Windows 7, released in 2009, was a popular operating system that many users found reliable and easy to use. However, Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 in January 2020, which means that security updates and technical assistance are no longer provided by Microsoft. Despite this, some users may want to continue using Windows 7 for various reasons. In this blog post, we will discuss how to safely use Windows 7 in 2023.
1. Install all available updates
Before Microsoft ended its support, they released a final set of updates for Windows 7. It is essential to install these updates to ensure your system is as secure as possible. To check for updates, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button and select Control Panel.
- Choose System and Security and click on Windows Update.
- Click on Check for updates and install any available updates.
2. Install a reliable antivirus software
Since Windows 7 no longer receives security updates, it is crucial to have a reliable antivirus software installed on your system to protect it from potential threats. Some popular antivirus options include:
- Bitdefender
- Kaspersky
- Norton
- Avast
3. Disable unnecessary features and services
Disabling features and services that you do not use can help reduce the attack surface of your system. To disable Windows features, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button and select Control Panel.
- Choose Programs and click on Turn Windows features on or off.
- Uncheck the features you do not need and click OK.
To disable services, follow these steps:
- Press Win+R to open the Run dialog box, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
- Double-click on the service you want to disable, set its startup type to Disabled, and click OK.
4. Use a Virtual Machine (VM) for sensitive activities
Running Windows 7 in a virtual machine can help isolate it from your main operating system, reducing the risk of potential threats. You can use a VM for activities such as online banking or accessing sensitive information. Some popular VM software options include:
- VMware Workstation
- Oracle VM VirtualBox
- Microsoft Hyper-V
5. Regularly backup your data
It is essential to backup your data regularly to protect it from potential loss. You can use an external hard drive or a cloud service to store your backups. To create a backup using Windows 7 built-in backup tool, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button and select Control Panel.
- Choose System and Security and click on Backup and Restore.
- Click on Set up backup and follow the on-screen instructions.
Conclusion
While using Windows 7 in 2023 and beyond is not recommended due to the lack of support from Microsoft, following these steps can help keep your system safer if you choose to continue using it. However, it is highly advised to consider upgrading to a more recent operating system, such as Windows 10 or 11, to benefit from ongoing support and improved security features.
