Are you sure your system needs a fresh Windows setup?
Are you sure your system needs a fresh Windows setup?
It could be in a cozy mom & pop setting where you share a close bond with the owner. In a larger corporate setup, with a CEO, board, and management team—each performing well—your influence is limited. You can push your point, persuade them about changes, but ultimately they decide. There are clear advantages to switching, especially if you're not moving to Linux, which would require significant investment in specialized expertise. The main motivation is preparation. Extended support for Windows 7 ends in January 2020, just next year. I’m not sure about you, but I’d rather avoid last-minute scrambling to shut down systems once support disappears. Continuing beyond EOES poses serious security risks. Plus, legal and regulatory issues arise since we rely on government funding. Windows 8 or 8.1 might seem appealing, but they bring the same challenges as Windows 10. Making adjustments yourself—like using Classic Shell or similar tools—is possible, but it’s not a universal solution. In your workplace, you have the right to decide. Windows 10 telemetry is a concern, yet tools exist to reduce data collection. It’s a complex situation, but I respect your judgment in handling it.
I work for the gov't. I have the power It's the *only* concern. Or should I say, it's a deal killer. Leaking data to some private entity is a *very* bad idea. Especially with what we are dealing with (biologics and terrorism, to name just two) But not all, and if you can't kill it all, then what's the point? Something is still slipping through. And since you don't *know* what's slipping through, it's a big deal because the OS can no longer be trusted. Holy chit, it's 2019 already? Why didn't I know this?
I understand your concern about the timing, but January 2020 is just around the corner and doesn’t change the validity of my argument. We’re not working with biological substances or terrorism, so your concerns don’t undermine my stance. It’s unrealistic to expect every organization to abandon Windows 10, and IT can’t compel a switch. I’m relieved your team isn’t facing this issue—others are much worse off.