What should we do after January 2020

Hi All, Figured I'd post an update after almost two months of running my Windows 7 x64 system with updates installed only until May 2017. So far absolutely no problems to report, no virus/malware issues, and no security problems. Still watching my system like a hawk for any signs of problems, and the only 'problem' has been great performance and nothing being broken by poorly coded updates. Today I've had two friends already with major problems with the December KB4523206 Servicing Stack update causing boot-loops and lock-ups that I spent all morning fixing over TeamViewer...........needless to say they have all updates disabled now lol. And my system just runs like a champ......

Other then seeing what happens with updates to Security Essentials after January, mostly seeing if the definitions file from Windows Defender can be downloaded somewhere and manually installed......other then that I plan on running this particular Windows install as long as I can. if Security Essentials can't be updated I will look into a third-party anti-virus solution.

Microsoft to end updates to Windows 7's free AV software, Security Essentials | Computerworld

Thanks for passing on the info.

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Aardvarkly, thanks for the MSE info..

So far the latest Windows Defender virus definition is here for me KB915597 (v1.307.204.0)

Can't find in Microsoft Update Catalog KB915597 only the Windows Defender, but not sure of the upgraded software since it's Embedded to Windows 7.

Microsoft Update Catalog

If M$ does with MSE what they did on Vista they will start nagging users to upgrade through the app. Those of us using it need to start watching for others reporting that issue and not update after such time if we want to continue using it nag free. I kind of doubt though that they would do that through definition updates but program updates. I'm surprised that they haven't done so already. If we do find a version without the nag we can stay on it however they will eventually stop the definition updates. Unfortunately third party developers will eventually stop supporting their AVSes on 7. Hopefully due to 7's user base that won't happen for a few years. IMO when virus software and browsers stop supporting 7 that's when it'll be time to jump ship or be extremely careful on the net. That's why I've starting testing linux on a secondary computer however so far that's been a nightmare.

nikev216 said:

Bottom line for me is that I don't like Windows 10. I tried to like it but after 8 months, with forced updates being applied when I didn't want them, and essential security updates not being downloaded when I did, together with the removal of Windows Media Center which I use everyday, and that Windows 10 acts like a vacuum cleaner of my personal data which cannot be turned off, (you can hack the registry but Microsoft will always have control over what they install on a Windows 10 machine). It's easily the worst desktop OS I've used. I never felt in control of my own computer and returning to Windows 7 was like a breath of fresh air.

[,,,] Which leaves me the pleasant alternative of doing nothing and sticking with Windows 7. [...] I'm sticking with Windows 7 and I hope this forum will continue.

I came here to post essentially exactly this!


I have a newish laptop that came with W10 on it (there was no option for W7) and, although the laptop is great, I hate W10 so much that I haven't used it in over a year now, and I make sure all other machines on my Home LAN are completely powered down if I do get a wild hair and decide to use the laptop.


Windows 10 is a disaster in my opinion, I have absolutely no control over what my machine does, changes I make to my desktop to try to get rid of the widgets and ads are routinely undone without my knowledge or consent, and I can't easily shut off the stupendously annoying Cortana or Adriana or whatever its name is, and I am convinced that, despite my having disabled the mic as best I can given the (lack of) tools provided in W10, I have an uneasy feeling that my computer listens to everything that happens in my home. I have stuck a square of sponge-rubber tape over my mic hole to try to stop the eavesdropping (if any.)


MS has publicly stated that their vision for the future is Windows as a subscription service instead of a purchase, and W10 with its dearth of user controls certainly supports that dystopian vision... which is why they were, and still are, giving it away for free.

TL; DR: I hate W10 with a visceral passion and plan to stay with W7 for as long as humanly possible, i.e. until my 3 W7 machines' hardware dies and I am forced to choose another OS. Please do not cut this W7 forum off.

It's not just about the nuisances.

townsbg said:

It's not just about the nuisances.