Windows 7 and Vista just made a shocking return in 2026 — but your PC might not survive the comeback

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I never expected to see Windows 7 and Vista make a comeback, but here we are, looking at them again in 2026! It’s a bit nostalgic, honestly. But bringing these older operating systems back raises a big concern: security. If you’re considering using them, it’s really important to understand the risks involved.

Bob Pony, a Windows fan and customizer, has made it easy to get Windows 7 and Windows Vista working again by creating pre-made installation files (ISOs), as reported by PCWorld.

Microsoft no longer supports these older operating systems, so they don’t get security updates anymore. This could leave your computer vulnerable to serious threats and risks.

Pony revived these older operating systems by installing all available updates. Most notably, the modder also installed all security updates for Windows Vista, even the newest ones released through Premium Assurance Updates, as of January 2026.

Microsoft’s Premium Assurance program has, for the past six years, provided continued security updates for older operating systems like Windows Vista. It works much like their Extended Security Updates program, but for different operating systems – specifically, it focuses on maintaining security for legacy systems.

Be careful when installing older operating systems on your computer. Microsoft no longer provides security updates for them, leaving your system vulnerable to viruses and attacks, particularly when you’re online.

If you miss using older versions of Windows, you can download files (called ISOs) for Windows 7 or Vista and run them inside a virtual machine. This lets you experience those operating systems without risking the security of your current computer, as the virtual machine creates a safe, isolated environment.

Many people have been critical of Microsoft’s plans for Windows 11, and this negativity has likely contributed to the operating system being adopted slowly.

Recent Windows 11 updates have caused problems for some users. Last week, a security update left certain computers unable to start, and a separate bug was discovered that caused apps to crash and malfunction.

Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10 last year, with official support ending on October 14, 2025. This decision upset many users, and some believe it was a deliberate attempt to make people replace their computers unnecessarily.

Even after Windows 10 is no longer officially supported, you can still keep using it for free by connecting your settings to the cloud with a Microsoft account, or you can pay a one-time fee of $30 or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. However, many users feel this is just a temporary fix and doesn’t address the underlying issues with continuing to use an outdated system.

Looking ahead, upgrading to Windows 11 feels like the natural progression, but Microsoft has created some hurdles for users. The strict hardware demands and some design choices have made the switch more difficult than it needs to be. As our Editor-in-Chief points out, Windows 11 isn’t fundamentally flawed – Microsoft just needs to rebuild user trust through open and honest communication and decisions.

It’s attention-grabbing to hear about Windows 7 and Vista making a comeback, but the truth is more complicated. These older operating systems were designed for a different time, before today’s security risks and online expectations. If you’re thinking about using them again, be careful – enjoying the past shouldn’t compromise your computer’s safety.

This also shows how frustrated people are with Windows 11, to the point where they’re even considering older operating systems just for a change.

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2026-01-26 17:09