# Is Windows 7 safe to use today? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 27, 2024, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160 "2024-05-27T22:07:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![dgy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a587f6/32.png) [@dgy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dgy)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/41 "2024-05-30T13:23:17Z")
> [@China\_Guy](#): > > There’s only so much you can do as the cybersecurity threats have advanced in the decade-plus since Win7 went out of mainstream support. If you’re indexing on being secure, always run the latest and greatest. Which would include your router, modem, doorbell, security camera, STOVE, REFRIGERATOR, SMART TV, PHONE, etc. Have you verified that all of these are “currently supported”? E.g., most smart TVs lose real support after just a year or so… ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/42 "2024-05-30T15:18:17Z")
The problem with running an obsolete operating system is that it runs on obsolete hardware. So even if you never have issues with malware, what happens when the motherboard or something else fails? You may not be able to easily find replacement hardware. If you really must run an old application that only runs on Windows XP, Windows 7 or another obsolete OS, you might consider running it in a virtual machine. ---
**Author:** ![dgy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a587f6/32.png) [@dgy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dgy)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/43 "2024-05-30T15:32:01Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > The problem with running an obsolete operating system is that it runs on obsolete hardware. So even if you never have issues with malware, what happens when the motherboard or something else fails? You may not be able to easily find replacement hardware. That (obsolescence) applies to virtually any hardware that is more than a year or two old. I address the problem by keeping multiple machines on hand (I have 6 identical workstations and 3 spare power supplies as they are of a proprietary design). The machines are W7 vintage and I’ve yet to have a problem with any of tem leading me to wonder if I should just toss the spares-on-hand… > [@](#): > > If you really must run an old application that only runs on Windows XP, Windows 7 or another obsolete OS, you might consider running it in a virtual machine. Virtual machines don’t have specific _physical_ hardware. I have 3 ESXi servers to handle my VMs. But, they only support applications (and application configurations) that don’t have particular hardware requirements. Can I find a driver for my SCSI scanners under W10/11? Heck, I can’t find a driver for many legacy PRINTERS, there! Where’s the parallel port that I can use to access this $25K in circuit emulator? Or, the serial port for the $15K EPROM programmer? Or, the ISA bus to support the GPIB adapter (and the drivers to talk to it)? If you only use your computer for mainstream applications like browsing the web and sending email, then you likely have no money invested in applications or I/O devices. And, amusingly, little need for the latest OS or hardware! ---
**Author:** ![Jackson99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@Jackson99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackson99)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/44 "2024-05-30T17:34:52Z")
> [@dgy](#): > > That (obsolescence) applies to virtually any hardware that is more than a year or two old. I address the problem by keeping multiple machines on hand (I have 6 identical workstations and 3 spare power supplies as they are of a proprietary design). The machines are W7 vintage and I’ve yet to have a problem with any of tem leading me to wonder if I should just toss the spares-on-hand… Microsoft supported windows 7 to the year 2017. The problems is Microsoft ends support than browsers and anti viruses software starts ending support. But I’m not sure if anti viruses software and firewall software will still make it some one secure. And what anti viruses software and firewall software is any good and witch one still support windows 7 ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2024, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/45 "2024-05-31T03:32:42Z")
hot off the press. A guy at my karate dojo writes code for Microsoft Defender, and he said that Defender supports Win7. So ya got that going for you, and make sure it’s turned on as it is free. ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2024, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/46 "2024-05-31T03:42:01Z")
> [@dgy](#): > > Which would include your router, modem, doorbell, security camera, STOVE, REFRIGERATOR, SMART TV, PHONE, etc. Not sure your point? Yep, all of these can be security issues. My router and mobile phone are always latest and greatest. Smart TV doesn’t have any account information. As steve jobs reportedly once said, just because your toaster can talk to your refrigerator doesn’t mean its a good idea. My doorbell, locks, stove, fridge, (no house phone, no security cam) are all not connected, nor have the ability to be. Nor do I see any compelling reason why these should be connected. If I had cameras that I could remotely view, why would I ever put credit card information on it, and would access with a password that isn’t my throwaway? ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2024, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/47 "2024-05-31T03:48:49Z")
Moderating: > [@dgy](#): > > Money is no object. What IS important is the TIME required to reinstall AND RELICENSE all of that software – assuming that such an effort doesn’t FORCE an upgrade in any of those applications (do you want to discover a whole new set of “issues”/bugs in a new OS AND all of the applications that you have running on it, just to say you are running the latest version of a particular OS?) or discover some incompatiblities with the new OS that render your previous purchases unusable. > > [I still lament losing After Dark – though it was not “productivity software”] > > What does that new OS give you _THAT YOU HAVE FELT HELPLESS TO HAVE LIVED WITHOUT_ for all this time? > > Perhaps your time is free so spending weeks or months of “unproductive time” just trying to get your tools back to the level of functionality THAT THEY WERE ALREADY IN is a good way for you to spend your life. For me, throwing my time at a task that offers no real reward is just plain silly. > > I (and YOU!) can buy a new car (literally) every week. If I want to spend my time looking at new cars and selling off last week’s purchase. Gee, what value, that? > [@dgy](#): > > Which would include your router, modem, doorbell, security camera, STOVE, REFRIGERATOR, SMART TV, PHONE, etc. > > Have you verified that all of these are “currently supported”? E.g., most smart TVs lose real support after just a year or so… Your recent posts in this thread, including these two, have been long-winded, hyperbolic, and frankly jerkish. You henceforth are banned from posting in this thread. ---
**Author:** ![Jackson99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@Jackson99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackson99)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2024, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/48 "2024-06-02T22:56:09Z")
I don’t know why anyone is not talking about anti virus software and firewall as that first thing learn in cybersecurity college university class on day one. I would pick safe browsing adon, updated virus software and firewall than updated OS with no virus software and firewall and clicking on every link coming my way, I’m shocked and very appalled on the level of cybersecurity information posted in this thread. And I don’t think anyone here can compare Windows XP vs Windows 7 that ended support 2020 with Windows XP probably having billions of vulnerability being so old. Not say windows XP still use in developing countries and corporations world with software only available for Windows XP and like ATM machines still running windows XP where more incentive for hackers and malware writers to target windows XP and trains and airplanes still using floppy disk and DOS base OSs. Surely some members can recommend anti virus software and firewall software and safe browsing and on and proper updated browser than using it with condition it in that is really bad. And if you don’t know about harden system you have no business posting and no nothing about cybersecurity. Now I want my life back as I spend a couple days posting and reading this thread that going no where but members arguing about OS. ---
**Author:** ![Jackson99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@Jackson99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackson99)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2024, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/49 "2024-06-02T22:58:53Z")
> [@China\_Guy](#): > > Not sure your point? Yep, all of these can be security issues. My router and mobile phone are always latest and greatest. Smart TV doesn’t have any account information. > > As steve jobs reportedly once said, just because your toaster can talk to your refrigerator doesn’t mean its a good idea. My doorbell, locks, stove, fridge, (no house phone, no security cam) are all not connected, nor have the ability to be. Nor do I see any compelling reason why these should be connected. If I had cameras that I could remotely view, why would I ever put credit card information on it, and would access with a password that isn’t my throwaway? I’m boomer the internet of things and smart TVs are ban in my house. Only DVDs and blue ray disk are allowed. ---
**Author:** ![Jackson99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@Jackson99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackson99)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2024, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/50 "2024-06-02T23:00:34Z")
> [@dgy](#): > > Which would include your router, modem, doorbell, security camera, STOVE, REFRIGERATOR, SMART TV, PHONE, etc. > > Have you verified that all of these are “currently supported”? E.g., most smart TVs lose real support after just a year or so… I believe he is posting this to some other user asking this question but the average public the answer would be no. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2024, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/51 "2024-06-02T23:03:06Z")
> [@Jackson99](#): > > I don’t know why anyone is not talking about anti virus software and firewall as that first thing learn in cybersecurity college university class on day one. I would pick safe browsing adon, updated virus software and firewall than updated OS with no virus software and firewall and clicking on every link coming my way, You sound very knowledgeable; perhaps you can answer the OP’s questions? ---
**Author:** ![Jackson99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@Jackson99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackson99)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2024, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/52 "2024-06-02T23:09:10Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > You sound very knowledgeable; perhaps you can answer the OP’s questions? So you have no anti virus software or firewall? What is your private IP address so I can posted to dark web and see if hackers can hack your system? Oh never mind. I’m just wasting my time posting here I should posted it at one of the computer forums. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2024, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/53 "2024-06-03T00:47:40Z")
I feel that your question was largely answered. - There are more risks than when using supported software - It’s safe if you keep the computer off line - You can mitigate the risks by using an up-to-date browser, and up-to-date anti-malware software. And by the usual things, like being careful what sites you visit and using a firewall. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2024, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/54 "2024-06-03T00:48:56Z")
> [@Jackson99](#): > > I would pick safe browsing adon, updated virus software and firewall than updated OS with no virus software and firewall and clicking on every link coming my way, It’s not an either/or. Windows 11 comes out of the box with both a firewall and Defender anti-virus. I’ve been in the IT industry for 35 years, a Microsoft partner for almost 20, and the CTO for a consulting company for the last 25 years. We have NEVER had a virus spread to our network due in part on my insistence on never running an outdated OS. > [@Jackson99](#): > > What is your private IP address so I can posted to dark web and see if hackers can hack your system? My private IP is 192.168.1.1/24, feel free to post it. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2024, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/55 "2024-06-03T01:25:02Z")
> [@FinsToTheLeft](#): > > We have NEVER had a virus spread to our network due in part on my insistence on never running an outdated OS. If you’ve never had a virus spread to your network, how do you know how big a part, if any, your insistence on never running an outdated OS played in that? ---
**Author:** ![orcenio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orcenio/32/1036_2.png) [@orcenio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orcenio)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2024, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/56 "2024-06-03T02:17:35Z")
Might I suggest if you have a machine that is not going to be supported by Microsoft anymore why not install Linux on it? Linux is free, powerful, would cover all use-cases your Win 7 computer does (and more so), and has many professional distributions that cater to Windows users who are not very familiar with Linux based OS’s. For first time users give [Linux Mint](https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php) a try. ETA: I like to tinker and after trying many interesting distros (Ubuntu, Mint, NixOS, Fedora) I found a wonderful home with Debian Sid (the unstable branch of Debian stable). I use KDE Plasma as my Desktop Environment (it is very “MS Windows-like”) as I disliked Gnome’s streamlined Mac feel. I have been reading a lot of scary things from Microsoft that their new featue Recall will be taking [near continuous screenshots](https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-recall-alternatives/) by default, that and since they are discontinuing support for Win 10 in Oct 2025 (forcing migration to Win 11) I think more people should be looking for alternatives. ---
**Author:** ![orcenio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orcenio/32/1036_2.png) [@orcenio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orcenio)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2024, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/57 "2024-06-03T02:48:12Z")
My suggestion for those who need to use old non-supported Windows OS’s (like 7, 8, etc) would be to run them in a Virtual Machine. This way you can use the software for whatever thing you need knowing that it is sandboxed in an isolated virtual environment away from your main system. You could even have the option of destroying the VM daily after every time you use it, and merely boot up a fresh backup copy the next time. Single use virtual computer. Let the worst malware attack your throw away system; who cares at that point. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2024, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/58 "2024-06-03T10:12:08Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > If you’ve never had a virus spread to your network, how do you know how big a part, if any, your insistence on never running an outdated OS played in that? It’s very hard to prove a negative, but it is part of a multi-layered defence. I know I’ve reduced my infection vectors. > [@orcenio](#): > > This way you can use the software for whatever thing you need knowing that it is sandboxed in an isolated virtual environment away from your main system. Many people still don’t know how to do this properly and just create a VM and attach it to their network. If you can completely airgap the VM and use snapshot that revert at shutdown, sure. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/59 "2024-06-04T07:10:23Z")
> [@Jackson99](#): > > > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > > > You sound very knowledgeable; perhaps you can answer the OP’s questions? ⁢ > > So you have no anti virus software or firewall? What is your private IP address so I can posted to dark web and see if hackers can hack your system? > > Oh never mind. > > I’m just wasting my time posting here I should posted it at one of the computer forums. ⁢ That’s not what they said. What they are pointing out is that you have been given answers, but then you argue with them. If you think you know more than we do, what’s the point of asking? Firewalls and antivirus software do mitigate the danger significantly. So does adblock and responsible Internet usage. But there still are things that were patched on Windows 10 that weren’t on Windows 7, and they could be exploited. And the type of person asking if Windows 7 is safe is more likely to run into these scenarios. It depends on what you want to call “safe.” But Windows 10 is safer, if you use it online. I would not recommend using Windows 7 without a good reason–usually software that won’t run on newer stuff. And then try to air gap it if possible. I say this as someone whose current plans involve using Windows 10 after its service date is over–though I plan on using 0patch and possibly even applying patches backported from other Windows versions. But I also will play with Windows 11 and try to find a way to be able to use it instead, so I can move on. ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2024, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160/60 "2024-07-22T03:45:19Z")
Heck, Windows NT is safe to use if you aren’t using it to pull things from other people’s computers and you have it behind a firewall. (The one that seems determined to inhale malware no matter what is Windows XP. No idea why) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-windows-7-safe-to-use-today/1002160.md?page=4)