10 Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 10 right now

The best time to upgrade to Windows 10 was long ago - before Microsoft dropped its support for Windows 7. The second best time to upgrade is right now - each day in waiting is another 24 hours you're leaving your computer vulnerable to a plethora of threats online.
​Here are 10 reasons why you should upgrade as soon as possible.

​Microsoft doesn't support Windows 7 anymore

You've probably heard about Microsoft dropping all support for Windows 7 and encouraging all of its users to migrate to Windows 10. This date is now in the past (January 14, 2020). Your Windows 7 computers are now left exposed to hacks, ransomware, and other vulnerabilities.

...and neither will any other software vendors over the next few years

While you can still run Windows 7 and the world won't come to an end, an issue that's going to become larger and larger with time is software compatibility. For example, the newest version of Microsoft Office (2019) already doesn't support Windows 7, while Google Chrome will drop support for Windows 7 in 2021. ​

Improved built-in security software

Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender built in, and it's better than ever at protecting your computer. The antivirus software works in real-time, so it catches the bad guys before they can ever get into your computer. It's still a good idea to install a third-party antivirus software, however.

Possibly the last Windows upgrade you'll ever need

Microsoft has made it clear that they don't plan on releasing a Windows 11, but will instead continue to update Windows 10 so that it's always up to date. This means that once you upgrade to Windows 10, you probably won't ever need to go through the upgrade process again!

Re-invented and improved Start Menu

While Windows 7 arguably contained Microsoft's best start menu to date, Windows 8 ditched the concept altogether. Due to negative feedback, Microsoft has reinstated the Start menu for Windows 10. It's similar to the start menu you've come to know and love on Windows 7, along with some new features like live tiles and Cortana integration. What if you don't like the new start menu? No worries, there are some third party options for you.

Action Center

Windows 10 has a notification system similar to a smartphone. Your emails, update information, and other notifications are pushed onto the screen so you are alerted when you need to take action. The Action Center can be turned off as well, so you receive notifications only for things that are important to you.

Internet Explorer has been replaced

Internet Explorer has its share of critics - and for good reason. In general, it wasn't as fast or secure as its fellow browsers such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. With Windows 10, Microsoft has re-imagined the browser and released Microsoft Edge. While it still isn't my browser of choice, it most definitely beats Internet Explorer in every mark imaginable. It's faster, more secure, and looks cleaner overall.

New & improved clipboard

Windows 10 has a new clipboard which can store multiple items for copying & pasting. It also provides syncing between devices - so you can copy data from one device and paste it on another!

Better personalization options

While many users despised Windows 8 for its lack of personalization options, Windows 10 has completely flipped the narrative; everything, from the taskbar, to backgrounds on multiple monitors, to accent colors, to light and dark modes for apps, are customizable in Windows 10.

It's FREE

Believe it or not, downloading and installing Windows 10 is still a free process! It involves downloading the Windows 10 Media Creation tool from Microsoft's website and following the fairly straight-forward installation process. Upgrading today for free definitely beats needing to repair your PC down the road because it wasn't protected well enough with Windows 7 or 8.

​Bonus: other new features in Windows 10

Windows 10 also includes Cortana (a voice assistant), a full-fledged app store, movies, DirectX12, task view (an easier way to manage open apps), and enhanced syncing capabilities.

With that said, what are you waiting for? Windows 10 has everything you and your business needs and more. Call Elk Country Computer Services (989-255-9292) for a free consultation call to see if your current computer can run Windows 10, or if you'll need new hardware. We'd love to assist you and get you up and running on Microsoft's newest operating system!