Operating System Comparison: Windows 10 VS Windows 7

Windows 7 came out for use by the general public on October 22, 2009. Windows 10 was released on July 29, 2015. Both operating systems have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Windows 7 has had the benefit of being out longer and having a more stable environment. Windows 10 revolutionizes the Windows UI and creates a happy medium between what folks loved about Windows XP, and Windows 8.

In 2018, both operating systems are still available. While you will have to download a Windows 7 ISO disc image, Windows 10 is readily available for purchase both online and in physical Microsoft Stores. This 2018 comparison will take a look at where each operating system stands in 2018. We will discuss the relative specs, advantages, and disadvantages of both operating systems.

Once we establish where each operating system stands, we will compare the two operating systems based on support, stability, usability.

Windows 7 2018 Advantages And Disadvantages

Specs

There are 3 versions of Windows 7 that are available for the general population to download. Those versions are Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, and Windows 7 ultimate.

Windows 7 Home Premium was targeted to general users of Windows. Windows 7 Professional is targeted to those who desire networking and security features. Windows 7 Ultimate is targeted at enthusiasts, and folks who want to tinker with the operating system.

To run Windows 7 your computer needs to meet the following requirements:

• Minimum of 1Ghz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
• Minimum of 1GB Ram 32-bit or 2GB Ram 64-bit
• Minimum of 16GB hard drive for 32-bit 20GB for 64-bit
• DirectX 9 enabled graphics card

Advantages

There are numerous advantages to using Windows 7 in 2018. One of the first advantages Windows 7 has, is that it has been out for quite some time. The operating system is almost a decade old, and has seen a number of updates, service packs, and support.

Because Windows 7 has been around longer, users have gotten used to many of its quirks. Windows 7 was a welcome change over Windows Vista, because it managed to give consumers a more familiar user interface, along with the desirable features from Windows XP.

Windows 7 is also quite stable. Many businesses and universities still use Windows 7 because of how easy it is to get a hold of, and because of the familiarity that the UI brings. Windows 7 also has low system requirements, making it an excellent operating system to install on older machines.

Disadvantages

While Windows 7 has many advantages, it also has some disadvantages. Back in 2015, Windows 7 stopped receiving mainstream support. Windows 7 currently suffers from the fact that in 2 years, 2020, Microsoft will stop its extended support for the Windows 7 Operating System.

Extended support is already a last lifeline for Windows 7. With extended support, service packs are no longer created to update Windows 7. Instead critical bugs and patches are released for users to still comfortably use the operating system. In 2020, this will transform into virtually no support. It will be up to the development community to find bug fixes and patches if something goes wrong with the operating system.

Windows 10 Advantages And Disadvantages

Specs

Windows 10 has 2 main versions that are available for easy public use. Windows 10 Home is the Windows 10 version that most every day users will need. Windows 10 Pro is a version of Windows 10 that is mostly for use with small businesses.

Windows 10 Pro includes security features like Bit Locker, that allow users to lock sensitive data in a secure manner. It also has domain joining capabilities, a feature that is definitely important for using company intranets.

Windows 10 requires the following minimum specification to run:

• Minimum of 1Ghz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
• Minimum of 1GB Ram 32-bit or 2GB Ram 64-bit
• Minimum of 16GB hard drive for 32-bit 20GB for 64-bit
• DirectX 9 enabled graphics card
• 800 x 600 display resolution monitor

Advantages

Windows 10 combines many power user features, and classic UI elements from Windows XP, balanced with a modern tile based UI inspired by Windows 8. Microsoft took the harsh feedback from Windows 8, and create a product that is very accessible for new users.

Settings are simplified, with important tasks or operations being explained more thoroughly. It is easier than ever to use Windows 10 because it brings the start menu back, along with improving search functionality with Cortana.

Cortana allows people to browse their own directories, and the internet. Cortana takes contextual phrases and statements and displays results that closely match the context of what the user requested. This makes navigating the user interface much more manageable for folks who are new to using Windows computers.

Windows 10 is also very mobile friendly, supporting multiple touch inputs, and touch peripherals. Many Windows 10 desktops and laptopsm come with touchscreen monitors that take advantage of touchscreen support.

Lastly, Windows 10 comes with a host of security features including free antivirus and spyware software called Windows Defender. Windows Defender makes it so that you do not have to use third party software to remove malware and spyware from your computer.

Disadvantages

Unless you took advantage of the free upgrade from Windows 7, or 8 to Windows 10, Windows 10 is going to cost you a bit of money. 

Windows 10 has not been out that long. Because of this, there are still a number of bugs and security flaws that are being discovered on a daily basis. While Windows 10 does have many security features, those features have not had the ability to mature as older operating systems have.

Lastly, Windows 10 does not make it easy to use Windows Media Player, an application that many Windows users used to play music. Instead a default music player app is used. There are a number of people upset about this change, leading to the abundance of articles on how to set the default music player back to Windows Media Player.

Windows 10 VS Windows 7

Now that we have covered some of the relative advantages and disadvantages of both operating systems, we can compare them accurately.

Windows 7 Victories

When considering how stable the operating system is, Windows 7 wins by a long shot. It has had a number of service packs, tweaks, and patches to fix a number of security errors and exploits. Because it has had the time to mature, there are many articles online on how to navigate the operating system and fix errors that may arise.

Windows 7 is relatively cheap. You can purchase a product key for the Home Premium version for $29.99. You could then go to Microsoft’s website and download an ISO image of Window 7 for free. All you need to do is enter the product key on Microsoft’s website, and you will be able to utilize Windows 7. Compared to Windows 10, this is definitely a lower barrier to entry.

Windows 7 also has a more traditional layout that resembles Windows XP. This is important, because for the longest time businesses would not update their computer until the end of support of Windows XP. The US Navy paid $9.1 million to keep support for their version of Windows XP. Ease of use of operating system matters to consumers. That is why in 2018 39.06% of Windows users use Windows 7.

Windows 10 Victories

Windows 10 is a more modern operating system that comes with an incredible personal assistant Cortana. Cortana helps users easily locate operating systems functions that would otherwise take a lot searching and folder navigation to find.

In addition, Windows 10 enabled devices are readily able to integrate with other Microsoft products like the Xbox One. In fact, with Windows 10 you can stream the video game you are playing from your Xbox One to your PC and play your video games on your PC.

One of the last benefits of Windows 10 in 2018 is that it will have more service pack updates, and more security updates than Windows 7. Windows 10 has not reached the end of its products life cycle. Severe security vulnerabilities will be patched, and users can have the full comfort of knowing that Microsoft is on standby and actively offering technical support for their operating system.

Windows 10 VS Windows 7, The Winner Depends On What You Need

Ultimately, the Windows 10 vs. Windows 7 debate in 2018 is up to what you personally need. If you want a modern, touch ready operating system that will be continually supported, then it is hard not to recommend Windows 10.

On the other hand, if you are worried about security vulnerabilities and want to be as safe as possible, Windows 7 might be the better option currently. Although Windows 7 may not have as many features as Windows 10, it still provides a level of familiarity and usability to older users of computers.