5 Ways to Prepare for the Windows 10 Update

Microsoft has announced that it will stop supporting Windows 7 after January 14, 2020, which means it will no longer provide tech support, software updates, or security updates to Windows 7 PC users. If you plan on using Windows 7 on your PC after this date, your computer will still work, “but it may become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.”

Are you ready to make the transition? Here’s a checklist of what to do:

 

1. Review your hardware.
Is your PC running on its last legs? Are you in need of more storage, RAM, and CPU capacity? Before you migrate to Windows 10, consider your computer hardware status and determine whether you need to make some upgrades.

If you’re sticking with your existing hardware, you’ll need to perform an in-place upgrade to Windows 10 on all your Windows 7 devices.

If you’re starting fresh with some new hardware, you could attempt to implement the Windows 10 base install upgrade on your own—but it might not be worth the risk. With services from the Lume Solution Center, you’ll get complete support with customer-installed applications and operating systems—such as Windows 7 and Windows 10. If we can’t help you online or over the phone, we’ll send one of our technicians to come and help you out on-site.

 

2. Review current version of Windows 7.
Which version of Windows 7 are you working with? It could determine which version of Windows 10 you upgrade to. For example, did you know that Windows 7 Home can only be upgraded to Windows 10 Home?

At Lume, we understand that it can be difficult to pinpoint which types of hardware and software you’re working with, and, more importantly, which types you need. That’s why the Lume Solution Center is specially structured for your convenience. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Tier I Services
  • Password resets
  • Printer configuration
  • Break/Fix instructions
  • Ticket routing
  • Escalation to Tier II support

• Tier II Services
  • Break/Fix issues
  • Configuration issues
  • Troubleshooting
  • Software installations
  • Hardware and warranty repair

We’re happy to provide this support online and over the phone. If you need hands-on service, we’ll schedule a technician for dispatch.

Still want to go it alone? Check out these Windows 10 deployment resources from Microsoft.

 

3. Ensure your system is fully patched.
Are you performing an in-place upgrade? If your system is partially patched, your system may fail during the upgrade process or present other issues thereafter. Additionally, faulty patches leave your system susceptible to cyber threats and ransomware attacks. To make sure you’re properly patched before you move to Windows 10, make sure Windows 7 is up to date.

If you decide to test the waters yourself, here are the latest service packs and updates (for free) from Microsoft. Theoretically, these could help you make Windows more reliable while you make the transition from Windows 7 to Windows 10.

But if you seek professional assistance, here’s what we’ll do:

• Provide access to our Support Center
• Respond within one hour of all calls received during business hours
• Perform triage, tech support, and incident resolution
• Open and close a case with a third-party vendor (if necessary)

Ask us about our turnaround time for Severity calls.

 

4. Test your business applications.
Once you’ve successfully installed or upgraded to Windows 10, try running your business apps and software to see how they perform. You want to ensure their compatibilities with Windows 10 before you get too far into the implantation process—the sooner you pinpoint and resolve any issues the better. At Lume, we’ll take care of this for you on the spot.

 

5. Fully test your migration and upgrade plan.
Have you made the move from Windows 7 to Windows 10? Nice! But let’s not start celebrating just yet, because there’s one more step to go. To conclude your upgrade, complete a data migration test on all your devices. This is easier said than done, so it’s worth leaving to experts like us. Following your update, we’ll test your business processes and software functionality so you know you’re good to go.

 

Do you need help making the move to Windows 10? Let us know! We’re here to help. For assistance, contact us today!