--- title: "Windows 7 Support: The End is Near…kind of. Ease the Transition." description: With a Windows 7 Support “D-Day” of January 14, enterprises & consumers alike are looking into next steps. Laplink has developed a Windows 7 Migration Kit. image: https://blog.laplink.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/andrea-natali-267263-unsplash-1.jpg --- TRUSTED FOR OVER 40 YEARS - [About Laplink](https://go.laplink.com/about-us) - [About Us](https://go.laplink.com/about-us) - [Management](https://go.laplink.com/management) - [Careers](https://go.laplink.com/careers) - [Laplink Blog](https://blog.laplink.com/) - [Media Center](https://news.laplink.com/) - [Support](https://contact.laplink.com) - [Knowledge Base](https://help.laplink.com) - [Laplink Account Login](https://laplink.com/mysupport/default.asp?FinishURL=/mysupport/mysupport.asp) - [Contact](https://contact.laplink.com/) [![Laplink](https://blog.laplink.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Blog%20%20Main/images/logo-white.png?width=750&height=242&name=logo-white.png "Laplink")](https://www.laplink.com/) - [Personal & Home Office](https://go.laplink.com/pcmover-feature-overview?hsLang=en) - [PCmover](https://go.laplink.com/pcmover-feature-overview?hsLang=en) - [Professional (Most Popular)](https://go.laplink.com/product/pcmover-professional?hsLang=en) - [Ultimate (Physical Box)](https://go.laplink.com/product/pcmover-ultimate?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://go.laplink.com/product/pcmover-home?hsLang=en) - [Express](https://go.laplink.com/product/pcmover-express?hsLang=en) - [Other Editions ](https://go.laplink.com/pcmover-feature-overview?hsLang=en) - [Windows Store Edition](https://web.laplink.com/pcmover-wse/?hsLang=en) - [Image & Drive Assistant](https://go.laplink.com/product/pcmover-image-drive-assistant?hsLang=en) - [In-Place Windows 7 Upgrade Assistant](https://go.laplink.com/product/pcmover-windows-7-upgrade-assistant?hsLang=en) - [In-Place Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant](https://go.laplink.com/product/pcmover-windows-8-upgrade-assistant?hsLang=en) - [Laplink Transfer Cables](https://go.laplink.com/cables?hsLang=en) - [Special Bundles](https://go.laplink.com/special-offers?hsLang=en) - [Reconfigurator](https://reconfigurator.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [Disk Utilities ](https://go.laplink.com/individuals?hsLang=en#hs_cos_wrapper_module_17220786915454) - [DiskImage](https://go.laplink.com/product/diskimage?hsLang=en) - [SafeErase](https://go.laplink.com/product/safeerase?hsLang=en) - [Laplink Everywhere](https://everywhere.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [Overview ](https://everywhere.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [Features ](https://everywhere.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#features) - [How To Videos](https://everywhere.laplink.com/how-to-videos?hsLang=en) - [Documentation ](https://everywhere.laplink.com/docs?hsLang=en) - [FAQ ](https://everywhere.laplink.com/faq?hsLang=en) - [Plans & Pricing](https://everywhere.laplink.com/pricing?hsLang=en) - [Free Trial](https://le.laplink.com/en/account/signup) - File Transfer & Remote Management - [Laplink Gold](https://go.laplink.com/product/laplink-gold?hsLang=en) - [Laplink Sync](https://go.laplink.com/product/laplink-sync?hsLang=en) - [Small & Medium Business](https://business.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [PCmover Business ](https://business.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [Why Business?](https://business.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#why-business) - [Licensing Options](https://business.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#licensing-options) - [Technician Licenses](https://business.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#technician) - [Try Business](https://business.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#try-business) - [Technician License](https://business.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#licensing-options) - [PCmover Profile Migrator ](https://ppm.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [About](https://ppm.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [Migration Scenarios](https://ppm.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#scenarios) - [Command Line Options](https://ppm.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#parameters) - [Video Tutorials](https://ppm.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#videos) - [Pricing](https://ppm.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#ppm-pricing) - [FAQs & Support](https://ppm.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#faq) - [Laplink Everywhere](https://everywhere.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [Overview](https://everywhere.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [Features ](https://everywhere.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#features) - [How To Videos](https://everywhere.laplink.com/how-to-videos?hsLang=en) - [Documentation ](https://everywhere.laplink.com/docs?hsLang=en) - [FAQ ](https://everywhere.laplink.com/faq?hsLang=en) - [Plans & Pricing](https://everywhere.laplink.com/pricing?hsLang=en) - [Free Trial](https://le.laplink.com/en/account/signup) - [Our Customers](https://enterprise.laplink.com/pcmover-enterprise-customers?hsLang=en) - [Enterprise & Large Organizations](https://enterprise.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [PCmover Enterprise ](https://enterprise.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [Overview](https://enterprise.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [Case Studies](https://enterprise.laplink.com/support-resources?hsLang=en#case-studies) - [Government](https://enterprise.laplink.com/government/?hsLang=en) - [Support & Resources](https://enterprise.laplink.com/support-resources/?hsLang=en) - [Contact](https://enterprise.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#contactSalesModal) - [Request Demo](https://meetings.hubspot.com/coyle) - [Free Fully Functional License](https://enterprise.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#tryPCmover) - [PCmover Profile Migrator ](https://ppm.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [About](https://ppm.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [Migration Scenarios](https://ppm.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#scenarios) - [Command Line Parameters](https://ppm.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#parameters) - [Video Tutorials](https://ppm.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#videos) - [Pricing](https://ppm.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [FAQs & Support](https://ppm.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#faq) - [Laplink Everywhere](https://everywhere.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [Overview ](https://everywhere.laplink.com/?hsLang=en) - [Features ](https://everywhere.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#features) - [How To Videos](https://everywhere.laplink.com/how-to-videos?hsLang=en) - [Documentation ](https://everywhere.laplink.com/docs?hsLang=en) - [FAQ ](https://everywhere.laplink.com/faq?hsLang=en) - [Plans & Pricing](https://everywhere.laplink.com/pricing?hsLang=en) - [Free Trial](https://everywhere.laplink.com/pricing?hsLang=en) - [Our Customers](https://enterprise.laplink.com/pcmover-enterprise-customers?hsLang=en) - [Service Providers](https://go.laplink.com/become-a-partner-2?hsLang=en) - [Opportunities](https://go.laplink.com/become-a-partner-2?hsLang=en) - [Login/Sign up](https://store.laplink.com/59/purl-partnerlogin) - [Technician License](https://business.laplink.com/?hsLang=en#licensing-options) [![Laplink](https://blog.laplink.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Blog%20%20Main/images/laplink.png?width=750&height=242&name=laplink.png "Laplink")](https://www.laplink.com/) - [Blog Home](https://blog.laplink.com) - [Small Business](https://blog.laplink.com/tag/small-business) - [Enterprise](https://blog.laplink.com/tag/enterprise) - [Technology](https://blog.laplink.com/tag/technology) - [PC Migration](https://blog.laplink.com/tag/pc-migration) Try PCmover Contact Sales ##### Try PCmover × Find out if PCmover is right for your organization! Evaluation requests are processed and approved usually within one business day. Please fill out the form below. Please note the Evaluation copy of PCmover Enterprise requires you to be logged into a domain when testing. If you would like to test Enterprise without this requirement, please contact corpsales@laplink.com to receive an alternate copy of the software. Thank you for your interest, and for choosing Laplink Software! ##### Contact Sales × ![Featured Image](https://blog.laplink.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/andrea-natali-267263-unsplash-1.jpg) # Windows 7 Support: The End is Near…Kind of. Published by [Thomas Koll, CEO](https://blog.laplink.com/author/thomas-koll-ceo) on January 8, 2020 at 4:30 PM The final countdown is on for Windows 7 End of Support. With a “D-Day” of January 14, enterprises and consumers alike are looking into next steps for their IT departments and personal PCs that make the most sense for their individual needs and resources. It’s clear that there is no “one-size-fits-all-approach” for adapting to the end of Windows 7 support. While some are looking for the best data migration options, others are weighing the pros, cons, and best strategies for remaining on Windows 7. # Why So Hesitant? There are many reasons why enterprises and consumers are hesitant to migrate from Windows 7 to Windows 10. First and foremost, Windows 7 just works. It’s a great operating system which leads people to believe, “if it ain’t broke, why fix it?” It can also feel like a cumbersome task, for even experienced enterprise IT departments, to think about having to migrate years’ worth of data. We all have immense amounts of data on our computers. In fact, we have so much that it’s almost impossible to identify and locate where every piece of data resides – especially when it comes to custom folders and settings. # So, what are the options? For those that are weighing the pros and cons of remaining on Windows 7 once support ends, Microsoft will be offering to keep Windows 7 support fully patched for security issues. However, it will only provide those updates to users who have paid for Extended Security Updates (ESU) and this option is only available to users running Windows 7 Professional or Enterprise. In the first year, users will be charged $25 per device, per month. In the second year, it increases to $50 per device. By year three, monthly costs inflate to $100 per device. For a company that has 1,000 devices, this translates to $175,000 in fees over a three-year period. Some may say this greatly outweighs the expense of new PCs. # Home Users Beware Unfortunately, for home users, this expensive support option isn’t even available. Therefore, any new security threat will mean an expanded risk issue for home users.  According to the [2019 Identity Fraud Study](https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=3uTYtqPcyd9X7DrJhO0mhs4T2LhOC5Uuzc4DMwSP8tMypnRlH8cI9sFEdTI6VkKYTOvGy1BYWqwUHyYtbg7ux60SNVSgpHzNAIBloku2aw5pBPEM2Khui3PrdOiRwSuo31gV64gLBN3ozuVM2SHbLxTERw7xiZar0Vh1iveMT97k9uQfVvzwUtJv3z3hFsvzd1eFcE8YY61mDjnU28LtoPQ0epiBFQJ29IYfj3dDtMo=) from Javelin Strategy & Research, while the number of consumers who were victims of identity fraud fell to 14.4 million in 2018, down from a record high of 16.7 million in 2017,  identity fraud victims in 2018 bore a heavier financial burden. 3.3 million people were responsible for some of the liability of the fraud committed against them, nearly three times as many as in 2016. These numbers are still staggering. They validate that it’s not ***IF*** you’re impacted by a security threat, but ***WHEN***. There are so many cyber security risks rampant in everyday life that are out of our personal control. Why not take precautions when we can? # You Can’t Hold On Forever This is not to say that there aren’t options when it comes to extending the life of your Windows 7 operating system, *with* Windows 7 support. For example, a small percentage of enterprises could temporarily consider moving to virtual desktops to allow more time for their migration to Windows 10. Such a move will bring additional costs from ESU’s and increased cloud consumption. This is more of a temporary solution and most organizations will eventually move to Windows 10, which calls for a well-planned and automated migration process. At the end of the day, enterprises, nor consumers, can hold on to Windows 7 support forever, regardless of how beloved the OS may be. Therefore, implementing resources and tools that can ease the migration process is paramount.  By utilizing PC migration software that automates various types of data migration including moving to virtual desktops, traditional PC to PC migrations, and profile migrations from Active Directory to Azure Active Directory, organizations can ensure a [cost-effective and automated migration](https://blog.laplink.com/windows-7-eos-half-off-pcmover-business/?hsLang=en) to Windows 10 in 2020; while small businesses and consumers can ensure a simple and painless migration process. # Ease the Transition In an effort to ease the transition and lower the risk of PC migration, Laplink has developed a Windows 7 Migration Kit. It includes specially priced services and support designed to help companies migrate while providing protection and support as they complete the process. Learn more by visiting [Windows7MigrationKit.com](https://windows7migrationkit.com/). The limited-time offers begin January 14, 2020. Tags: [Windows 7 End of Support](https://blog.laplink.com/tag/windows-7-end-of-support), [Windows 7](https://blog.laplink.com/tag/windows-7) [Back to Blog](https://blog.laplink.com) #### Add Comment Published by #### Thomas Koll, CEO ![Author Image](https://blog.laplink.com/hubfs/TKauthor.jpg) As Chairman of the Board and CEO of Laplink, Thomas guides the company’s strategic direction. Prior to joining Laplink in 2003, Thomas was Chairman of the Board for Infowave, where he was involved in interfacing with global business and financial communities. Thomas also served as Infowave’s Chief Executive Officer from February 2001 to April 2002. Prior to joining Infowave, Thomas worked at Microsoft for more than 13 years. He was Corporate Vice President of Microsoft’s Network Solutions Group where he was responsible for Microsoft’s worldwide business with telecommunication companies. Thomas was instrumental in developing Microsoft’s vision for the communications industry and led the development of strategic partnerships in mobility, broadband and hosting. Previously, he was General... [Read more about Thomas Koll, CEO...](https://blog.laplink.com/author/thomas-koll-ceo) ## Related Articles ## [PCmover tackles headaches caused by Windows 7 EOS - Laplink's Technology Blog](https://blog.laplink.com/2019/05/02/pcmover-tackles-headaches-caused-windows-7-eos?hsLang=en) It’s time now. In less than 10 months Microsoft® will officially end support of Windows 7®. Unlike... [Read More ](https://blog.laplink.com/2019/05/02/pcmover-tackles-headaches-caused-windows-7-eos?hsLang=en) ## [Upgrade Paths to Windows 10](https://blog.laplink.com/2015/06/26/upgrade-paths-to-windows-10?hsLang=en) Upgrading to a new version of Windows, soon to be Windows 10, usually sounds like a... [Read More ](https://blog.laplink.com/2015/06/26/upgrade-paths-to-windows-10?hsLang=en) ## [Solution to the Windows Easy Transfer Problem: PCmover - Laplink's Technology Blog](https://blog.laplink.com/2013/11/21/solution-to-the-windows-easy-transfer-problem-pcmover?hsLang=en) Microsoft users upgrading to Windows 8.1 were in for a big shock when they opened their trusty... [Read More ](https://blog.laplink.com/2013/11/21/solution-to-the-windows-easy-transfer-problem-pcmover?hsLang=en) - ©  LAPLINK SOFTWARE INC. All rights reserved.   |   - [Privacy Policy](https://go.laplink.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en) |   - [Terms & Conditions](https://web.laplink.com/terms-and-conditions/%20%20%20%20%20https://go.laplink.com/terms-and-conditions?hsLang=en) |   - [Partnership](https://go.laplink.com/become-a-partner-2?hsLang=en) |   - [Affiliates](https://go.laplink.com/become-a-partner-2/?hsLang=en#affiliates) - [![LinkedIn](https://blog.laplink.com/hubfs/Enterprise/LinkedIn%20Black.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/laplink-software) - [![Facebook](https://blog.laplink.com/hubfs/Enterprise/Facebook%20Black.png)](https://www.facebook.com/laplinksoftware) - [![Twitter](https://blog.laplink.com/hubfs/Enterprise/X%20Black.png)](http://www.twitter.com/laplink) - [![Youtube](https://blog.laplink.com/hubfs/Enterprise/Youtube%20Black.png)](http://www.youtube.com/laplinksoftware)