Windows 7 End of Support Information

On January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs running Windows 7. This means that from this date onwards, patches or fixes for issues or vulnerabilities in Windows 7 will no longer be issued and regular updates will cease. PCs running Windows 7 can then become particularly vulnerable to malware of many kinds as these systems are not being provided with updates against threats which are regularly found and exploited quickly.

What are my options?

Switch to a new computer

If you are purchasing a new computer then it will almost certainly come with Windows 10 preinstalled and you do not need to take any further action. If you are considering this step, please see our purchasing guidance.

Upgrade to Windows 10

Will I have to start again with my PC?

In the majority of cases, Windows 7 can be upgraded to Windows 10 “in place”, meaning that all of your software and files are left intact during the upgrade and it is not necessary to erase your computer and begin from scratch.

Windows 10 Software License

The main requirement for upgrading to Windows 10 is that the PC being upgraded needs a valid Windows 10 software license.

Updated Jan 9 2020: There is currently a legitimate method for upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 which grants the machine in question a valid Windows 10 license at no charge. Please contact us and we can assist you with this.

UCD owned Dell Computers

If you are currently using Windows 7 on a Dell computer which was purchased from Dell using a purchase order, it is possible that you already have a license for Windows 10 and can upgrade for free. Please see this Dell Support Page where you can check your system information (as it was recorded when it shipped from Dell) which will tell you the type of license sold with the PC.

Purchasing a Windows 10 Software License

Should the Windows 7 PC not have a valid Windows 10 license, these can be purchased individually and the PC can then be upgraded to Windows 10. Software licenses can be purchased from many sources, however, ILTG recommend Micromail. We have liaised with Micromail as regards options for users upgrading their UCD PCs to Windows 10 and licenses can be purchased for a one time cost of EUR66.96 including VAT (price correct 27 May 2019). You can download this quote from Micromail which can be used when generating a purchase order.

Please send the quote along with the corresponding purchase order to sean@micromail.ie.

Personal/Home PCs

Users wishing to upgrade their personal PCs need to purchase through the standard public store https://www.microsoft.com/en-ie/p/windows-10-home/d76qx4bznwk4 (please note, this cost is typically higher).