Am I Screwing up If I Don’t Update Windows 7 Before January 15th?
The deadlines are scary. I know . And Microsoft has given Windows 7 users a major challenge: Upgrade to a more modern operating system by January 15, 2020, or you’ll never get security updates again. Over time, Microsoft will even start disabling key Windows 7 services like Internet Backgammon and Internet Checks throughout the year.
I am being a little light-hearted about this, but the abandonment of Microsoft in Windows 7 is a cause of concern for many. Lifehacker reader Douglas recently wrote with this question:
“I read your article on Windows 7 and really can’t afford to upgrade at this point. Disaster if I don’t update now? Thanks in advance for your help”
Catastrophic? No. If you are still clinging to Windows 7, chances are good that you are using it for a few simple tasks – sending emails, browsing the web, etc. Or perhaps you have a few specific applications that are not working. they don’t work with future versions of Windows, or you might even be running Windows 7 on older hardware that can’t update for some reason (speed or available space).
Windows 7 will continue working on January 15th. However, now that Microsoft will no longer release security updates for the operating system, Windows 7 will indeed be more vulnerable to attacks. No questions.
However, I am willing to take the risk and say that you can mitigate most of the problems with common sense. From Lifehacker’s perspective, this means thinking well about setting up cybersecurity at home and doing everything possible to prevent software from getting onto your computer that could take advantage of any vulnerabilities that will not be patched in the future.
If I was still using Windows 7, I would go for the nuclear option. I would install some kind of Linux on my system and run Windows 7 in a virtual machine, giving me a fresh, updated system to do my day-to-day business, as well as access to Windows 7 for any super-specific applications or services I need. use. It is not a complicated process, but it is possible that setting up such a configuration could be over the heads of many people still using Windows 7. It is either your system is too weak to run a virtual machine. (I will most likely write a guide next week, so stay tuned!)
Otherwise, there is a lot you can do to keep yourself as safe as possible from exploits while you cling to a nice Windows 7 habit. The list is pretty comprehensive:
- Make sure you are using a router that is still receiving firmware updates from its manufacturer (not what it was six years ago, for example). Upgrade your router and make it as secure as possible .
- Do not use an administrator account for day-to-day tasks. Use the standard account and switch to the administrator account for any settings you need to change (if necessary). Come back when you’re done.
- Use an antivirus that will update after the Windows 7 end of life date (I recommend the free version of BitDefender .)
- Check your system regularly with a free anti-malware utility . Keep this utility up to date.
- Keep your system BIOS up to date as much as possible (if not old)
- Do not disable important Windows security features (such as Windows Firewall) and disable or remove unnecessary features (Java, Adobe Flash Player, Quicktime, Shockwave Player, etc.). Likewise, remove any other junk you have hidden on your system – browser toolbars, apps you don’t use, and so on.
- Do not download files sent to you that you do not recognize. Do not open files that your browser has downloaded on your behalf.
- Skip Internet Explorer and use a browser that cares about your privacy and security . Run at least uBlock Origin and uBlock Origin Extra , Privacy Badger and HTTPS Everywhere .
- Use third party DNS to stay safe while browsing the web.
- Run unknown apps in the sandbox until you confirm they can be used.
- Back up your system and its important files now. Save this backup in a safe place in case some terrible malware gets on your Windows 7 system and you have to start from scratch.
- Consider encrypting the most important data you store on your system.
- Keep the applications on your systemas updatedaspossible .
- See if you can make your way to getting free Windows 7 updates for a few more years.
And here’s an even crazier idea; if for any reason you don’t need internet on your Windows 7 computer, just turn it off. The chances of your system being compromised dropped dramatically until you insert random USB keys into your computer.
I don’t want to go out and say that there is a perfect way to protect Windows 7 starting January 15th (other than disconnecting your computer from the network). I assume that most attacks will be initiated by user action; For example, some kind of phishing or malware attempt can confuse you, and this is how a rogue app will infect your system and use your old OS. If you practice common sense about cybersecurity, you can avoid most (or all) of these cases.
That doesn’t mean you have to cling to Windows 7 forever. No operating system is 100% secure, but I’d rather use an operating system that Microsoft is actively fixing than one that isn’t. Conversely, even if you upgrade to Windows 10, you should still follow the instructions in this article where applicable. Robust security practices are one of the best lines of defense against malware, viruses, and other nasty digital issues.