Windows 7: Is it a good idea to keep using it?

Windows 7 is a very popular operating system, which due to its stability and simple interface continues to be the favorite of millions of people. Unfortunately, it is not a very good idea to keep using it, as it is too old and the passage of time will make it even less advisable.

Windows 7 had its release in July 2009, and was much better received than Windows Vista, its predecessor. The later Windows 8 also fell short of expectations, and many users thought that sticking with Windows 7 was the safest option, especially when the reasons to stop using Windows XP (launched in 2001) were overwhelming.

The problem is that Windows 7 has not been supported since January 2020, and any bugs or vulnerabilities will no longer be fixed. The computers that use it will continue to function normally and connect to the Internet, but they will be less and less secure.

While there are precedents for out-of-support updates, such as the Petya ransomware attack, over the months and years Windows 7 will become more prone to viruses, malware and data theft, as system failures are discovered, which will no longer be corrected.

The end of security updates is more than enough to make me feel that using Windows 7 is no longer a good idea, but there are other compelling reasons.

Windows 7 end of support is just the beginning

While using Windows 7 is not a good idea, Microsoft is not going to take any steps to restrict it. The PCs will continue to function as normal, as it would be too extreme to remotely disable licenses that customers have paid for in their day.

However, little by little some programs will no longer support Windows 7, either due to security problems or considering it too much old or having a very low number of users.

When Windows 7 support ended there were around 25% of the PCs in the world using it, so it would be unfeasible to limit programs and services to a quarter of Internet users.

But as the market share goes down we will see cases similar to when Google Chrome, Firefox or Steam stopped working on Windows XP.

Therefore, it would be a good idea to plan to move away from Windows 7 before we are forced for one reason or another. The clearest alternative is Windows 10, while Windows 8 and 8.1 are both old enough, and their focus on tablets makes them ill-advised on today's PCs.

Windows 10: many improvements, but also problems

Many users agree that Windows 10 is the best Windows ever, and with it have come interesting new features: a notification bar that includes quick access to certain functions, the Windows Store, a design more current and reinforced multitasking.

The advances compared to Windows 7 are many, although it also has counterparts: between apps with modern and classic design there are too many inconsistencies, the new Settings section isn't complete yet, so sometimes it takes us to the classic Control Panel, and the number of apps in the Windows Store is quite limited.

But the biggest problem is the poor quality control in Windows 10 updates This is not the first time that an update (be it small or large) causes many users' PCs to stop starting, or even lose personal data.

This is a serious issue that Microsoft needs to address, and one that discourages many Windows 7 users from upgrading, to avoid shocks.

Looking ahead, there is no Windows 11 planned, nor any new numbered version. The idea is that Windows 10 will receive two annual updates with new features, one in March or April, and one in October or November.

The goal is to avoid a repeat of a situation like the one experienced with Windows XP and 7. Updates are now faster and easier, and it is intended that everyone stays up to date almost without realizing it that the operating system adds new features every few months.

However, each of the Windows 10 semi-annual updates has its own End of Support date, so it's not It is not feasible to stay in one of them indefinitely, or you will stop receiving security updates (which are usually sent on the second Tuesday of each month).

Microsoft's strategy regarding those who stick with Windows 7 falls somewhere between hype and common sense: while it admits that buying a Windows 10 license is possible, recommends renewing the computer , since in this time they have improved a lot.

It is clear that you have an interest in selling more PCs, but your arguments are true. The leap compared to a computer from 10 years ago will be enormous, especially if it is a laptop, and it is worth considering.

In fact, we have compiled some interesting computers under 350 euros, all of them superior to any computer that once came with Windows 7 pre-installed.

In conclusion, our advice is to skip Windows 7 and opt for a more current version. If it is not possible to do it right now, we should at least plan for the change, to avoid surprises and unexpected expenses when problems arise.