Yes, Windows 7 can still be used after Jan. 10, 2023. However, since no security updates will be provided to the OS, it can easily be exploited by threat actors if vulnerabilities arise in it.
Microsoft has announced that it is ending support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 operating systems from January 10, 2023. This means that both operating systems will no longer receive any feature or security updates from the company.
The end-of-support date—Jan. 10, 2023—means Microsoft will no longer supply security patches or technical support to the operating system, leaving those still running the aging OS vulnerable to potential security threats. Also today, Microsoft is ending support for enterprise users on Windows 7.
You will not be able to make any new app purchases or any in-app purchases after January 10, 2023. Installed apps and games will receive publisher updates through June 30, 2023 (or later if support is provided independently by the developer).
Head to the Windows 10 download page and select Download tool now. Once the file's downloaded, open it and agree to the various terms and conditions that are required. Select Upgrade this PC now when given the choice.
With Windows 7 Extended Security Update (ESU) end of support on January 10th, 2023, Microsoft Edge version 109 will be the last browser version to support this operating system. Microsoft Edge version 109 is scheduled for release the week of January 12th, 2023 (to learn more, see our release schedule).
You can upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or a later operating system. This includes upgrading from one release of Windows 10 to later release of Windows 10. Migrating from one edition of Windows 10 to a different edition of the same release is also supported.
Compatibility concerns with hardware and software are the number one reason why some people continue to use Windows 7. Windows 7 may be the sole choice for certain users with outdated peripherals for which there are no Windows 10/11 drivers or who have licenses for the software they paid for.
In January 2020 Windows 7 had a 25.56 percent slice of the desktop operating system marketplace, and since then this figure has only dropped slightly. At the moment Windows 7 still holds a considerable 22.71 percent chunk of the desktop OS market, a drop of less than two percent compared to the start of the year.
Windows 10 devices have better security.
Software and security updates are no longer provided. You can still use your PC, but you're at greater risk for viruses and malware. The best way for you to continue to receive security updates: Windows 10.
The good news is if you have Windows 7 key or can extract one from the existing Windows 7 hardware, you can use it to upgrade any device to Windows 11. However, this applies to genuine copies of Windows 7 only, where an upgrade to Windows 11 is available at no extra cost.
It turns out there are several methods of upgrading from older versions of Windows (Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1) to Windows 10 Home without paying the $139 fee for the latest operating system. So let's give you the lowdown on how to update to Windows 10 for free.
No matter how or whether you pay for it, you can download Windows 10 or download Windows 11 for free from Microsoft.com.
Google recently announced that it would end technical and security support for the Google Chrome browser running on Windows 7 by January 15, 2023. This means the users will have to update to supported Windows versions like Windows 10 to receive the latest security updates from the Chrome browser.
Microsoft will end support for Windows 7 ESU and Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023. Google has announced that it will end Chrome support for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 from next month. As per a Google support page, Chrome 109 will be the last version that will support these two old Microsoft Windows Versions.
To use Chrome browser on Windows, you'll need: Windows 10 or later or Windows Server 2016 or later.
Are there free options to upgrade to Windows 10 or Windows 11? We do not currently offer free upgrade paths from Windows 8.1 to either Windows 10 or Windows 11. If you want to purchase a copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11, please see links above or contact a retailer to find out about options.
Can I upgrade for free? Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 will be free. Due to the size of the download, however, ISP fees may apply for downloads that occur over metered connections.
Open Settings > System > Activation, and expand the Upgrade your edition of Windows section. Click Change product key and enter your Windows 7 key when prompted. Windows 11 should be activated a few moments later.
Under the same hardware and software condition, Windows 10 boot speed is slightly slower than Windows 7; however, Windows 10 can wake from Sleep mode and Hibernate mode more quickly than Windows 7; Windows 10 will spend more time in loading programs than Windows 7. Some game players may focus more on Windows 7 vs.
Performance. One of the main differences in Windows 7 and Windows 11, is in how the OS prioritizes application windows. While both systems are optimized for performance, Windows 11 makes use of the foreground process to load applications more quickly.