The glorious Windows 7 era is about to end. In less than a month from now, Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 7. After January 14, 2020, Microsoft will not release any kind of updates for Windows 7.
Although Windows 10 has been around for close to four years, Windows 7 (which was released about ten years ago on October 22nd, 2009), still running on hundreds of millions of computers.
As you likely have heard by now, Windows 7 support will end on January 14, 2020. Windows 7 OS has been displaying End of support notification from the past few months and will continue to do so.
Many Windows 7 users have reached to us to check if they can use Windows 7 after January 14, 2020, and what actually happens to Windows 7 after January 14, 2020.
Can I use Windows 7 after January 14, 2020?
Yes, you can continue using Windows 7 even after January 14, 2020. Windows 7 will start and run just like it’s doing today.
But we advise you to upgrade to Windows 10 before 2020 as Microsoft won’t provide technical support, software updates, security updates, and fixes after January 14, 2020. This means that your Windows 7 PC will not be as secure as it’s today even if you have a good antivirus software.
What happens to Windows 7 after January 14, 2020?
Well, nothing happens to your Windows 7 installation after January 14, 2020, but it will be vulnerable to security risks and viruses as Microsoft will discontinue the support. You might get even more End of support notifications on your Windows 7 screen after January 14, 2020. However, users running Windows 7 Professional and Enterprise editions can purchase extended security updates through January 2023.
Microsoft has announced that Windows 7 users will get full-screen notifications from January 15 2020.
Can I reinstall and activate Windows 7 after 2020?
Yes, you should be able to install/reinstall and activate Windows 7 even after January 14, 2020. It’s just that you won’t get updates via Windows Update, and Microsoft will stop offering all kind of support to Windows 7.
Can I upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free?
The Windows 7 to Windows 10 free upgrade program is no longer officially available, meaning that you need to purchase a Windows 10 license in order to upgrade to Windows 10.
That said, the free upgrade offer is unofficially available, but sadly some users are reporting that it’s no longer working!
Can I upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 without losing programs and data?
Almost all programs available for Windows 7 are compatible with Windows 10, and you will be able to retain them while upgrading to Windows 10. Likewise, you can keep your data while upgrading to Windows 10.
Does my Windows 7 PC’s hardware support Windows 10?
A computer running Windows 7 should be able to run Windows 10 with ease. That is, the minimum requirement for Windows 7 and Windows 10 are the same. That said, we recommend you use the official Media Creation Tool’ to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 as it will scan your computer for compatibility issues before upgrading Windows 7 installation to Windows 10.
Is Windows 10 better than Windows 7?
We have been getting this question ever since Windows 10 was released in July 2015. The answer is, yes. Windows 10 is a better operating system than in Windows 7 in every possible way. More than anything, Windows 7 is a decade old operating system and is not as safe as Windows 10 anymore.
Can I try Windows 10 before buying it?
Of course, you can try Windows 10 before buying it. Refer to our how to download Windows 10 ISO file guide to the latest version of Windows 10, prepare a bootable USB of Windows 10, and then install it alongside Windows 7.
How to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10?
Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 is easy when you use the official Media Creation Tool. Please refer to the directions in our how to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 guide for step-by-step directions. If you are running Windows 7 32-bit (x86), refer to upgrade to Windows 10 64-bit from Windows 7 32-bit guide.
Nathan Marek says
The way they should manage these operating systems is by making the best ones last longer and the worst ones shorter. If Microsoft did that, then Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 would be dead, and Windows XP and 7 would likely still be regularly updated.
bgbama says
Thank you Scott.
I run Windows Backup daily, including a system image. But after 8 years and thousands of hours, W7 SP1 is getting a tad “buggy” – just minor stuff like – icon changes. I’ve installed and later uninstalled dozens of programs, so I suspect the registry is looking a bit like a cluttered attic about now. And the boot time has gotten progressively longer every year. For that reason, I plan to do a system “flush and fill.” My only concern access to existing W7 updates.
Also, I ordered my laptop with two 500MB drives with W7 and programs on the C drive. I keep all my user [data] files on D,, which is also backed up daily.
I’m been extremely happy with Windows 7. I’ve seen nothing very appealing in W10. Certainly nothing that’s worth an hour of my time to upgrade. But I have come across numerous “features”, softwre architecture, and user metrics harvesting that bother me. Ironically, the only “malware” I’ve ever gotten with W7 was from M$Soft — when they sneaked that nefarious GWX crap into an “important update”. You know… the one with the tricks that duped thousands of users into upgrading? Totally shameful.
Thanks again, Scott. Your post was right on point.
Scotto says
By the way, with imaging my machines, I never use the user folder structure of Windows for anything. Instead I move everything permanently away from the OS drive (C:\) and store PST and OST (profile swapping with a registry tweak) files for email and default locations to an adjacent drive or drives (D:\ E:\ etc.). This way I can reimage the C:\ drive at will anytime anything go’s south. Also, I never use incremental imaging as that eventually falls apart but rather create a new image every time I have made enough changes and tweaks to the OS. I have never had a problem reimaging with any of these full images, making changes then creating a new full image from there using an Acronis boot disc and I have done this countless times.
Scotto says
Yes, you will be able to download updates up to the latest and likely last rollup (January 31, 2020—KB4539601 (Preview of Monthly Rollup, https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4539601/windows-7-update-kb4539601).
You could also download the updates directly from MS here: http://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/home.aspx
Better yet, use an Acronis boot disc to make an image of your machine. At last check the Acronis demo installer allows you to make this boot disc and its full functional in regards to imaging and re-imaging. You just don’t get the features of the software running in the OS which I prefer not to do anyway. There are many other imaging software’s out there and I am shocked that articles such as this one do not mention imaging. Future PC’s will likely stop supporting W7 driver wise and for chipset’s that will become a serious issue. For the time being though we are in a good spot in terms of 1/14/2020 although it would have been better after Thunderbolt and USB C merged.
Images sometimes carry over to newer motherboard chipset’s OK too without using the Microsoft Sysprep utility.
bgbama says
Has anybody found an answer to my question posted on January 9?
Lillian Swendsen says
I also tried Windows 10. I did not like the format. It was difficult to navigate. I removed it and kept my Windows 7. I know change has to happen to keep up with technology. You would think Microsoft would listen to their customers about what they like. Microsoft should make an upgraded version of Windows 7. Keep the familiar look but add the technology changes. Microsoft needs to understand there are a lot of older people using computers. I am 70. We need something simple to navigate and cost effective. Are you listening Microsoft?
Frances Smith says
Is Microsoft an operating system?
rodbet says
This modus operandi to bilk money from people all over the world by scaring them about terminating
the BS updates (which more often than not are detrimental rather than beneficial, in my case forcing me to delete
most of these BS material, after even MS Paint started misbehaving ) and insinuating that we buy new PCs to satisfy
their greed for more bloated wallets, are ground for a worldwide revolution against Microsoft, particularly
those gluttons at the helm steering this otherwise great company into a corrupt, tyrannical organization. I hope millions more of those harassed sue Microsoft until its knees buckle and it cries for pity – left by the wayside by more decent,more considerate, more sympathetic corporations.
Llama says
It would be great if Microsoft had a heart and quit taking all the money from working folks and retired folks, we all
can’t afford to pay for Microsoft 10 or buy a new computer. Don’t get rid of Windows 7, which works so good.
Please let us continue to get up dates on 7 and not make us buy new system that is no good.
WINDOWS 7 IS THE BEST, DON’T DISCONTINUE IT…………
sophie ashcombe says
After reading through the comments which have basically answered my questions, I also do not want to leave Windows7. I have owned my first Samsung laptop for over 12 years with this package and am happy and confident using it. I am in my sixtys and ask why should I keep on changing things to suit all these rich businessmen.
I will not leave Windows 7 but just upgrade to Bit defender. Change gets harder and more confusing to us oldies.
Eileen Senko says
I am 99 years old and soon 100. Using computer keeps me alert and not bored.
I am not going to pay for a crappy Windows 10.
So what now, nothingness.
Donna JW Beason says
I am almost 74 and I use Windows 7 on desktop and laptop. I do banking, shopping, and pay bills online as I am partially disabled and getting out poses a real problem. Why do I have to learn anew program at my age. I probably wouldn’t live long enough to warrant a new purchase. I hung on to Windows XP for as long as I could and now that I’m comfortable with Windows 7, you expect my brain to get overloaded with new Windows?! No Thanks. I bet most of us would pay for an extension (2025) would be great. Give us old folks a chance.
Frieda Schwerdtfeger says
All this is about the ceo’s of Microsoft putting more money in their pocket. They don’t care about the people they just want their money. I have so many friends and now have read about how many people hate windows 10. Windows 7 should continue. Windows 10 is not user friendly is what I’ve heard. Like others I will continue using my Windows 7. I hope that the ceo’s of Microsoft are happy with themselves for what they have done.
greg says
As far as I understand the options that are given on this article are : upgrade to windows 10 or keep windows 7 withall the risks that this OS has without the support after January 14th, 2020.There is another choice wich is the best to my opinion. Swich to MX_Linux, it’s free, highly costumized and very secure. It is a light distro, very easy to install and nice desktop. I am pretty sure that a lot of people will find MX_Linux the right OS to swich from windows 7. You can keep windows 7 and install also MX_Linux in the same hd.
AmateurOrganist says
I obtained a new Laptop with Windows 10. My son-in-law turned off the American voice that was supposed to help, and he then set up a more Windows 7 environment.
Now, what has happened to Microsoft Office Picture Manager? The main tool to process photographs by cropping, “Auto Adjust” Brightness etc. Then “compress” for use on a web page. Oh? Windows 10 does not have it. Really? This new machine is to continue what I have done for nearly 20 years, and this package has been learnt and does what is required. If I were to pay for something to do the same job, my productivity would be very low, but still with the pressure of work coming in.
Who gave Microsoft the right to sell me Windows 7 – and then take it away when the “new” Windows does not do the job?
JUAN MANUEL MORALES AVALOS says
Will Norton be good enough to keep my computer running on window 7 safe, after January 14 2020.
admin says
Anisur,
Your PC should be able to run Windows 7. Use the Windows 10 Assistant Tool for any compatibility issues.
intowindows.com/download-windows-10-update-assistant/
Anisur rahman says
My computer is old model, slow..
I use windows 7 running.
Can i use windows 10?
Please answer me.
bgbama says
Suppose I wish to stay on Windows 7 after Jan 2020. And suppose I need to re-install Windows 7 from my factory recovery partition. Will I still be able to install W7 updates that were issued BEFORE Jan 2020?
I understand there will be no NEW updates after end-of-support. But what about the scores of updates that were released PRIOR to end-of-support? Please tell me M$oft will allow users to download those updates that already exist. If not, that would make them the biggest ****s in the PC universe.
cherie says
I am so glad I read all the comments. I have been worried about this because I can’t afford a new computer, or 100+ to buy whatever it is you need to do so. I feel much better.
mohammad arshad says
i am used windowa 7
but windows 10 my not feverate
i want used windows 7
plase not close windows 7
John says
Just my personnal experience … since I discovered the Linux world (Ubuntu,OpenSuse,Debian,Mint …) I’m more and more attracted by the opensource world … It’s like using for free a system as safe,stable,sane,as Mac/Apple is… on even older PC’s ( said to be outdated by …µsoft).
The differences are amazing if we just try to discover something else.
Dennis says
Typical garbage. Too bad we lost window 7, I will run windows 7 till my computer doesn’t run anymore
I will not switch to windows 10 my son it is garbage whoever told Gates this is the real thing, should be fired?
facebook says
After 14th of 2020 , windows 7 could be used, but will be more vulnerable to cyber attack. As no extended support would be given from their end. After 14th the notification will be visible on the windows 7 screen and paid extended support will be given to some companies through 2023. so its better to switch to windows 10.
Ged says
do not getting rid of Windows 7, I have 2 computers here one is therapy for an 81 year old woman who is disabled.,, I CAN NOT AFFORD your PRICE of $ 139 for windows# 10. This is crazy, I will never PURCHASE a windows computer again. I wrote programs to work on computers in school in 1984. with binary codes. Now I live as Disabled in Poverty. WTF.
KJ says
I don’t understand all the hate…personally I love windows 10. It’s just as easy to use as Windows has always been and runs like a charm, least for what I need it to do. I’ll take Windows and any of its upgrades over Apple’s system any day haha.
Does all I need it to and was super easy to learn how to navigate. So why the hate I don’t get…maybe by those who just don’t like having to learn a new system, which I get but still…it’s not THAT hard and it’s a normal part of technology. I reckon until give it a go, don’t judge the system by the feedback.
….cause honestly, we all know that only negative reviews get posted only don’t they? Lol
No shame or anything, just thought I’d toss some good feedback amidst the negative :) least
Judy Knaub says
I work with folks 65 and over and Windows 7 is terrific for their needs and simple enough for them to understand. Forcing people to upgrade to 10 is UNWISE!
Personally I had so many issues with 10 that I started using my MacBook for everything. I use the MS Office Suite for Macs. In my opinion 10 is HORRIBLE and folks find the transition from 7-10 very overwhelming.
anthony Whittle says
I TRIED WINDOWS 10 BYEARS AGO AND ENDED UP GOING BACK TO WINDOWS 7,i AM COMFORTABLE WITH THAT AND WILL STAY ON IT AND GET A SEPARATE SECURITY COVER LIKE BITDEFEND OR SOME OTHER ,A MUCH BETTER IDEA.
Francis Mestdagh says
And what with the windows 7 drivers for new apps/ hardware after 2020 ??
Don Tietz says
When Windows 7 Support Ends, well then the time to say goodbye Microsoft!
Ron MacFarlane says
I tried Windows 10 when it was a freebie. It chewed up my monthly download allowance with DISH in 3 days!!! I did not like it’s format either. Total crap, but MS forces it on us anyways. I will stick with W7 as long as I can!!
EHX says
It should still be possible to get unofficial updates through CFW setups. With that said, I don’t know of any CFW setups for Windows. It should be possible to write CFW patches for Windows though – much more is known than, for example, about the Nintendo 3DS system, and people managed to create CFW for that. Are there any repositories dedicated to reverse engineering Windows 7?
George Watt says
Browsing the net with the intention of buying a new laptop before windows 7 gets dumped, I came upon this forum. Just saved myself a few hundred pounds. Thank you everyone, (seems like everyone)
George in UK
Damien McClarance says
So far I have been using Windows 10 Pro for little under a year. I have to say, the GUI is crap. They fudged the aesthetics with Win 8 (Saw my friends PC that had it…didn’t care for the awful appearance on the monitor), and it appeared to me they tried to bring back the simplicity of previous Windows OS (i.e. 7) with the annoying razzledazzle of 8.1. I plan on reverting this laptop back to 7 Ultimate and installing my own patches to keep up with the Jones.
Amanda says
Windows 10 better? Hahahahahaha! I’ve been forced to use it on a works laptop, and it came pre-installed on a personal one, so I’ve checked it out pretty thoroughly now, and I hate it more all the time. Many of the most useful features have gone, it treats the end-user as a moron incapable of making even basic decisions (such as what to update), and makes doing everything take longer. The recent kerfuffle over updates (see forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2019/09/22/microsoft-windows-10-warning-optional-updates-upgrade-windows-10/) has not made me feel any warmer, fluffier or more confident about 10 or its makers. If 10 is truly the last Windows version, and thus represents the best MS can do, then MS should be deeply ashamed.
Robin says
I’ve been mulling over doing the 10 thing. But then I read on the forums how so many users find it’s a joke, considering tens of thousands of hours, and tens of millions of dollars that have gone into developing it, and it gets a very bad wrap from people who fix computers and use them professionally.
I’m going to stick with the 7 and just run a good anti virus thing like Bitdefender.
“Windows 10 is a better operating system than in Windows 7 in every possible way”. Yeah, right. I told that to the guy who is a pro technician who fixed my laptop, and he nearly fell on the floor clutching his sides in stitches of laughter!
FrankGr says
My current plan is to set up a dual boot system and use Windows 10 only for stuff that requires internet, and I’ll shut off the DSL modem when I’m running Windows 7. It’ll be a pain in the butt, but I can’t afford to replace all the specialized engineering and music creation software I’ve been running on Windows 7 for so many years — not to mention losing access to all the designs and other data that I’ve created with them. I can only hope the plan works. I haven’t even tried Windows 10 yet, so I don’t know what I’ll be up against, but I can tell you…I hate this!!!
BG Davis says
“Windows 10 is a better operating system than in Windows 7 in every possible way. ”
Sounds like a paid announcement. No, Win 10 is NOT better than Win 7 in every way. Not even close.
Talavar says
I’ll be installing Linux. So is everyone in my house, and all of my gamer buddies. Be warned, as soon as you end windows 7, the number of Linux programmers is going to go through the roof (I’ll be joining them myself), After that, linux is going to make windows look like Hammered ***t
Irene Plowman says
Can I use my PC with Windows 7 offline only for my photos & word processing. I do a lot of photography & writing which I saved in various folders plus I make photo books & posters. I do have a separate laptop with Windows 10 for search & email etc…
Buddy Lou says
Windows 10 is garbage. I will never upgrade. I am planning to use one computer for internet (linux) and another for actual work (Windows 7). On my travel laptop I’ll continue to use Windows 7 forever, with automated imaging should the highly unlikely ‘attack’ ever occur.
Don’t install Windows 10. It’s crap.
Don’t believe the fear mongers.
Send a message to MS: We don’t need mobile phone garbage on our PCs, you morons.
Keep using Windows 7 and/or go to Linux. Goodbye MS.
Shik says
U can upgrade to Windows 10 for free using Media Creation Tool in 2019.
Sang says
Oh , it’s bad news for me, so sad for economy worrior. Bye2 Microsoft.
JOHN ELLIS says
HATE HATE HATE Windows 10. How anyone can say its better than 7 is beyond me and EVERYONE I know. Microsoft have let us down with this one, and making us like 10. IT WILL NEVER WORK NOT WITH MOST.
Robin Dee says
They say above, “but it will be vulnerable to security risks and viruses as Microsoft will discontinue the support”. Is this not just scaremongering to force you to upgrade? For millions of people it requires buying a new PC, and the cheaper ones sold can’t even handle the regular massive Windows 10 updates.
Surely Windows Defender, which I have, will still keep on upgrading with the latest virus definitions, along with any other virus software installed such as Norton, Avast or AVG etc. I would hope that the PC isn’t dependent on its operating system to repel viruses.
Any feedback on this would be welcome.
la Juan dixon says
I am doing the same thing got 10 yesterday and it is going back .
Nino says
After listening to all the hype about the miraculous performance of Windows 10, I bought a small Acer Aspire laptop with 32g storage. It was sold as having Windows 10,but turned out I had to manually do it myself. I’m retired and just needed the machine to write and dabble on digital art using Autodesk Sketchbook Pro. In less than 2 years my laptop ran out of space because the constant upgrades keep eating up space. I had to delete my own apps including the drawing app, Nook and Kindle reading apps, etc. I failed to revert the machine back to Win7 because I don’t have the back up to revert from. I used to love Microsoft; now I hate it with a passion. Nothing personal,Bill Gates. You’re a generous, kind and altruistic soul, but your corporation is gouging us to death.
Cecily Stephens says
Windows 10 destroyed my laptop. It isn’t compatible with a lot of older computers. Thousands of people had the same experience. Windows 10 stinks and I hate everything about it. Microsoft should rot in hell for forcing it on people.
Himeno says
The only reason I got Win 7 is because my XP disc stopped working when I needed to reinstall.
I do not want Win 10. Period. The forced auto updates and random shutdowns is more then enough reason to not get that trash.
Khandaker Reja Al Rahman says
Benjamin Cox you are right. Windows 10 is shit, but what is the alternative of Microsoft? I used many linux os, they are more shit! So we cant say goodbye to Microsoft like Mr. Suba.
Inez says
Just wondering if I disable the wireless card on my old win 7 laptop, could I keep using it for another year? I only use this laptop to do design work on, as it has photoshop CS6 and Illustrator on it. I can’t afford to get a new laptop yet as I’m currently unemployed. Anything internet-related I use my smartphone for.
Suba says
When Windows 7 Support Ends, well then the time to say goodbye Microsoft!
Benjamin Cox says
Windows 10 is shit I’m going back to 7 it’s better