Windows 7 was once the holy grail of Microsoft operating systems. It was stable, simple, and widely used for both business and personal tasks. But that changed when Microsoft ended support on January 14, 2020, cutting off updates, bug fixes, and security patches. This left users vulnerable to threats and performance issues.
You might be asking is it safe to keep using Windows 7? Maybe you think you can take the risk and skip upgrading. But an unsupported system with security holes and software issues is a target for hackers and viruses. It could damage your data, and for businesses, it could disrupt operations or expose sensitive information.
Understanding what Windows 7 end of life means is important for your privacy and safety. This guide will help you understand that and show you how to move to Windows 10 while keeping your files and data intact.
What Happens After Windows 7 End of Life?
The end of support for Windows 7 isn't just a money grab, but it carries serious risks for anyone still using the operating system. They go far beyond missing out on a few new features. Here's what staying on Windows 7 actually means for you.
Windows 7 No Longer Receives Security Updates
No more security updates means a wide open vulnerability. With Windows 7 support officially ending in 2020, Microsoft stopped providing technical assistance, software patches, and security updates. To put it simply, if a security threat or a software bug were to pop up, Microsoft would not be responsible whatsoever to help you solve your crisis any longer, and neither would they release any new updates to fix the issue.
Unpatched Systems Are Easy Targets for Cyberattacks
An unsupported Windows is heaven for hackers, as you may be exposed to viruses that lead to ransomware and zero-day vulnerabilities. The global WannaCry ransom attack back in 2017 revealed how vulnerable our computers can be without regular security updates.
Modern Software Is Dropping Windows 7 Support
Software has now developed far more since the inception of Windows 7 back in 2009, and most do not run on Windows 7. Popular applications like Google Chrome, Microsoft Office, and even major antivirus providers have stopped supporting Windows 7, and if that happens in 2025, that could bring your entire life to a standstill.
Staying on Windows 7 Can Violate Data Protection Laws
For organizations in healthcare, finance, or any sector that handles sensitive customer data, staying on Windows 7 can be a compliance disaster. Regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS require that businesses use secure, updated systems to protect personal data. Operating on an unsupported OS could lead to heavy fines, legal action, or loss of client trust.
Third-Party Apps and Tools Are Moving On
And it's not just Microsoft that has abandoned ship, third-party developers have also ended support for their Windows 7 versions. Whether it's design software, accounting platforms, or remote work tools, vendors are focusing their resources on Windows 10 and 11. This leaves users stuck with outdated, buggy, and insecure apps, most of which no longer work on Windows 7.
With support ended, apps like Spotify, Zoom, and WhatsApp are either unavailable through official sources or may not run correctly. Some can only be downloaded from third-party sites, which often host outdated or tampered versions, which can fill your device with malware, slowing it down and posing serious risks to system and data security.
How to Upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10
Think of this as your warm-up before the real workout. Preparing your system now helps avoid surprises later. Just like you'd rehearse before a big presentation, a little planning here goes a long way. This section will walk you through everything you need to set up your upgrade for success..
Check system requirements
Before jumping into the upgrade, make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements: at least 2GB of RAM, 20GB of storage space, and a processor running at 1GHz or faster.
Step 1: Click and open the “Start button” in the bottom left of your screen (the one with the Windows logo).
Step 2: Right-click the “Computer” option on the right-hand side of the start menu. Select “Properties”. This will take you straight to the properties window.
Step 3: Now you are in the system properties window, where you can see your system details such as processor type, RAM, and system type.
Backup Data
Before jumping into the upgrade, make sure to back up your important files like photos, documents, and anything you can't afford to lose. Use OneDrive or a USB drive to keep everything safe. Just follow these easy steps to do it without any frustration.
Step 1: First, click the Start menu and type “Control Panel” in the search bar.
Step 2: In the Control Panel, find “Backup and Restore” and click on it.
Step 3: Once “Backup & Restore” opens, click on “Set up Backup.”
Step 4: A new window will pop up asking you to choose a folder for your backup. Pick the one with more space and click “Next.”
Step 5: If you’d rather save the backup to a network, choose the “Save on a Network” option.
Step 6: Enter the network location where you want to save your backup. If you’re saving it locally, just navigate to the folder and proceed from there.
Step 7: You’ll see two options: “Let Windows Choose,” where Windows picks the files to back up, and “Let Me Choose,” which lets you decide. Select the second option and click “Next.”
Step 8: Another window will appear where you can choose the files you want to back up. Select the ones you need and click “Next.”
Step 9: Click on “Save Settings and Run Backup.”
Step 10: Once you're set, Windows will begin backing up the selected data.
Step 11: To check the progress, click on “View Details.” Then, just wait for the backup to finish before moving on to the next step.
Download and Install the Media Creation Tool
Now, head over to the official Microsoft website to download the Media Creation Tool. You'll need this tool to help you either upgrade your PC or create installation media, making the entire process smoother and more efficient.
Step 1: Open your browser and search for "Windows 10 Download Page." You’ll need to visit the official Microsoft website to get the correct and safe version of the tool for your upgrade. This ensures you're downloading the right version to avoid any issues later.
Step 2: Next, download the "Media Creation Tool." This tool is designed to work with Windows 7 and is essential for either upgrading your system directly or creating installation media like a USB flash drive.
Run the Media Creation Tool
Step 1: Now, right-click on the Media Creation Tool and select "Run as administrator." This ensures that the tool has the necessary permissions to make changes to your system and start the upgrade process properly.
Step 2: After running the Media Creation Tool as administrator, you'll see a prompt asking if you want to "Burn the ISO File to a DVD." If you're ready to proceed, just click on "Finish" to complete the setup and move on to the next step.
Step 3: When prompted, choose the "Upgrade this PC now" option. This ensures that the entire process is streamlined and everything gets upgraded without any interruptions.
Step 4: Pick the edition that matches your current version, either Home or Pro, and select the architecture that works with your hardware. Most people should go with 64-bit as it offers better performance and compatibility with modern applications.
Initiate Upgrade and Configure Settings
This part is very important and you must follow it carefully.
Step 1: After launching the Media Creation Tool and choosing your options, the setup will start downloading the required files for the upgrade.
Step 2: During the setup, you'll be asked if you want to include any updates. For now, it’s okay to skip them to speed up the process. Also, disconnect any unnecessary drives to avoid potential issues. Just make sure to select "Keep personal files and apps" so that your important files and applications remain intact.
Install Windows 10
The installation process is finally here! Don’t get discouraged if it feels like it’s taking a while, stick with it and be patient.
Step 1: The installation can take anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on your PC’s speed. During this time, your computer will restart several times. Don’t worry, that’s normal! These restarts are part of the process as the system installs updates and configures itself.
Step 2: You may be prompted to enter your Windows 10 license key at some point. If you’re not asked for it during setup, don’t stress. You can always activate your copy of Windows later by going to the Settings. This step ensures your system is properly licensed and ready for use.
Post-Upgrade Steps After Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10
Now that Windows 10 is installed, it's important to ensure everything is functioning properly. This step will guide you through verifying that your system is secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly. Let’s do a quick check to make sure everything is in order!
Step 1: To confirm that Windows is activated, head over to Settings.
Step 2: Once you're in the Settings menu, find Update & Security on the left side and click on it. Then, click on Activation. This will show you the status of your Windows activation.
Step 3: Instead of closing the settings, go ahead and click on Windows Update under Update & Security. Make sure to install all available updates. This will help ensure your system is not only secure but also running the latest features and patches from Microsoft.
Step 4: Now, search for Disk Cleanup from the Start menu. Once it opens, select Clean up system files. This will allow you to remove Windows.old, which contains old system files from your previous version of Windows. Getting rid of this can free up several gigabytes of space, helping your system run more efficiently
Stay Secure and Productive with WPS Office
One of the first things you'll need when you make the switch from Windows 7 to 10 is a reliable office suite to handle your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. While Microsoft Office might seem like the default choice, it’s not always the most practical, especially after a fresh upgrade.
That’s where WPS Office steps in. It’s an all-in-one alternative that includes everything you need: Writer, Spreadsheets, Presentation, and a built-in PDF Editor, and it's available for free. Most features come at no cost, making it a smart choice for users who want immediate access to essential tools without the financial burden of a Microsoft Office subscription.
WPS Office is also fully compatible with Windows 10 and works especially well on older or lower-spec machines, which many users may still be running after upgrading from Windows 7. It’s ideal for students, remote workers, and small business owners who want powerful features without paying a monthly fee.
Unlike Microsoft Office, which can take up to an hour to install and configure, WPS Office installs in minutes and is ready to use right away. Showing how lightweight it is and won't put a burden on your device, and it supports all MS Office formats like .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, etc.
One of the things that really stands out about WPS Office compared to Microsoft Office is how well it integrates AI features. Whether you’re working on a presentation or need to translate a document, WPS gets the job done quickly. Its AI tools are great for helping with things like formatting, editing, and even generating content, which can save you time and make your workflow a lot smoother. It really helps cut down on the repetitive stuff!
FAQs
Q1: Can I still use Windows 7 after support ends?
Technically, yes, but it’s not safe. Your system is vulnerable to new threats.
Q2: Will I lose files if I upgrade to Windows 10?
No, if you choose the option to keep personal files during the upgrade. Still, backing up is highly recommended.
Q3: Can I use WPS Office on both Windows 7 and Windows 10?
Yes. It runs well on both and supports the same features across versions.
Summary
With the Windows 7 end of life now firmly behind us, users still clinging to this outdated operating system face mounting risks. From rising vulnerabilities like ransomware and zero-day attacks to major software incompatibility, the Windows 7 end of support risks are more than just a conspiracy; they're real threats to your security and productivity.
Windows 10 offers improved performance, enhanced security features, and ongoing updates, ensuring a safer and more reliable computing experience.
And once you’re on Windows 10? You don’t have to wait around for a heavy Microsoft Office install. WPS Office offers a fast, free, and fully compatible alternative that runs perfectly on newly upgraded or older machines. With tools for documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDFs, and even AI-powered writing support, it’s the ideal productivity suite to get you back on track instantly.
