How To Use Windows 7 In 2022

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With the end of official support for Windows 7 by Microsoft, you might think
that using Windows 7 in 2022 is not possible or safe. However, with some
precautions and workarounds, you can still use Windows 7 for casual
purposes or on certain older hardware.

In this blog post, we will discuss some essential steps to use Windows 7 in
2022 securely and effectively.

1. Install All Available Updates

Before starting, make sure you have all the available updates for Windows
7. Although the official support has ended, you can still download and
install updates released before the end of support. To check for updates,
follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Start button and type
    Windows Update in the search bar.
  2. Select Windows Update from the search results.
  3. Click Check for updates, and Windows will start searching
    for available updates.
  4. If any updates are found, click Install updates to
    install them.

2. Use a Reliable Antivirus Software

Since Windows 7 is no longer receiving security updates, it’s crucial to
use reliable antivirus software to protect your computer from malware and
other threats. Several antivirus programs still support Windows 7, such as
Norton, Kaspersky, or Bitdefender. Make sure to keep your antivirus
software up to date and perform regular scans.

3. Enable Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall is an essential security feature that helps protect your
computer from unauthorized access and network threats. To enable the
Windows Firewall, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Start button and type
    Windows Firewall in the search bar.
  2. Select Windows Firewall from the search results.
  3. In the left pane, click Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
  4. Select Turn on Windows Firewall for both private and
    public networks and click OK.

4. Use a Supported Web Browser

Internet Explorer, which comes bundled with Windows 7, is no longer
supported and should not be used. Instead, use a modern and supported web
browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. These
browsers will receive security updates and provide a safer browsing
experience.

5. Disable Unnecessary Services and Startup Programs

Disabling unnecessary services and startup programs can help improve
performance and reduce security risks. To disable startup programs, use the
System Configuration tool by following these steps:

  1. Click the Start button and type
    msconfig in the search bar.
  2. Select msconfig from the search results.
  3. In the System Configuration window, go to the
    Startup tab.
  4. Uncheck any unnecessary programs and click OK.

To disable unnecessary services, use the Services tool:

  1. Click the Start button and type
    services.msc in the search bar.
  2. Select services.msc from the search results.
  3. In the Services window, right-click on any unnecessary
    service and choose Properties.
  4. In the Startup type dropdown, choose
    Disabled and click OK.

6. Create Regular Backups

Regularly backing up your important files and data is essential, as using
an unsupported operating system like Windows 7 increases the risk of
system failure or data loss. Use an external hard drive or cloud storage
service to create backups of your important files.

Conclusion

Although Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft, you can still use
it in 2022 by following the steps outlined in this blog post. However, for
better security and performance, it is always recommended to upgrade to a
supported operating system like Windows 10 or Windows 11.