I’ve owned a few different computers over the years, and I’ve used each edition of Windows since as far back as Windows 3.11 (Windows for Workgroups).
Older computers have less RAM, and a slower CPU than new computers so in this article I will explain if Windows 7 is better for older computers.
Windows 7 is better for older computers. It utilizes less of the RAM, and CPU (processor) when idle. Windows 7 is the best edition of Windows for computers with less than 2GB of RAM.
A computer with 4GB or less of RAM can run Windows 10 fairly well but is a bit slow. 8GB provides a baseline of performance that is very comfortable, smooth and snappy to use for Windows 10 and also Windows 11.
Below, I will explain:
- Should you use Windows 7 instead of Windows 10 or 11
- Which is better: Windows 7 or Windows 10
- How long before Windows 7 is obsolete
Let’s dive in!
Should You use Windows 7 Instead of Windows 10 or 11
It’s better to run Windows 7 on some computers because it’s faster and smoother. It also only has one major drawback. The look of the user interface.
The key spec to look at is the amount of RAM your computer has. Here’s a table that shows how the amount of RAM your computer has affects what version of Windows will run the best.
| Amount of RAM your PC has | Best version of Windows |
| 2 GB or less | Windows 7 |
| 4 GB or less | Windows 7, possibly Windows 10 or 11 |
| 8 GB or less | Windows 11 |
| 16 GB or less | Windows 11 |
| 32 GB or less | Windows 11 |
Interestingly, Windows 11 performs virtually the same as Windows 10. And therefore, any computer that can run Windows 10 well should run Windows 11.
Windows 10 and Windows 11 utilized virtually the exact same RAM, and CPU when idle, and when running programs.
A few speed tests have been performed to compare Windows 10 and Windows 11. I compiled the data, and showed that Windows 11 is about 5% faster than Windows 10.
READ MORE >> Is Windows 11 slower than Windows 10
Windows 10 has more demand for resources than Windows 7. The two main resources that determine how fast a computer runs are the RAM and the CPU. Here’s a table that shows how much of the RAM and CPU each of the different editions of Windows uses:
| Version of Windows | Percent of the CPU, and amount of RAM when idle |
| Windows XP | 853 MB of RAM, and 0% of the processor |
| Windows Vista | 1.36 GB of RAM, and 1% of the processor |
| Windows 7 | 1.2 GB of RAM, and 0% of the processor |
| Windows 8 | 2.2 GB of RAM, and 4% of the processor |
| Windows 10 | 2.54 GB of RAM, and 10% of the processor |
| Windows 11 | 2.77 GB of RAM, and 25% of the processor |
*ordered from oldest edition of Windows to the newest
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each version of Windows to show why Windows 7 is the best for older computers.
| Version of Windows | Pros and cons |
| Windows XP | User interface looks a bit outdated. Runs well for computers with low RAM. But, Windows 7 has far better compatibility for programs/apps. |
| Windows Vista | Same as Windows XP. |
| Windows 7 | Far more apps and programs are compatible than the older versions of Windows. Has a decent looking user interface. |
| Windows 8 | Should never be run. Runs well but has a far different user interface to other editions of Windows. |
| Windows 10 | Should never be run. Any computer that can run Windows 10 well should run Windows 11. |
| Windows 11 | Best edition of Windows for computers with 8GB or RAM or more. Noticeably slow but usable with 4GB of RAM. Has the best looking user interface, and all programs and apps can run on it. |
Windows 8 was a bit of a unique edition of Windows. In Windows 8, Microsoft completely changed the user interface. Instead of a start menu, it utilizes a screen with all of the apps. Similar to a smartphone.
When it was released, it was quickly found that Windows users did not like the change. After that Windows released a new version of Windows 8. But, by that time most people had reverted to Windows 7. As it was universally extremely popular and well liked.
This all changed with Windows 10, and as popular as Windows 7.
Because WIndows 7 was so popular almost all apps and programs can run on Windows 7. This is true for most of the newest and most popular games.
READ MORE >> Is Windows 7 good for gaming
There are versions of Windows that are tiny or lite versions. These utilize far less of the RAM and the CPU. They have an identical user interface to the full version and work great but present a few issues.
Downsides of lite versions of Windows – Tiny11 and Windows 11 lite
The main drawback of lite or tiny versions of Windows is they are not officially supported by Microsoft. Therefore, there is no assurance of security. And it’s safe to assume any info on a computer of this type is public.
Which is Better: Windows 7 or Windows 10
Windows 10 is better than Windows 7 but only on computers with 8GB of RAM or more.
Also, any computer that can run Windows 10 well should run Windows 11 instead. Windows 11 and Windows 10 have identical performance. And Windows 11 has a better looking user interface than WIndows 10.
A computer with less than 8GB of RAM will be usable running Windows 10 but will be noticeably slow. However, Windows 10 has a nicer looking user interface than Windows 7.
If you want to maximize pure performance Windows 7 is the best option on a computer with less than 8GB of RAM. Whereas, on a computer with more than 8GB of RAM Windows 11 is the best option.
How Long Before Windows 7 is Obsolete
Windows 7 will be ‘technically’ obsolete in June 2023 (source
). After that date, you will not be able to make in-app purchases on the Microsoft store. In January, 2020 Microsoft stopped providing support for Windows 7.
That means they no longer:
- Help with support tickets raised on the official website
- Release user interface and security updates
But, everything else works. For example, you can still browse the web, install programs, and use any programs and apps you currently have installed such as Microsoft Word.