Overview
BuildingLink will end support for the Desktop Applications using Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 7 and 8. This means that the operating systems will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. This change has implications for the performance, security, and compatibility of software applications running on Windows 7 and 8, including the BuildingLink desktop applications ConciergeLink, KeyLink, and TimeTracker. Without continued software and security updates from Microsoft, PCs using Windows 7 or 8 are at greater risk for viruses and malware.
Table of Contents
- How do I know if this applies to my property?
- How do I know which computer is affected?
- Timeline and Details
- Recommendation
- FAQ
How do I know if this applies to my property?
If a popup is displayed within the staff’s BuildingLink web app on the Manager Dashboard stating “ACTION REQUIRED”, a sign-in from one or more Windows 7 or Windows 8 operating systems has been detected at your property.
How do I know which computer is affected?
To quickly check the operating system of your computer, visit https://whatsmyos.com. If you need additional help identifying the computer that is using Windows 7 or Windows 8, please contact support@buildinglink.com and include your property’s name and “Windows 7 / 8” in the subject of the email.
Timeline and Details
- January 14, 2020: Microsoft ends support for Windows 7. the operating system will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft.
- January 10, 2023: Support for Windows 8.1 ends. Technical assistance and software updates from Microsoft are no longer available for the product.
- November 30, 2023: BuildingLink desktop applications (ConciergeLink, KeyLink, and TimeTracker) being run on Windows 7 or 8 will no longer function.
Recommendation
To ensure that you can continue to use the desktop applications, and to maintain them, you will need to update your operating system by November 30, 2023 to a more recent version that is still actively supported, such as Windows 10 or later. Failing to update your operating system will result in the BuildingLink desktop applications (ConciergeLink, KeyLink, and TimeTracker) no longer working.
See equipment and software recommendations from BuildingLink: Suggested Computer Equipment List
Keep in mind that the home version of Windows cannot join a domain, so if you have a domain set up on your network, you will want the Professional or Ultimate version. If this will be a stand-alone PC that doesn’t belong to a domain, the home version will suffice.
Please note that a Windows operating system is required if you are planning to use peripherals (ex. signature pad, barcode scanner, etc.), KeyLink, ConciergeLink, or TimeTracker.
FAQ
What happens if I choose not to update my operating system?
If you choose not to update your operating system to Windows 10 or later, the BuildingLink desktop applications including Connector, KeyLink, TimeTracker, and ConciergeLink will not function. In addition, your PC will be at greater risk for viruses and malware.
How do I update my operating system?
Please reach out to your IT administrator for assistance with updating your system.
FAQs from Microsoft: Upgrade to Windows 10 FAQs
Recommendations from BuildingLink: Suggested Computer Equipment List
What if I don’t use desktop apps anymore? Will my BuildingLink website be affected?
Without continued software and security updates from Microsoft, PCs using Windows 7 or 8 are at greater risk for viruses and malware. It is our recommendation to upgrade, however the BuildingLink website will not be impacted on your machine.
What Windows version should I upgrade to?
The recommended operating system is Windows 10, 64-bit. Keep in mind that the home version of Windows cannot join a domain, so if you have a domain set up on your network, you will want the Professional or Ultimate version. If this will be a stand-alone PC that doesn’t belong to a domain, the home version will suffice.