Windows 7: End of Support & Extended Security Updates

Windows 7 support ends on January 14 2020. This video provides my final update, including the latest information on the extended security updates (ESUs) available from Microsoft for some users. I also report on what I am doing with my own Windows 7 machines.

If you are considering transitioning to Linux, you may find useful my videos:

Linux Mint 19 for Windows Users:

Zorin OS 15 for Windows Users:

Linux Tips for MS Office Users:

Links to web pages referenced in the video, and to some other useful sites, are as follows:

Main Windows 7 End of Support Page:

Microsoft September 6th 2018 blog post announcing Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Volume Licensing users:

Microsoft October 1st 2019 announcement of paid Windows 7 updates for businesses of any size:

Jared Spataro 1st October 2019 blog post on “A new way for small and midsize businesses to stay secure and current”:

#Windows7 #ESU #ExplainingComputers

[ltrwnrs]

I can't wait for fullscreen warnings on the school computers.

[smarthome]

In fact, it's a shame. Windows 10 is a semi-finished product. Windows 7 is the best thing about microsoft

[lol-dwfj]

Goodbye everyone who's using me to run your computer since 2009
I'm so sad :(

Edit: 3 days left :(

[tberry]

Say good by to probably the best OS Microsoft ever made....

[jets]

I will be rocking 7, till it just doesnt work anymore. Best OS ever made.

[oceansclub]

And I'm still like: "I'll upgrade you, 98SE. Tomorrow. I promise".

[tomjones]

*Hint: I never had more trouble with Win7 than while they were trying to switch me to 10. What a coincidence*

[IRNatman]

Windows 7 support ending is the end of an era. It just feels like 7 was the last straight up, honest OS that just shut up and did it's job subtlety.

[George_K]

Another wonderful video ... Every time I watch one of your videos I am intrigued to discover more of them... sometimes not so much necessarily to learn about the subject matter, even though I learn one thing or two, but to hear your perspective as you always seem to add insight to the subject.

I especially love how you ended the video with your commentary: "Ecosystem implications" at minute 10:20, a rare observation and insight in computer videos, and a perfect example of one of your insights...

The quality of your videos are a breath of fresh air where many Youtube computer videos are full of fluff, wordy, and lacking in substance ....

Please keep up making great videos ... And Thank you for your hard work.

[jhill]

I grew up with computers using mainframes and terminals. We spent a lot of effort and time to migrate to standalone desktop systems, independent of the mainframe. With subscription software and the "cloud" I feel that we have gone back in time to depending on outside resources. It's at the point you CAN'T use your computer unless you are connected to the 'net. <sigh>

[laurdy]

I'm stuck with Windows 7 because:1. Windows 10 kept installing the WRONG driver for my WiFi card causing loss of all WiFi connectivity2. I have several pieces of hardware that only have drivers for Windows XP through 7 and that don't work using a virtual machine USB passthrough (and no new equivelents available)3. Metered internet (via satellite) and Windows 10 kept installing Gigabytes of crapware and running up £100's in exceeded data caps

[steveskipper]

I think that if you are running Windows 7 after EOS in a domestic situation on a home network and you are sensible & tech savvy nothing will happen.


The real risk comes from running Windows 7 on a corporate network where hundreds of computers are connected together where one infected machine could propagate an exploit across the whole network infecting defenseless un-patched boxes. (the wannacry incident being a perfect example)

[lonewolf]

I never understood the security updates from windows are they so essential to be updated so often, why are we using antiviruses and firewalls then? Whenever i updated the latest windows updates on whatever pc i always got a more slower pc than the one it used it be. So i never updated since my fresh install of windows 7 package 1, and still going on internet.

I would like a video on this topic what are the actual real threats and risk by going on the internet without updating? They are real or just some pr talk by Microsoft to force you with their updates just to gain more and more control over your device?

[JavaSamaThree]

Thank you for promoting Linux Mint! I switched from Windows 7 to it back in 2016, and have loved it. So often when I suggest such to my Windows friends they're puzzled, given the lack of knowledge the average person has about Linux. Seeing someone reputable like yourself use the operating system successfully helps to prove that it not only can be done, but isn't terribly difficult to use.

[Windows-kbbs]

Thanks to everyone who had fun with me it was an honor but unfortunately the time has come and now I have to say goodbye ... 😓🌹

[ronnierush]

Yes: You hit the nail on the head with all your comments! I use a similar setup to you both dual booting and using virtual machines for Win 7/10 on Linux Mint, perhaps a tutorial on setting up Windows-7 & on a virtual box via Linux would help people try and switch to a more private and secure PC setup. Oops nearly forgot, have a very Happy Xmas

[BigWyrm]

I will never stop using Win 7. Its one of the few good OS microsoft has released. I dont care about updates, I have a working antivirus/firewall. Too many programs require Win 7 and I refuse to install the built in Spyware/DRM that is Win 10. If for some reason Win 7 stops working, then I will go to Linux. I hate linux but its still a damn sight better than Win 10.

[aayangoverski]

Windows 7 is definitely one of the best windows made by Microsoft

[Antonio-flnr]

I remember asking in a comment for video about how to be a Windows 7 holdout, and you just delivered. Thank you very much, Mr. Chris.
I like your pragmatic way in computing, not discarding Windows, but just to integrate it into Linux or placing it in a way it doesn't make any damage. Again, thanks.

[fr__]

Still hanging on to 8.1. Once that goes EoL, it's time to embrace the penguin.