Windows7 Warning

Windows7 Warning: a reader asks…

I still have my Windows 7 computer and am wondering if it’s time to upgrade to a new computer with Windows 10. What are the compelling reasons to make the switch?

The first and foremost reason is security. Microsoft has stopped development on the Windows 7 platform in January 2015. Since then, the only thing you’re getting from Windows Update are basic security updates, and even those will end in 2020. Since this is a discontinued operating system, I don’t think Microsoft is putting their whole heart into even the security updates.

For example, a bug from the 1990’s can still crash a Windows 7 computer, using a URL that includes “$MFT” in it. Another example is the slow speed with which Microsoft issued a patch for the WannaCry ransomware that’s been in the news recently. Windows 10 is immune from both these examples.

Another compelling reason is system stability and reliability. I’m sure you’re used to problems with Windows and/or software applications crashing, unexplained system freezes and having to wait up to 10 minutes for your computer to fully boot up. Windows 10 is a huge improvement in terms of all these issues and more. For folks who are resistant to change, it only takes a few minutes for most users to figure out the basics of using Windows 10 (it’s not that different from Windows 7), and a lot of settings and configuration panels are actually easier to use.

And finally, computer hardware has also improved along with Windows. Most computers you buy today will have a solid-state hard drive (SSD), which is so very much faster than old, spinning hard drives. The service life of an SSD is also greater than the old hard drives, so you’re much less likely to have your hard drive crash. Add to that faster RAM, better chipsets and faster, multi-core processors and you can really notice a difference in how a new Windows computer operates compared to a Windows 7 computer (even one that’s freshly installed). Most folks see a boot time of a minute or less, programs load almost instantly, and fewer problems or issues with their Windows 10 computers.

Enough compelling reasons?