Why Windows 7 Is Starting to Grow After the Death of Windows 10

Windows 10 officially lost free standard support from Microsoft on October 14, 2025. With Microsoft pulling security updates, bug fixes, and general patches, a lot of people are scrambling: upgrade to Windows 11, move to Linux, or… maybe go back to Windows 7? Yeah, that last one is surprising. Let’s dig into how Windows 7 is creeping back into the picture, and whether that’s just nostalgia or something more serious.

 

What’s Going on with Windows 10 Ending

First, some background so this makes sense:

• Microsoft says Windows 10 devices will no longer receive free updates, security patches, or technical support.\

• They have an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program so folks can keep getting patches for a while — often for a fee or special conditions.

• Many PCs can’t upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware restrictions (older CPUs, missing TPM, etc.). So those users need other options.

When support ends, risk goes up — vulnerabilities, malware exposure, and software/app compatibility issues. Some users get stuck.

 

Is Windows 7 Actually Growing?

Short answer: there are signs, but nothing super confirmed yet. Here’s what people are seeing:

• According to some analytics (Statcounter, etc.), Windows 7 usage has ticked up slightly in certain months. Some reports say a +1.5 point increase in share, though it’s modest.

• Meanwhile, Windows 10 usage saw a small rebound in some regions, possibly because some users downgraded from Windows 11 or stuck with 10 while the support end loomed. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they went to Windows 7.

• News reports don’t strongly confirm a mass move to Windows 7. Many security and tech experts warn against it because Windows 7 has been out of official support since January 2020. That means no security updates for years. That makes using it risky.

So, yes — Windows 7 might be creeping back in little patches, but it’s not booming (yet).

 

Why Some People Might Be Choosing Windows 7 Again

Here are reasons people might consider switching (or sticking) to Windows 7 now:

1. Hardware Incompatibility with Windows 11
   Old machines that failed Windows 11 requirements (CPU, TPM, etc.) might find Win 7 works “cleaner” because it’s lighter.

2. Low Budget or No Upgrade Path
   If you can’t afford a new PC and don’t want to pay for ESU on Windows 10, going back to a familiar OS that used to work well seems tempting.

3. Nostalgia / Familiarity
   Windows 7 has a simpler interface and fewer “forced” updates or nagging — for many, that old familiarity is comforting.

4. Legacy Software or Drivers
   Some old software or devices (printers, scanners, etc.) never got updated for Windows 10 or 11. Windows 7 might still support them better.

    

The Downsides & Risks

As cool as going back might seem, there are serious risks:

• Security: Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 7 in Jan 2020. That means no official patches for vulnerabilities found since then.

• Software Incompatibilities: New apps, browsers, and games often drop support for older systems. Drivers may no longer be updated.

• Compliance & Malware Risk: If you're using that PC for anything serious (work, banking, etc.), you could be exposed.

 

What Instead of Windows 7? (What You Should Do)

If you’re thinking about going back to Windows 7 — or want to avoid getting stuck — here are safer paths:

• Upgrade to Windows 11 if your hardware allows. It’s the direct path Microsoft wants.

• Enroll in Windows 10’s ESU if switching now isn’t possible; it gives you temporary protection.

• Switch to Linux (there are many user-friendly distros) if you need something lightweight, secure, and works on older hardware.

• Keep using Windows 7 only carefully: no internet for sensitive tasks, strong antivirus, minimal usage, etc.

 

Is Windows 7 Actually “Growing,” or Just a Rumor?

I think it’s more of a rumor mixed with a tiny reality. A few people are experimenting or switching back, especially in regions or situations with old hardware or limited budgets. But I don’t see a huge movement — yet.

It’s possible we’ll see modest growth in certain communities (retro gaming, low-budget setups, etc.), but “Windows 7 takeover” seems unlikely. More people are realistically going toward Windows 11 or Linux.

 

Final Thoughts

• Windows 10 losing support is a big deal. It’s pushing people to make choices.

• Windows 7 may pop up again in pockets, but it’s super risky.

• If you can, upgrading or switching OS (to something still supported) is the safer and smarter move.