While you can continue to use Windows 7 after the end of support, the safest option is to upgrade to Windows 10. If you are unable (or not willing) to do so, there are ways to continue using Windows 7 safely with no more updates. However, “safely” still isn’t as safe as a supported operating system.
Can I still use Windows 7 after 2020?
Windows 7 can still be installed and activated after end of support; however, it will be more vulnerable to security risks and viruses due to the lack of security updates. After January 14, 2020, Microsoft strongly recommends that you use Windows 10 instead of Windows 7.
Can I keep Windows 7 forever?
When Windows 7 reaches its End of Life on January 14 2020, Microsoft will no longer support the aging operating system, which means anyone using Windows 7 could be at risk as there will be no more free security patches.
What happens if I keep Windows 7?
Nothing will happen to Windows 7. But one of the problems that will happen is, without regular updates, Windows 7 will become vulnerable to security risks, viruses, hacking, and malware without any support. You may continue to get “end of support” notifications on your Windows 7 home screen after January 14.
Can you still upgrade from Windows 7 to 10 for free?
As a result, you can still upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 and claim a free digital license for the latest Windows 10 version, without being forced to jump through any hoops.
What happens if I dont update Windows 7?
Updates can sometimes include optimizations to make your Windows operating system and other Microsoft software run faster. … Without these updates, you’re missing out on any potential performance improvements for your software, as well as any completely new features that Microsoft introduces.
Is Windows 7 better than Windows 10?
Despite all the extra features in Windows 10, Windows 7 still has better app compatibility. … There’s also the hardware element, as Windows 7 runs better on older hardware, which the resource-heavy Windows 10 might struggle with. In fact, it was almost impossible to find a new Windows 7 laptop in 2020.
How do I protect my Windows 7 from viruses?
Here are some Windows 7 setup tasks to complete immediately to make your computer more effective to use and safeguard against viruses and spyware:
- Show filename extensions. …
- Create a password reset disc. …
- Protect your PC from scumware and spyware. …
- Clear out any messages in the Action Center. …
- Turn off Automatic Updates.
How do I use Windows 7 forever?
Continue Using Your Windows 7 After Windows 7 EOL (End of Life)
- Download and install a durable antivirus on your PC. …
- Download and install GWX Control Panel, to further reinforce your system against unsolicited upgrades/updates.
- Back up your PC regularly; you can back it up once in a week or three times in a month.
How do I run Windows 7 Safely?
10 things to do to stay safe on Windows 7 after End of Life
- Get a premium anti-virus. …
- Make sure your Firewall is on and Use its Whitelist feature. …
- Remove unnecessary/unknown software. …
- Use a password manager and activate 2 Factor authentication. …
- Use a supported browser. …
- Update your PC to the latest Windows 7 service pack.
Can I still get security updates for Windows 7?
Yes but limited. For security updates only, you could receive Windows 7 ESU for free from Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop, which provides a Windows 7 device with free Extended Security Updates through January 2023. The cost for Windows 7 Extended Security Updates quite expensive.
Is it possible to update Windows 7?
Microsoft’s free upgrade offer for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users ended a few years ago, but you can still technically upgrade to Windows 10 free of charge. … It’s also really simple for anyone to upgrade from Windows 7, especially as support ends for the operating system today.
Can you get updates for Windows 7?
If you use Windows 7, you can still keep using it. Heck, you can even install Windows 7 on a new system. Windows Update will still download all the patches Microsoft released before ending support. Things will keep working on January 15, 2020 nearly the same as they did on January 13, 2020.