Please protect your Windows 7 computer by keeping it patched.
Even though Windows 7 was released back in 2009, it still receives patches to keep it protected against new vulnerabilities. The operating system lets you know when new patches are available by displaying one or more of the icons shown below (see “What to look for”).
When one of these icons appears, you should take the time to install the new patches that day. This requires you to close all of your programs, install the new patches and then reboot your computer.
More information:
NSA Warns Microsoft Windows 7 users of potential ‘Devastating Damage’
A particular patch you should certainly install
Windows 7 will stop getting updates in January, 2020
You must upgrade to Windows 10 before Windows 7 goes end of life
Why do we still need to install patches on Windows 7?
What Mario can teach us about patching computers
What to look for:
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If you see the Update Icon in your task bar (you may have to click the “up arrow” to see it), then please left-click it and follow the instructions to Install Updates. | ||
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If you see this orange shield on your shutdown button, then please close all programs and click it to install updates and shutdown your computer. After it shuts down you can turn it back on and continue working. | ||
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If this bubble appears, then please click it and follow the instructions to install the updates. This bubble will only appear for a few seconds. After it goes away, you will have to click the little “up arrow” at the bottom right of your task bar to find the Update Icon (above). |
I don’t have a Windows 7 computer.
All computers need to be patched regularly. The instructions in this article apply to Windows 7 computers though.
Why do I need to patch my computer?
Unpatched computers are vulnerable to new exploits, which can steal your data, install malware, create new admin accounts… anything the hacker may want to do with your computer.
Can’t I wait to install the patches?
That depends on the severity of the vulnerability and if it is already being exploited. That’s a chance we don’t recommend you take.
Won’t my Anti-virus program protect me anyway?
That depends on the vulnerability again. But anti-virus protection and patching vulnerabilities are two very separate venues to protect your computer. Both are vital.
Shouldn’t I just upgrade to Windows 10?
Microsoft will stop support for Windows 7 computers in January, 2020. Before then you will need to upgrade your current computer to Windows 10, or replace it. More information is available about this.
What about my home computer?
We recommend that you keep all of your computers up-to-date. Please follow the advice from this article for all Windows 7 computers you use.
But rebooting takes so long. I have work to do.
You could lose a lot more time (and money) by waiting until your computer has become infected, and then having to go through remediation processes to “try” and get you back to where you are now.
If you have questions about this, please let us know and we will be happy to assist you.
Take care,
