Yesterday saw the eagerly anticipated launch of Windows 10, Microsoft’s latest desktop offering. Following one of the most expensive marketing campaigns in Microsoft’s history, you are now able to upgrade your existing Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 licensed computer to Windows 10, for free – a head turning, eye catching headline, if ever there was one.

But should you go ahead and upgrade without any consultation and, if you do, what are the potential risks to your business? Utilize Network Support Manager, Jamie Bell, provides the answers.

Microsoft Windows in your organisation

Traditionally, Utilize has awaited the release of the first service pack before formerly adopting any new operating systems into its support portfolio. The reasons for this are fourfold.

Firstly, when a brand new operating system is released, there will be undiscovered bugs or compatibility issues that beta testers have yet to identify. Secondly, it is not uncommon for an incremental update (those which Microsoft release monthly) to seriously affect user devices, even preventing a desktop from loading. Windows 10 includes a feature whereby updates are installed automatically, without prior notice. This procedure could very well cause complications with the running state of your systems, such as drivers for hardware components.

No turning back

Thirdly, there is no ‘automated’ restore functionality within Windows 10. Once you have committed to the upgrade and deployed Windows 10 to your device, there is no turning back. To perform a restore of your computer, a complete rebuild would be required, along with the re-installation of all software applications.

Help! I cannot run my accounts program!

Finally, and most crucially, software vendors will be unable to provide complete support for their products on a new operating system at launch date. The line of business applications that your organisation relies on to perform daily tasks will not be automatically supported by the software vendor. For example, the current versions of Sage Accounts and Sage Payroll are not fully supported by Sage for Windows 10. The same is true for countless other vendors. With this in mind, upgrading to the latest Microsoft desktop operating system could leave your users in a precarious position.

Where does that leave my business?

As things stand, Utilize will continue to service Windows 7 & Windows 8/8.1 computers and co-operate with software and hardware vendors on support issues as necessary. Microsoft itself has committed to providing support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 until at least January 2020 & January 2023 respectively. Utilize suggests that, for the time, you save yourself the potential headache of becoming a Windows 10 guinea pig, and stick to what is currently working for you.

But I need a new computer

Between now and the launch of the first Service Pack for Windows 10, Utilize will continue to stock computers pre-loaded with Windows 8.1. This will ensure that the specifications from leading hardware and software vendors are met, your existing applications continue to function and Utilize can guarantee that adequate support will be provided.

If you’re still unsure about which operating system to choose, please speak to your designated Technical Account Manager, who will be able to answer any additional questions you may have.