Windows 7 in 2026: risks, limits and when it is still justified

Windows 7 lost support on 14 January 2020. It is six years without security updates.

What the risk looks like

Known holes stay open, and current browsers and antivirus tools no longer support it.

When Windows 7 still makes sense

Old machines that drive equipment, or software that runs nowhere else. Best kept offline.

How to move safely

1. Back up your files.
2. Check whether the PC runs Windows 10 or 11.
3. Install fresh from USB: there is no direct path to Windows 11.
4. Reinstall your programs.