In less than a year 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 weeks 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 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.
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.
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 available, meaning that you need to purchase a Windows 10 license in order to upgrade to Windows 10.
The free upgrade offer was unofficially available until a few months ago, but sadly many 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.
Don’t forget to check out our how long can you use Windows 10 without activation article.