Windows 10 is a great improvement from Windows 8. If your computers are running Windows 8, you are better off upgrading to Windows 10 as soon as you can. Of course, you will want to backup all of your files and important data before you start.
However, if you have Windows 7, upgrading might not make that much of a difference, and there is no pressing reason to switch, except for the fact that Windows 10 will not be free forever.
There is no doubt that getting Windows 10 for free is a great bonus, and will save you around $180, give or take. However, when you make the change, you may have to upgrade other important systems as well, such as the Universal Office or QuickBooks servers.
For instance, if one of the applications on your machine uses Microsoft SQL Server 2005, you will need to upgrade to a more current version of SQL Server, as the 2005 edition is not compatible with Windows 10. Read more about it in our blog, Upgrading to Windows 10: Get it Right the First Time.
Eventually, you will want to upgrade your server to Windows 10, and perhaps, every computer in your office. In some cases, it would be worthwhile to purchase a new server instead of investing to upgrade your old, outdated server machine. We do not recommend spending $300 to $500 on labour to upgrade a machine that is not really worth it. Yes, that is what it typically costs to properly upgrade the server.
However, paying to upgrade your server would only be worthwhile if it has the capacity and size to handle your volume of data. In other words, if you’ve already invested in a powerful and valuable machine, then it may be worthwhile to have it upgraded by a professional.
For your other workstations, do your best to ensure the computer will smoothly run Windows and backup your data, so you are not at risk of losing any information.
Upgrading sooner rather than later may save you from paying the price for the Windows 10 license.
So, what is the official “cut-off date” for the free Windows 10 upgrade offer? It’s July 29, 2016.
However, according to a ZDNet.com blog by Ed Bott, the cut-off date for the free upgrade may be extended as late as Summer 2017. He cannot confirm that for certain, so if you want to avoid paying, and you believe it’s better to upgrade, you should plan to switch to Windows 10 as soon as possible.
Otherwise you can wait, while you acquire a more powerful and compatible machine for your server. Your retired server can be repurposed as a workstation, so it doesn’t go to waste.
If you are not sure about whether you should upgrade or replace your server, please ask us to take a look at it for you and help you decide.
