Electronics

[chlema]

I have this 7 year old computer that works perfectly - and fast.  It has windows 7 which in January will no longer be supported by microsoft.  I wonder if I can buy windows 10 and install it on this computer or do I have to buy a new computer for $$?

[tends2dogs]

What does that even mean "no longer supported by Microsoft" ?  You won't get the updates?  I find that a nusiance and never an improvement.  

As you can tell, I have no idea .  We have Windows 10 and it took some getting used to after 7, but that was several years ago.  We won't switch until we need new computers.  These are good enough for what we use them for.

I hope you find the answer you want and need, @chlema .

[MKR14]

Microsoft means that they will no longer have any more updates for Windows 7. It does not mean that your computer will not work. It will work fine unless there are updates that would affect not being upgraded on your computer.

If you want to put Windows 10 on your computer you can go to the Microsoft site and I believe there is a place you hit to check your computer to see if it is eligible for the update.

You have to have enough ram and enough space on your hard drive to handle Windows 10.

If you want to get a new computer that is up to you and what you can afford to do. 

I hope this helps.

[FranandZoe]

My laptop - Windows 7 - is a little over 10 years old and works just fine.  If it ain't broke don't fix it is my opnion.  You might not have enough memory/storage to support Windows 10.  Not sure what you'd need MS support for anyway actually.

[SilleeMee]

If it's an old computer then that means it has old hardware which might not support 100% of Win10 OS or some of its updates and that might leave you vulnerable to security breaches. You may even experience problems while visiting certain websites because of compatibility issues with your software and theirs. In other words, using your old computer may be functional but it still lacks up-to-date hardware to handle security protection. Proceed with caution or just buy a new one. There are valid and relevant reasons why old computers need to be replaced with new.

[Foxxee]

Windows 10 is compatible with Windows 7.  

However, your computer and its parts have a lifespan.  At 7 years, I'd buy a new one.  You have an elderly computer.  If you don't want to buy a new one...

I'd make sure your computer is compatible...hardware.  Your computer may run fast now, but much slower with Windows 10.  Windows 10 is a hog.  Do you have enough memory, etc?   Upgrading your computer might be costly.  See:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-compatibility

https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/windows-10-specifications

If you have an older printer, all of the functions may not work, though.  I bought an HP laser at the time I was using Windows 7.  HP offered a generic driver for new versions of Windows.  My printer no longer prints on both sides of the paper with Windows 10.  HP pretty much said, "Buy a new printer if you want that function."

I'm still using Microsoft Office Suite 7 and it's working fine with 10.  

If possible, I would do a clean install of Windows 10.  Remove 7, then install 10.  It's not necessary, but I have a few glitches that would be solved if I had done a clean install.  I would use technical support from the manufacturer to do it for you, or find someone you know who knows how.  Local techies.  Best Buy or other computer stores. 

If you don't want to do that, you'll need to download it from Microsoft over Windows 7.  I would do it before Microsoft stops supporting 7.

Also, when I downloaded 10, Microsoft gave me a year free support.  So, if you run into snags, they will help you with the download.  Don't know if they still offer that.

I would use technical support to do a clean install, but others here may suggest otherwise.

[chlema]

@SilleeMee LOL, yes, according to microsoft they will not be supporting windows 7 after this month, so no updates.  

Tried to buy a Dell computer this morning on their website with cyber deals but they are all sold out and hate to spend almost $700 for a new desktop when this one is just fine.  

[SilleeMee]

Think of it like driving an old car, for example one that has no seat belts...like an old computer with old outdated hardware for instance. Well you can drive that old car just fine. But if you get into a crash then that's when the problems start. @chlema 

[Still Raining]

One problem with anything this "old" that other thing age out.  I have had problems with printer drivers and such.  

Keep looking, there are deals out there.

[KingstonsMom]

We were facing the same thing, but DH (an engineer and computer tech) opted to purchase new laptops (from the manufacturer) because he said the same thing that others here have said, other things on the computer have had 7 years of 'wear and tear'.