Six years after Microsoft has moved on, Windows 7 is still considered a viable solution to many users. Today, unfortunately, users no longer have strong support for the OS. The upgrades are no longer available. Microsoft ceased mainstream support for it. Though the support lifecycle is supposed to last until 2020, that official date hasn’t stalled support. In fact, legal downloads and support are almost dead in the water. But developers may still need the interface for evaluation or testing. An IT tech may be working at a small company that’s still using it.
All is not lost though, for here are some details for finding and getting this OS back where it belongs, on your computer.
Right now, if you want a legal download of Windows 7, you will have to purchase a PC that’s ready to go with the platform already installed. This cuts through many of Microsoft’s confusing rules about legitimate licenses. But the purchase cannot be through a third-party like a friend or pawn shop. You will have to find an authorized manufacturer of PCs, meaning a new or refurbished machine with the OS.
The software itself can still be found in its original packaging in venues like eBay. But this has to be an unopened package. If it’s used, Microsoft’s exacting policies do not apply. And you want to be careful here. Anyone will happily tell you it’s an unopened package when all they’ve done is reapply shrink-wrapping. If you really need an original, untouched product, go with a vendor or manufacturer that’s ready to guarantee it’s unopened. This is especially important if you’re a developer or IT pro that needs the licensing for their projects.
If you dig deep into the web, you can find a subscription service that supports the option.
Your best bet though is definitely to find a PC that already has Windows 7 on it. Take note that Microsoft only allows PCs with Professional on them, and in unique cases, Home Premium. But you are assured that hardware and software will be compatible with the OS. On the other hand, if you purchase a CD copy of the platform, you will have to go through the painstaking process of putting old software on a computer with the latest programs. That means hunting down old drivers and “updates” for the old OS. Unfortunately, doing so could mean you also have to discard the latest software, graphics cards, games, resolutions and more, that hit the market after Windows 7 (which, considering today’s tech, is almost everything).
Take note that by Microsoft’s licensing rules, you can purchase OEM versions of the platform, but you cannot legally put them on a PC you built yourself. The Software King website is a useful resource if you would like to learn more information.