The extended support (e.g. security updates) of Windows 7 ended for a few days on 14 January 2020.
What does this mean for our customers who use industrial PC systems with Windows 7 operating system?
Our product manager for industrial PC systems, Alexander Kusch, has compiled some facts about this:
Is Windows 7 still available?
Yes, the official availability of the Microsoft Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate FOR EMBEDDED SYSTEMS versions, as stated by Microsoft, ends on 30.09.2024. Until this date, Spectra will continue to offer IPC systems with Windows 7 upon customer request.
Since only these so-called "industry versions" Microsoft Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate FOR EMBEDDED SYSTEMS have a higher long-term availability, we have already converted our delivered systems to these versions in 2014. These operating systems are technically identical to the consumer versions. They differ only in the form of licensing.
What should you pay attention to?
The industrial versions of Windows 7 can still be installed, activated and used. However, security holes in the Microsoft operating system are no longer closed by security updates.
Since computer systems in industry are usually used in self-sufficient networks protected by firewalls and other security measures, the danger posed by security holes is manageable. Nevertheless, Microsoft and also we recommend switching to Windows 10IoT.
If the computer system is directly connected to the Internet, such as when using Office, the dangers are so great that an update to Windows 10 is absolutely necessary.
Our recommendation for you!
There are several possibilities:
Conclusion
The end of Windows 7 support by Microsoft does not require the immediate shutdown of your computer systems. There is still some leeway for you to find a solution that suits you.
If you have any questions regarding the compatibility check of your existing system with Windows 10IoT or the selection and configuration of your new computer system, our staff will be happy to advise you.