Update 2023: Microsoft has stopped updates for Windows 7 as of January 14, 2023. In April 2023, only 3.78% of users worldwide were still using Windows 7, while the operating system Windows 11 is on the rise.
It is recommended that users use the latest operating systems Windows, or versions that are still receiving security updates.
Initial article 2020:
As was known since the beginning of last year, Microsoft is ending support for the operating system after 10 years Windows 7, starting from today, January 14, 2020.
Broadly speaking, this means that if you have the operating system installed Windows 7 on a computer, it will no longer receive security updates or essential driver updates compatible with the system's hardware configuration.
The most affected by this end of support will of course be the companies that were late to upgrade to Windows 10 and which hold sensitive data. Without security updates, PCs with Windows 7 they will be much more exposed to computer attacks.
We talked about what to do to avoid possible inconveniences and what alternative operating systems you have a year ago, when we first announced today's action by Microsoft. There is no point in talking, because you find all the details here. Also in an article from the beginning of last year we also showed how you can upgrade for free from Windows 7 la Windows 10. Two methods of free upgrade from Windows 7 la Windows 10. *update: Windows 10 → Windows 11.
If, however, for various reasons, you cannot give up in the coming months to Windows 7, we come with two good news from Google and from Microsoft. Google recently announced that it will continue Google Chrome updates for Windows 7 by the summer of 2021, and shortly after Google's announcement, Microsoft announced that the same would happen with the new browser Edge Chromium. It's somewhat understandable, because Microsoft's new browser uses the same platform as Google Chrome.
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The dangers you are exposed to after Microsoft stopped updates for Windows 7
With the end of support for updates, it does not mean that your PC will stop working. It will continue to function normally, but there is a risk that you will be exposed to cyber attacks in the future. You will no longer receive security updates.
Some apps may no longer be compatible with Windows 7. Software companies are usually focused on "live" operating systems. A good idea is to keep dedicated application installation kits Windows 7.
Many hardware manufacturers will no longer release dedicated drivers for Windows 7. Thus, some equipment may no longer function normally or you may not be able to install the software dedicated to them.
Companies specializing in security solutions may still provide updates. However, if you have an antivirus, there is a very high probability that it will still receive updates.
Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) will continue to update its malware database, but it's unclear whether it will receive any more software updates should they come for Windows 10.
Consider upgrading as soon as possible to Windows 10.
Minimum system requirements for Windows 10
So you can install Windows 10, a system with a minimum of:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster or SoC (System on a Chip)
- RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit version or 2 GB for 64-bit version
- Disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit version or 20 GB for 64-bit version
- Video card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
- Screen: Minimum 800 x 600 resolution
These are the minimum requirements, but for a better experience, higher performing hardware such as a faster processor, more RAM, and more disk space are recommended.
