As the adage goes: all proficient things must come up to an finish. That's especially true in the fast-paced tech world, where great hardware and software can quickly become outdated. It'south why no-one uses the groundbreaking original iPhone anymore, while the value of classic consoles is purely cornball.

It appears the same tin be said of Windows 7. Microsoft's desktop operating organisation launched in 2009 and volition soon be three major versions out of date, but that hasn't stopped plenty of people from still using it.

According to StatCounter, around 16% of all current Windows PCs were running Windows 7 in July 2021. Some these devices are probable to exist inactive, simply that still leaves a significant amount of people using software that hasn't been supported since January 2020.

This is extremely dangerous. Not only is Microsoft non releasing whatsoever more software updates for Windows vii, information technology's too not patching whatever security issues or providing any tech support. For the vast majority of people, this simply isn't a gamble worth taking.

Paid Windows 7 updates only available for companies

The refusal to ditch Windows 7 doesn't make sense to most of us, especially as you can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free. However, some people have legitimate reasons for sticking with the 12-year-old operating system.

For many companies, upgrading to Windows 7 isn't worth the hassle. The software itself might be free, only the migration process certainly isn't. Some employees may also need support when presented with a new operating system, and non all current apps and programs volition even so work.

In this scenario, Microsoft is continuing to provide annual updates and patches for Windows 7 to companies. This is through what'south known every bit the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, although the last of these is ready for 2022.

Windows 7 Extended Security Updates
Prototype: Microsoft

Extended Security Updates are only officially bachelor via licensed providers, and tin't be bought by private users or modest businesses, even if running Windows seven Pro. Patches that merits to bypass these restrictions tin can be found online, but nosotros tin't comment on their safety or effectiveness.

No reason for most people to stick with Windows 7

Considerately, at that place's trivial justification for sticking with Windows seven and refusing to upgrade to Windows 10. The hardware requirements for both operating systems are near identical, updating is free for most people and the user experience on Windows 10 will be relatively familiar.

However, there is some older hardware that won't run Windows 10. If you happen to be using one of these devices, it's probably fourth dimension to upgrade. Software compatibility is a more legitimate concern – not all Windows 7 apps will run smoothly on Windows 10. But both are relatively rare, so we'd encourage you to persist with the upgrade process if you experience issues.

Most of the time, Windows will automatically recognise the components and drivers that you already had installed. You may demand to download some new ones or manually update them, but all the bones functions will work immediately.

If there are any drivers that your PC no longer recognises, you lot should be able to find them via the VOGONS Vintage Driver Library. It's also worth checking the manufacturer of your device for service and support pages – many old drivers volition even so run without issue on Windows 10.

For software, it's even easier. Windows 10 has a built-in compatibility mode, with helps run programs that wouldn't usually piece of work. But type 'compatibility' and open up the relevant option in Control panel. Y'all tin can then choose the affected app and (hopefully) iron out any issues.

Windows 10 Compatibility Troubleshooter

How to get Windows 10 for free

If you lot're still running Windows 7, there's an easy way to update your device without paying a penny. The Windows 10 ISO was simply meant to be available for a year after the Bone launched, just it's still available every bit of 2021. For more detail on how to upgrade using this method, see our dedicated guide: How to move from Windows 7 to Windows 10.

Can you upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 11?

Technically, yes. Most older devices won't meet Windows 11's updated hardware requirements, simply there is a way to become effectually the need for a TPM ii.0 bit and minimum RAM/storage options.

Still, the need for a recent Intel/AMD/ARM-based processor may show to be a sticking point. You'll also have to reinstall a clean version of Windows 7 on your PC before attempting the upgrade.

Even if you're able to bypass these limitations, Windows 11 won't be designed to work on this older hardware and and then may not run smoothly.

A version of this article was originally published in High german on our sister site, PC-Welt.

Related articles for further reading

  • Volition people always ditch Windows 7?
  • How to motion from Windows 7 to Windows ten
  • Windows 11 release date, price and new features