Microsoft has announced that they will soon be ending support for its immensely popular Windows 7 operating system on January 14th, 2020 – and that means you should stop using it ASAP. When Microsoft says it's done supporting an operating system, that doesn't mean that you can't keep using it. Instead, it means that the company will no longer be actively developing critical updates. Those updates are the patches and fixes that can keep your computer protected from terrifying attacks like the recent frenzy of ransomware, or worms that can make your computer part of a botnet.
The most recent Windows operating system to lose Microsoft support was Windows XP. It was originally slated to lose its support earlier, but due to an outcry related to the overwhelming popularity and ubiquity of the operating system, Microsoft extended its support deadline to 2014. Now, however, using Windows XP as your primary operating system would be a very bad idea. It would make your machine an easy target for hackers who have undoubtedly created new exploits that are no longer being patched.
Windows 7 was originally released in 2009, making it over 10 years old by the time the support deadline comes up. Since its release, Microsoft has already come out with two newer operating systems. The first being the critically panned Windows 8, and the far more appreciated Windows 10. Windows 8 was so badly recieved that Microsoft decided to skip "Windows 9" altogether to further distance themselves from the mistake.
It's Time To Move On From Windows 7
If you are still using Windows 7 (it's still a solid OS), you should begin looking for alternatives now. You may be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10 from Microsoft, or you may need to purchase a new Windows 10 license for $139. If for some reason you're not a fan of Windows 10, it's likely you can get your hands on a Windows 8.1 license for very little and still be covered with updates for the next few years.
If for some reason you still insist on sticking with Windows 7, the only way to do so safely would be to make sure your computer never touches the Internet directly. That means no web browsing, no downloads, and no streaming. But if you need the operating system just to run a specific program or some older games and nothing else, then by all means you can continue to enjoy Windows 7 for as long as you want. You could also run it within a virtual machine that isn't connected to the internet. Just make sure you keep it away from potential hackers and scammers will soon be able to dominate your machine with very little effort.