How many more years can i still use Windows 7?

[mreccentric]

I'm having Windows 7 in one of my computers, which still seems working fine for a normal household use. I have a pro license of Windows 7, and i am thinking to use it for coming years. I now also understand that many of the computers have shifted to other operating systems these days, and a friend thinks that i should also move on with other OS on this particular computer. I had the same issue from shifting from Windows XP to Windows 7 back few years ago. But, i had to shift over since it was too old-fashioned.

I'm still unsure whether this particular system configuration (a computer which i am talking about) allows me to install a Windows 11 OS on it. Which, i would only know once i try installing it. My question is how many more years can we still use Windows 7, after which all newer applications stops working on it?

 

[Navjot Singh]

If your system is running Windows 7 fine, then you should be able to run Windows 10 on it just as well. Or at least 8.1. Popular software are dropping support for Windows 7/8.1 if they haven't done already. Firefox's next version won't work on Windows 7/8.1. You shouldn't concern about Windows 11 for now if you ask me.

 

[Sushubh]

Best to see what apps you need and consider if a Linux disto would serve the purpose. Window 7 at this point of time is probably too unsafe to use for internet connectivity.

 

[mreccentric]

I see. Yes, Windows 7 is working hassle-less on this computer. And, i believe there would be an windows application which would analyze Device Manager to say whether what OS upgrade is possible to this computer. Just a couple of months back, i disposed Dell Vostro, just because the technician spoiled the PC for an unknown RAM issue. I believe that PC could had also be upgraded to Windows 10 or 11.

I know Windows 8.1 would work, since i had tried it on one old PC. The point is that any newer OS should be feasibly work without any lag or delays. But, i have also heard that newer operating systems are more lighter and faster than the old ones which used complicated kernels.

 

[Sushubh]

even windows 10 loses support in 2025. i am guessing windows 8.x is also unsupported for years now.

 

[mreccentric]

Well, by the time i install newer Windows, it would probably be 2024.
As @Navjot Singh said, i feel that Windows 7 is not anymore safe, with no updates or windows defender dead for Windows 7.

I shall check if i can install Windows 11 in this computer. If not, i will have to continue using Win7 with last/latest update. Anyway, i use it only for browsing purposes and for little of infotainment.

 

[Sushubh]

Look into Get ChromeOS Flex for PC or Mac - Chrome Enterprise

 

[raj2007]

@mreccentric
if it ain't broke, don't fix it

Leave something alone; avoid attempting to correct, fix, or improve what is already sufficient (often with an implication that the attempted improvement is risky and might backfire).

Even most of the antivirus still supports WIN7. So, don't move..say still.

 

[mreccentric]

@Sushubh Have used Linux Ubuntu before. But, may be i didn't use for a long time. Coming to Chrome OS. It seems like Reliance for the world, with Google expanding into every verticle in business nowadays. I believe that we should keep supporting the traditional and old companies which sell operating system so that the right ones are always encouraged.

We allowed android into our mobiles, and no one could compete with Google. Not even the Microsoft, with their Lumia mobiles. Their mobile OS died eventually though it had a good UI in a sense.

@raj2007 Perfect. I agree with your point. I should agree that many times before i have brought myself disasters by trying something which was not required at first place.

 

[SVK]

I think Win 10 upgrade is free on Win 7/8 with valid License.
I had upgraded my Dell Laptop from 8 to 10.
I think Win 10 should get support for few more years, so it better to upgrade at least to 10.