With Windows 7 reaching its end of life on January 14th 2020 it really is time to look at the business benefits of Windows 10. As Microsoft withdraw security updates and support for Windows 7, you’ll be left with little choice but to upgrade.
This may feel like a challenging change for many businesses. However, the business benefits of Windows 10 far outweigh the cost and time this conversion will take. Windows 10 offers vast improvements over Windows 7 in four key areas
Business Benefits of Windows 10 Number 1 – Security
Windows 10 is the most secure operating system ever produced. It takes the Secure Boot feature from Windows 8 and makes it even more secure. Secure Boot requires that any code that runs right when the OS starts is signed by Microsoft or the hardware maker. Windows 10 PCs can be set up so that this feature cannot be bypassed.
There is also improved ant-malware protections with improve both native tools and 3rd party solutions. It comes with Windows Defender Exploit Guard, which scans for, quarantines and removes malware. In addition, Windows 10 includes other tools that can be used to stop zero-day attacks, to block and quarantine malicious programs on your computer or office network, and to isolate infected computers on your network.
You can also configure Window Hello for Business which replaces passwords with strong two-factor authentication on PCs and mobile devices. This authentication consists of a new type of user credential that is tied to a device and uses a biometric or PIN.
Business Benefits of Windows 10 Number 2 – Speed
Windows 8 may not have been a success (it was frankly a bit rubbish!) but it did introduce one of the best things to ever hit the Windows Operating system: Fast Startup. The OS flies on any hardware but on the latest hardware with an SSD you’ll have a system that boots in seconds and can handle even the most demanding workloads.
Windows 10 also handles memory management better than its predecessors – that means faster and smoother operation especially when multi-tasking.
Business Benefits of Windows 10 Number 3 – Usability
Windows 10 brings the welcome return of the Start Menu, controversially omitted from Windows 8, which means the OS feels familiar to Windows 7 users. However new Live tiles and notifications make crucial information available at a glance.
Windows 10 is better-tuned for multi-tasking, thanks to improved virtual desktops and the superbly-implemented Task View. It’s much easier to juggle multiple open windows when you’re working. It also offers half-monitor and quarter-monitor sizes when you drag Desktop windows, and open windows can automatically fill open space.
The Action Centre puts key settings at your fingertips, and shows messages from email, the system itself (you’ve installed an update, for example), and from apps, similar to the notifications you are used to seeing on your smartphone.
Windows 10’s File Explorer makes it easier to find and manage files. File Explorer windows are more customisable, and some elements are clearer thanks to the lack of translucent backgrounds. The top menu is now arranged in a ribbon, so all the common tools are in easily accessible locations. Copying/moving tasks are grouped into one window for easier management.
Windows 10 Apps
If you still use Windows 7, you don’t have an app store. Windows 10 lets you find software you need for large and small tasks, and you can run apps either windowed or full-screen. These apps run in their own ‘sandboxes’, making them much more secure than old-school Windows apps. They also integrate with the system by offering notifications in Action Centre and built-in sharing; for example, a photo app could share to an Instagram app using a standard share button.
Windows 10 also comes with slicker and more powerful productivity and media apps, including new Photos, Videos, Music, Maps, People, Mail, and Calendar. The apps work equally well as full-screen, modern Windows apps using touch or with traditional desktop mouse and keyboard input. Like the OS itself, these apps are periodically updated with new capabilities.
Business Benefits of Windows 10 Number 4 – Management & Updates
Automatic updates are a big part of the Windows 10 experience, ensuring that everyone stays secure and up-to-date, while providing IT teams with the capabilities to manage how and when those updates are delivered. This helps organisations safeguard their valuable data and reduce IT workloads. As Windows 10 gains new capabilities, your organisation will be equipped to use them, without needing to worry about who has had the latest updates and who may have been left behind.
But there’s more to Windows management than patching. Tools like Active Directory, Windows System Center Configuration Manager and InTune make it easier to manage and monitor users and PCs on Windows 10. New Windows Analytics tools can be used to gather insights from your IT systems and ensure that users are compliant with your policies.
Windows 10: It’s a no-brainer!
Free Windows 10 upgrades may be a thing of the past but there are a couple of different options available.
If your machine is running Windows 7 then it may well be past it’s recommended end of life and prime to replace with a new machine shipped with a Windows 10 licence. However new PC’s come with a health warning; make sure you obtain one with the correct Windows 10 licence. Generally businesses, especially those with a server, will need a Windows 10 PRO licence. Many PC’s ship with a Home licence in order to reduce the cost, but these cannot be joined up to business domains meaning you may have to spend again on an upgrade.
Upgrading existing machines is another option, and Windows 10 will operate on relatively low spec machines.
How We Can Help
If you want to upgrade your existing PC’s or look into updating your infrastructure, then please contact us. We can discuss the best options for you and your business to suit your budgets.
For example, our Hardware-As-A-Service option is a flexible, cost-effective way of spreading the cost of a major infrastructure project, meaning the business does not have to make any significant upfront purchases