In the pursuit of keeping our customers secure, Workplace Desktop for Windows 7 will no longer be supported, distributed, nor tested after September 1, 2020.
What Does This Mean for Users?
If any user is using a device running Windows 7, after September 1, 2020, they will no longer be able to install Workplace Desktop, nor download the installer from the web. Workplace Desktop for Windows 7 will no longer be tested nor validated by OS33 software development teams and may cease to operate at any time after September 1, 2020.
Windows 7 was originally released for use in July 2009 and the last major update released by Microsoft was in February 2011. Mainstream support for Windows 7 ended on January 13, 2015. Microsoft's extended support ended on January 14, 2020.
For reference, OS33 alerted Company Managers and Workplace users that were still using Windows 7 devices about the January 14 date via in-app announcements and emails. Additional information on Microsoft's end of support for Windows 7 can be found here.
What Do Users Need to Do If They're Running Windows 7 and Using Workplace?
Although it may be possible to upgrade the operating system on current hardware, OS33 recommends following Microsoft’s advice and moving onto newer devices running Windows 10.
Workplace Desktop for Windows 7 may continue to operate after September 1, 2020 but will be untested and unsupported by OS33. If any component of Workplace Desktop for Windows 7 fails to operate properly, OS33 will not issue fixes—including components for Citrix Workspace or Citrix Receiver, nor will OS33 resolve any certificate issues that arise from the use of Windows 7.
OS33 strongly advises users to discontinue using Windows 7 devices since those devices are unpatched and unsupported by Microsoft, and are considered not secure.
What Do Company Managers Need to Do If They're Concerned about Windows 7 Devices in Their Ecosystem?
A Company Manager can find out if they have any remaining Windows 7 devices by downloading a full list of all users (provided they already have the desktop application installed) which includes the operating system information.
To do so, sign in to Workplace, navigate to the Company Admin page, and click the banner announcement labeled “Windows 7 – Action Recommended” and follow the on-screen prompts.
If a Company Manager would like to restrict access further, please contact your Customer Success Manager or Workplace Provider to assist in implementing Dynamic Access Controls.
What If a User Requires Support with a Windows 7 Device?
After September 1, 2020, OS33 will NOT provide support for Workplace Desktop installations on Windows 7, and users running Windows 7 will see a notification within Workplace that their device fails a recommended compliance check because they are running an unsupported operating system.
If a user needs to uninstall Workplace Desktop on a Windows 7 device for any reason (including troubleshooting), they will NOT be able to download the application installer for reinstallation.
Please note that after September 1, 2020, Windows 7 devices may receive Workplace software updates, these updates will be untested for the Windows 7 operating system and may cease to operate due to these untested updates. Windows 7 devices will NOT receive Microsoft operating system updates as no additional updates will be published by Microsoft.
Will OS33 Make Previous Versions of Workplace Desktop for Windows 7 Available for Download after September 1, 2020?
No. OS33 will be removing the ability to download Workplace Desktop for Windows 7. OS33 always recommends using the latest, supported, and up-to-date software. Users should not use Workplace Desktop for Windows 7 after September 1, 2020 since it will not be supported by OS33.
Will OS33 Provide Security Updates for Workplace Desktop for Windows 7 after September 1, 2020?
OS33 will not issue Workplace Desktop for Windows 7 updates or security patches after September 1, 2020. We recommend that all users stop using devices running Windows 7 before September 1, 2020.
If you have any questions or concerns about this issue, please contact your Customer Success Manager or Workplace Provider.