After gaining the attention of the users, Microsoft is going to draw the curtains on Windows 7 OS. Customer service or security updates for this version will no longer be available. Now, the real question arrives can you use Windows 7 on your computer even after its removal?
In a nutshell, you have to use the Operating System on your own without any support from Microsoft. This is because you could possibly be leaving your computer unsafe and readily available to all sorts of viruses, malware attacks, and other unwanted security threats.
Can I Still Use Windows 7?
If you still want to use Windows 7 OS on your computer, it will keep working normally as Windows XP does. If you have a computer running on Windows XP or Windows 7, then you can continue using it even after 15th January 2020. Microsoft won’t stop you from using it, but you may face some nagging notifications such as “Your Windows 7 PC is out of support.”
But, it’s better to avoid using the old OS. However, if you want to keep using the Windows 7 OS, it’s necessary that you have an antivirus program install on your computer. Further, you also need to take enough steps to secure the system.
Will Programs Keep Running on Windows 7?
Most of the apps or programs will keep running on Windows 7 OS in the near future. But, they will stop running them gradually, over the next few years.
For example, Windows XP and Vista dropped support for Valve’s Steam gaming service. After a few years, we’d expect to see it for Windows 7 as well.
Microsoft has already withdrawn support for some particular app. For example, Microsoft Office Suite 2019 doesn’t support Windows 7 or 8.
I have a Windows 7 PC. What Should I Do?
According to Microsoft, there is still something you can do at the end of life of Windows 7 OS. Here is a list of factors that you need to do in the meantime.
Upgrade to Windows 10 for Free
If you still want to use Windows 7, then the first thing you can consider doing is updating the Windows 10 OS. The interface and layout of Windows 10 are also quite similar to Windows 7 OS. Hence, it is not too hard to adjust to the Windows 10 OS.
Before upgrading to Windows 10, you will have to buy a license for it, which is quite expensive. Or if you prefer, you can also update the computer, which is an inexpensive procedure.
In this process, you only have to update a few components of the system so that the device will be able to run Windows 10. Upgrading a computer is easier when considered purchasing a new computer.
Switch to Mac
Most of the apps and programs you use on your Windows Operating System are now also available in macOS. But, you have to purchase if you consider switching to Mac. There are also several alternative programs that you can use as an emulator.
Keep a Back up While Moving On From Windows 7
No matter which step you take, you need to make sure that you have a proper backup of the files and folders on your computer. You can do this in several ways. Connect a hard disk to your computer and transfer the files and folders to it. Or if you prefer, upload the data to cloud storage.
So, if you are using Windows 7 Operating System, you can keep using it. You can still download all the latest patches released by Microsoft before tey completely stopping all the support.
The end of Microsoft customer support may have a bad effect on businesses, especially for online payments by debit or credit cards. If you are a business owner, then you definitely need to think about the customer’s safety. So, with the end of Windows 7, it is time to upgrade your computer!
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