Computer and Laptop Repair | Mark Wilcox Computer Services

Windows Updates for your Laptop or Desktop

November 5, 2019

Windows 7 has been around for over 12 years; and support from Microsoft will end on January 14, 2020. As January approaches, I do recommend taking your computer to a professional to help do the software update In St. Louis County, MN from Windows 7 to Windows 10. 

Windows 7 was an awesome operating system in its day but with January coming, this update is essential for proper computer maintenance in St. Louis County, MN. Continuing to use Windows 7 without software and security updates from Microsoft and other vendors will put you at a much greater risk for malware and virus infections, and other security flaws, thus compromising your computer. Going forward, the best way for you to stay secure is to update to Windows 10. You will need all your Windows and program updates current before doing this upgrade. Most programs on your computer will continue to work with Windows 10, but not all! Also, a tune-up and removal of all infections is necessary for a near flawless update experience to Windows 10. Windows 10 needs at least 4 Gigs of PC memory, but 8 Gigs is ideal. If the computer runs well now, is a mid or high end quality computer, was not overused or abused, and is under 8 years old, it is more than likely a good choice for this upgrade.

There are three routes to go:

  1. An in-place upgrade in which you backup your desktop, documents, pictures, videos, downloads, favorites, etc.to a portable drive (hard drive or thumbnail flash drive), and then download the windows 10 OS from Microsoft site. Your copy of Windows 7 will be checked and must be genuine and activated before starting. With this upgrade route none of your data and pictures will be removed, and your programs, desktop, settings, printers, internet, email and network will continue working. I set aside about 5 to 6 hours to do a full upgrade properly.  Billable hours are approx. 4.5. 
  2. Do a clean install of Windows 10 vs an upgrade, in which much more work and cost is involved. This is not recommended in most cases.
  3. Purchase a new mid to high-end computer tower or laptop with Windows 10 already installed. This will provide you longevity of use with enough power and features. All that needs to be done is set it up and transfer your data, pictures, etc. from your old computer.

I understand that these updates can seem very daunting and technical.  For this reason, I recommend having a professional do this software upgrade in  St. Louis County, MN. I do these upgrades all the time and they turn out very well. I also sell new computers, set up new systems, transfer data, install other equipment and recover data as needed. 

 

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