, leaving any devices with this operating system beyond that date vulnerable to security breaches. This affects ALL versions of Windows 7 – Home, Professional, Enterprise, Starter, and Ultimate.

You may be wondering what your options are for upgrading, and just how to upgrade your device. Do I need to buy a whole new computer? Can I purchase a license to upgrade my current computer? What’s the most cost-effective option for me?

We’re here to help answer those questions. Read on to learn about the different upgrade paths and which one is best for you.

1. One-Time License Key

You can purchase a one-time Windows 10 upgrade license. Windows 10 Home licensing can be purchased for $139 directly from Microsoft. Windows 10 Pro licensing is about $200, and can be purchased from a Microsoft Partner, like Gulf South Technology Solutions. Enterprise licensing is also available. When upgrading, you must go from Windows 7 Pro Windows 10 Pro. This licensing does not allow the upgrade of a Home operating system to a Pro operating system.

On top of the one-time licensing cost, you’ll want to consider the labor your IT company will charge to do this upgrade as well. If your computer is less than 3 years old, this is an ideal option.

2. Microsoft 365

If you’re currently an Office 365 user, you can upgrade your license to a Microsoft 365 license that includes a Windows 10 upgrade, in addition to your regular Office 365 applications. Depending on your license type, this may be an increase of $8 to $15 per month, per device.

The upgrade process is similar to the one-time license, so you will want to account for IT labor with this option, as well. If your computer is less than 3 years old, and you’re planning on replacing your computer within 18 months, this is an ideal option as it takes about this long for the cost of the licensing to surpass the cost of purchasing the one-time license.

3. New Computer

If your computer is 4+ years old, you should consider putting the labor cost you would spend on upgrading the operating system towards a new machine instead. 

Older computers may fail during the upgrade process, and consequently, cause major data loss on your computer. This is especially likely if you are already having any kind of problems prior to an attempted upgrade. 

new desktop can cost $700+ depending on specifications. A new laptop can run $850+. The labor required to set up a new computer, and transfer data from your old computer can be a few hundred dollars. 

In most cases, it makes sense to purchase a new computer and put those labor costs towards setting up a new one, instead of keeping an old one alive. Most computers have 1 to 3 year warranties. Upgrading an out of warranty device to save money now can cost much more in the long run, as you may have to still replace the computer soon after. 

We’ve put together a Windows 7 End of Support Survival Guide to help you get started as you prepare to make the switch to Windows 10. You can download that below for free and share it with your colleagues so everyone is on the same page. 

Need help upgrading? That’s what we’re here for!

Related Reading: