Future of Windows 7 on new laptops?

[darbyjack]

Let's say in three years time I want to get a new laptop, what sort of problems will I run into regarding installing Windows 7? Would I just lose the ability to use the multimedia buttons or will I likely face a serious lack of drivers for important hardware? There is just no way I'll ever upgrade to Windows 10. After over two decades of using Windows, I think the latest incarnation of it has really put me off Windows for good.

 

[BlessedSquirrel]

Let's say in three years time I want to get a new laptop, what sort of problems will I run into regarding installing Windows 7? Would I just lose the ability to use the multimedia buttons or will I likely face a serious lack of drivers for important hardware? There is just no way I'll ever upgrade to Windows 10. After over two decades of using Windows, I think the latest incarnation of it has really put me off Windows for good.

As of now, new CPUs will only be compatible with Windows 10. There won't be any backwards compatibility with the new architectures. Microsoft are being very aggressive to push Windows 10 adoption.

http://www.theverge.com/2016/1/16/10780876/microsoft-windows-support-policy-new-processors-skylake

 

[darbyjack]

Oh wow, I didn't know that. The whole thing stinks. But what could I do? Switch to Mac for future editing software? I'd still reluctantly have to dual boot into Windows for games. Hmm.. I shall enjoy these last few years of using Windows 7! It's a shame really... Microsoft is trying way too hard to shove their adware/ spyware down our throats.

 

[LFFPicard]

Microsoft is trying way too hard to shove their adware/ spyware down our throats.

There is no adware/spyware.. Any and all information Windows 10 can collect and send to Microsoft can all be turned off, all location information can be turned off. Infact the whole privacy section is very clear witht he ability to turn stuff on and off.
The only thing in the T&C's, EULA etc that you are pretty much forced to accept are usage statistics Microsoft collect which will help them improve features in Windows most used/requested and enhance whats currently available.

The reason Microsoft are being so aggressive is actually to save money. It costs untold amount of money to to keep security patches and support for previous versions of Windows. So much in fact I remember reading somewhere that the Navy still runs ships on Windows XP and are charges millions a year by Microsoft just to keep there systems patched up. If Microsoft can unify everything to a single version of Windows it will significantly reduce overheads of keeping it all patched/secure and allow future updates to run a lot smoother all round if it only has to roll out for a single operating system.

 

[darbyjack]

Seems logical. Maybe I've been reading too much clickbait.

 

[ubuysa]

Seems logical. Maybe I've been reading too much clickbait.

I agree with LFFPicard, Windows 10, whilst still something of a work in progress, is not the data thief the media likes to make it out to be. When you come to install Windows 10 do not choose any of the default options on the setup screens, customise everything. That's how you decide what data Windows 10 shares about you. Even Cortana can be turned off (and should be IMO).

The "Windows as a service" ethos also takes a bit of getting used to, especially the lack of control over updates (especially driver updates) but it does make long-term sense and will lead to more stable systems for everyone.

You have no need to fear Windows 10, it's actually a very good OS.

 

[darbyjack]

Except the UI is garbage. Just little things like clicking the wireless icon in the tray brings up a menu that takes a 1/3 of the screen.

 

[ubuysa]

Except the UI is garbage. Just little things like clicking the wireless icon in the tray brings up a menu that takes a 1/3 of the screen.

Garbage is a strong word. It's different and most of us don't like change and it's very different to Windows 7, though not that different from Windows 8. You'll get used to it.

 

[anlygi]

I have to say I love Windows 10 and hate having to use Windows 7 in work now. The task bar search bar is fantastic, even with Cortana disabled. You can get to any setting or installed program by entering a few characters. Even works as a calculator!

I can't put in on my 2011 Dell though as they aren't releasing drivers for the Radeon GPU, last Dell I'll buy now I have discovered PCS and my Lafite.