MoneyConsumerDon't Waste Your Money

Actions

Still on Windows 7? You MUST do this critical update

Computers will no longer be secure without it
Posted
and last updated

Still use Windows 7 on your PC or laptop? Don't be embarrassed: almost 40 percent of personal computers around the world still run it, according to Microsoft.

But if you continue to use it, you need to make a very important upgrade soon.

Windows 7 is now 10 years old. If you're still using it, watch for a critical update this month. PC magazine says if you don't accept the update, you will lose all support from Microsoft by July.

That means no more security patches and updates, leaving you vulnerable to scammers hoping to take over your computer, or malware that quietly loads itself when you visit a questionable website.

How to protect yourself

To protect your Windows 7 PC:

  • Make sure Windows Updates are enabled in your settings.
  • Then, make sure you accept the Spring 2019 update.
  • Your other option is to purchase a Windows 10 upgrade.

But from the "doesn't that stink" file, the fact that whatever you do, you may have less than a year left to use Windows 7.

Unless Microsoft makes a change, it plans to end support for 7 early next year, in 2020, which may have you saying "doesn't that stink?"

Worse, upgrading to Windows 10 currently costs $139. (The free upgrade offer ended two years ago). That stinks too, if you are dealing with a seven- or eight-year-old PC, and don't want to invest extra money into it.

Remember Windows XP? Support ended five years ago, but some PC users still run it, which is not a safe proposition. They are vulnerable to all sorts of malware attacks.

So keep your desktop or laptop updated and secure, so you don't waste your money.

________________________

Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").

Like" John Matarese Money on Facebook

Follow John on Twitter (@JohnMatarese)

For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com

Don't Waste Your Money promo

Your source for deals, product reviews and consumer news.

Have a problem?
Send us an email, at jmatarese@wcpo.com or Taylor.Nimmo@wcpo.com or message John on Facebook and Taylor on Facebook.