For instance, Forbes tried to force users to stop using ad-blocking tools only to serve up malware to those who disabled their adblockers. Seriously, it hasn’t been safe for years.Įven the most reputable sites can be dangerous.

Most importantly, don’t use Internet Explorer. Install them to have the most recent security updates for the browsers themselves. Most browsers automatically update or at least notify about updates. Currently, Google is promising that Chrome will work with Windows 7 until at least January 2023. Every extra line of defense helps protect you against malware and other threats. Your browser usually has some built-in security features. You can also download Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows 7 for additional protection. If you suspect something might have already infected your Windows 7 PC, download the offline version of Microsoft Defender on another computer and use a USB drive to scan your system. Real-time protection, automatic updates, ease of use, and efficiency are great features to look for.Īnother option to consider is Windows Defender, which works on Windows 7 as well as later versions of Windows. Start by researching various antivirus tools to see which one is best for your needs. The sites are ones I know should be safe, but they’re susceptible to attacks just like any other site online, good or bad. In fact, my antivirus regularly blocks sites with expired security certificates and malicious ads or scripts. While technically you can use your computer without antivirus protection, most people aren’t careful enough to avoid all dangers.

So why not be a little safer? Install Antivirus With Windows 7 still having over a 25-percent market share at the time of writing, many users are sticking with Windows 7 no matter what. However, most users can mitigate most risks by taking a few precautions. The key takeaway is that using Windows 7 is riskier than using Windows 10/11. Remember, Windows 10 and 11 are still being continuously updated, making them more secure. While some of these risks exist even in Windows 10/11, attackers may be able to exploit a flaw in Windows 7 that’s already been patched in these newer versions. Even if you’re visiting reputable sites, malicious ads could leave you exposed. If you’re someone who doesn’t really use antivirus software and/or visits questionable sites, the risk is likely too high. Using Windows 7 safely means being more diligent than usual.

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