How To Lock Down A Windows 7 Computer

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Microsoft is no longer supporting Windows 7 with security updates. In other words, Windows 7 is now simply like Windows XP—an older operating system that volition gradually accrue unpatched security holes. Here's how to keep it as secure as possible.

We recommend upgrading to Windows x. In fact, you lot tin can nevertheless upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows ten for free. But, if yous're sticking with Windows seven for now, we have some security tips.

Business organization Users Can Pay For Security Updates

We recommend businesses and other organizations pay for extended security updates if they still use Windows seven. This option isn't bachelor to habitation users, and the exact price of the updates depends on whether yous have Windows vii Enterprise or Windows 7 Professional person.

RELATED: How to Upgrade to Windows 10 From Windows 7 for Complimentary

Disconnect Your Windows 7 PC From the Network

Fifty-fifty if you demand Windows 7 for some reason, you don't have to use it for everything. If you need Windows 7 to interface with a specific hardware device or run a software program that doesn't run on Windows 10, we recommend keeping that Windows 7 computer off your network, if possible.

Malicious websites and other network-based attacks won't exist an upshot. Your Windows 7 system can't be compromised and turned against other devices on your network. You won't accept to worry about security issues if the Windows 7 system is cut off from the dangerous net.

If you demand to run an older software program that doesn't run on Windows 10, it may besides exist worth upgrading to Windows 10 and running that older application in a Windows seven virtual motorcar on your Windows 10 desktop. Bear in mind that well-nigh older applications volition run but fine on Windows 10, then this shouldn't be necessary for most applications.

We know that many people will go along running Windows 7 and connecting information technology to the internet. If you are, we've got some security tips for locking things down.

RELATED: Windows 7 Dies Today: Here's What You Demand to Know

Run Supported Security Software

We recommend running a good antimalware tool that still supports Windows seven. Be certain it's actively receiving updates.

Microsoft says it no longer offers downloads its own Microsoft Security Essentials tool, although MSE nonetheless seems available for download on Microsoft'due south website. Perhaps Microsoft plans to pull the downloads shortly. Nevertheless, if you accept Microsoft Security Essentials installed, it will continue receiving malware signature updates until 2023.

Other security software companies still offer antiviruses that are supported on Windows 7. For instance, Lifehacker recommends Bitdefender Complimentary.

Whatsoever you pick, nosotros likewise recommend Malwarebytes. The free version of Malwarebytes will let you perform manual scans to remove malware and other junk software from your system, and it also runs on Windows 7.

Microsoft has axed its EMET security tool that helps protect against attacks in favor of the Exploit Protection congenital into Windows 10. Nevertheless, anti-exploit software is congenital into the Premium version of Malwarebytes.

Utilise a Secure Browser

If yous're still using Windows vii, you should definitely avert running Internet Explorer. Even Microsoft has recommended moving off of Internet Explorer to a more modern, secure browser.

• Google Chrome still runs on Windows 7 and volition support information technology with security updates until at to the lowest degree July 15, 2021.
• Microsoft's new Border browser, based on the aforementioned underlying lawmaking as Chromium, also supports Windows 7 and will until at least July 15, 2021.
• Mozilla Firefox notwithstanding runs on Windows seven, besides. Mozilla hasn't said how long it will support Firefox on Windows 7.

With the operating organisation itself no longer receiving updates, your security software and web browser take on newfound importance in blocking you from threats online.

Secure Your Operating System Settings

If you're using Windows 7, you lot should definitely visit Windows Update and ensure you lot're upwards-to-engagement with all the updates Microsoft released for information technology. We also recommend having Windows Update automatically check for updates. Microsoft might release especially critical updates for Windows 7 even after the finish of support, simply every bit information technology did for Windows XP.

Go on en eye out for update news, likewise. Microsoft released an of import security update for Windows XP that you had to manually download back in 2019.

The tips for securing your Windows PC are the aforementioned equally they ever were. Leave of import security features like User Business relationship Command and the Windows Firewall enabled.

Avoid clicking strange links in spam emails or other strange messages sent to you—this is especially important because it will become easier to exploit Windows 7 in the future. Avoid downloading and running foreign files.

RELATED: Basic Computer Security: How to Protect Yourself from Viruses, Hackers, and Thieves

Remove (and Update) Installed Applications

Windows 7 was released a long time ago, so you may have quite a few applications you don't really need installed. Worse yet, they may be outdated.

For example, sometime versions of browser plug-ins similar Java, Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, and QuickTime are all potentially vulnerable to attack. Go through the listing of installed programs in Windows 7'due south Control Panel and remove any applications you don't use.

Ensure all the applications you employ are updated to their latest bachelor versions, besides. For instance, if you still have an old version of WinRAR installed, you need to update information technology manually or your PC could be vulnerable to malicious ACE archives.

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There's no argent bullet here. Windows 7 volition get more than unsafe over time equally flaws effectually found. Notwithstanding, the exact attacks Windows vii is vulnerable to will depend on what security flaws are found, how serious they are, and how easy they are to exploit.

You tin can go along using Windows 7 and it will still role normally—with some nag messages. Just keep in mind that Microsoft has washed its hands of patching security holes on your motorcar. We love Windows 7, merely its time has passed.

RELATED: RIP Windows 7: We're Going to Miss You

Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/509175/how-to-secure-your-windows-7-system-in-2020/

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