Few of us are big fans of change. It can be easier to keep going down that same path or use that same computer software; it’s comfortable and familiar. However, as of January 10, 2023, Microsoft has stopped providing support for Windows 8.1, which means you need to change.

It’s time.

If you’re still on Windows 7, you are long overdue. Microsoft stopped providing security updates and technical support for that in January 2020. Microsoft did launch an extended service update (ESU) period for Windows 7, but that’s over, and there’s no ESU program for Windows 8.1.

Microsoft recommends moving to a new device that can run Windows 11. They warn against “performance and reliability issues” with older, unsupported operating systems. Another option? Upgrade your current device and install a newer operating system on it.

READ MORE:Should I Upgrade or Buy a New Computer?

You might be suspicious, thinking, “They just want more of my money,” but the manufacturer has already supported these tools for ten years. Plus, computing is changing enough that they must keep up with new iterations of Windows. Then, they focus on keeping the latest releases updated and secure.

Benefits of Upgrading to Windows 11

Statcounter data in 2023 shows that Windows 11 is only on 15.44 percent of Windows systems. Windows 10 has the majority (over 70 percent), but if you’re one of just under 10 percent of users still on Windows 7, make the change now.

Cybercriminals know that people will wait to make the change, and they find ways to exploit the weaknesses of unsupported software. You are particularly vulnerable when relying on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.

READ MORE:End of Windows 7:  Protect Yourself From Tech Support Scams

Windows 11 is the latest Microsoft offering. They have worked to reduce risk from the latest cybersecurity threats. With Windows 11, you can better protect your files and cut the risk of today’s viruses and malware.

The new operating system is built to be more efficient. Microsoft has tweaked the Windows layout and navigation to help users find what they need and perform tasks more efficiently.

READ MORE:Cool Windows 11 Features That May Make You Love This OS

Not sure what version of Windows you’re using? In the bottom left of your screen, click the Start Menu and press the Windows button on your keyboard. Then, type “system.” Click either the System or System Information icon. Your Windows version is listed at the top of the open window.

Upgrading to Windows 11 from 7 or 8 isn’t free. Only Windows 10 users can upgrade at no cost. Also, to upgrade to a Windows 11-compatible device, you’ll need to get a security chip called TPM 2.0. You’ll unlikely find that chip on a computer over four years old.

Hopedale Technologies stocks desktops and laptops with the newest chip technology. We also can special order just what you need from our suppliers.

Not every employee was lucky enough to get sent home with a business laptop. Some employers ask you to use your own computer. At the same time, you may also be accommodating kids doing online learning, and those little ones still want to go online and point and click to help Elmo plan a birthday party.

But sharing the computer can now present a security risk. You may have important work documents on the home computer. You could log in to the business network unaware of malware downloaded onto your home device, and, of course, that malicious software isn’t doing your home computer any favors either.

With so many people using the computer, make sure to set up virus protection on your home device. Additionally, you may set security patching and software upgrades to happen automatically. One of your young users could be seeing the message requiring an update and ignoring it. That leaves you unaware the software is vulnerable to bugs or threats. 

Setting Up Personal Profiles

With everyone sharing the desktop, your work is at risk. You could have downloaded a spreadsheet containing employee personal identification information. That represents a compliance risk if another user inadvertently accesses the document.

Or you could lose hours of work. Someone else might drag that project you’ve been working on to the trash with a school assignment rubric.

We can set up different account profiles for each user. Doing this not only helps to secure your work from home, but can also add protection for your kids.

The immediate appeal is personalizing the desktop for the individual user. Your kids can pick their own home screen backdrops and menu bars. You might not need access to TikTok, but your teen is thrilled to have it right there on the desktop. For smaller children, you can make icons and text bigger. Set up narration to give yourself a break from the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon.

For parents, security advantages of the profiles include being able to set up the following:

• Web filtering enables you to set rules to screen incoming Web pages. This can help avoid children seeing explicit content or accessing a malicious site. You might also limit Web browsing to particular sites.
• App limitations can ban kids from buying and downloading certain apps or making in-app purchases. For older kids you could require parental permission first.
• You can set up Screentime limits for particular sites (e.g. Netflix or YouTube) or allow young people to access online content only at certain hours of the day.
• Age restrictions allow you to filter mature content from search results. These also filter what apps, games, and media the young user can view or buy.

Individual profiles also make it easier for parents to track online activity and computer use. 

Secure your work from home and protect your family of users. Get help setting up the right controls for your home computer needs.