FixWindowsWindows 7

Windows 7: common problems and fixes

Fix a slow, unstartable or offline Windows 7 PC, including websites that show security errors, and learn the limits now that updates have ended.

  • Updated
  • 15 min
  • Intermediate
Applies to
  • Windows 7

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If a Windows 7 PC has become slow, will not start properly or has lost its internet connection, these fixes can help. They also say plainly what no fix can change, because Windows 7 no longer gets security updates.

Windows 7 no longer gets security updates

Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020. Microsoft says a PC without updates is at greater risk from viruses and malware. Keep it off the internet where you can, avoid banking and email on it, and plan to move on.

Windows 7 support timelineA timeline of 5 events in date order. The full text follows the picture.Windows 7 support timeline2009Windows 7 releasedGeneral availability onOctober 222011Service Pack 1The one service pack forWindows 72015Mainstream supportendsSecurity updatescontinue2020Support ends January14No more securityupdates2023Paid updates endBusiness customers only
Dates are from Microsoft's lifecycle page.
Text version of this diagram
  • 2009: Windows 7 released. General availability on October 22
  • 2011: Service Pack 1. The one service pack for Windows 7
  • 2015: Mainstream support ends. Security updates continue
  • 2020: Support ends January 14. No more security updates
  • 2023: Paid updates end. Business customers only

Before you start

An old hard drive can fail at any time. Copy anything you cannot replace first. See how to back up your files. Scan any USB drive on a modern computer before you plug it into this one.

A slow computer

Slow Windows 7 PC: fixes in orderA top-to-bottom flow chart with 6 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.Slow Windows 7 PC: fixes inorderNoNo1Fix 1: Restart and freedisk space2Is it quicker now?Yes: You are done3Fix 2: Stop programs thatstart with Windows4Is it quicker now?Yes: You are done5Fix 3: Check TaskManagerStill slow? Old hardware orlow memory is a commoncause.
Each fix takes a few minutes. Stop when the PC feels normal.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Step 1: Fix 1: Restart and free disk space
  2. Question 2: Is it quicker now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  3. Step 3: Fix 2: Stop programs that start with Windows
  4. Question 4: Is it quicker now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  5. Step 5: Fix 3: Check Task Manager
  6. If nothing worked: Still slow? Old hardware or low memory is a common cause.

Fix 1: Restart and free disk space

  1. Save your work, select Start, then the arrow beside Shut down, then Restart.
  2. Select Start, then Computer. Right-click the C: drive and select Properties. The General tab shows free space.
  3. Select Disk Cleanup, tick the file types you want to clear, such as temporary files and Recycle Bin, then select OK.

Fix 2: Stop programs that start with Windows

  1. Press Windows key + R, type msconfig and select OK.
  2. Open the Startup tab.
  3. Clear the tick beside programs you recognize and do not need at start-up. Leave anything you do not recognize ticked.
  4. Select OK, then Restart.

Fix 3: Check Task Manager

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Open the Processes tab and select the Memory (Private Working Set) column heading to sort by it.
  3. If one program you opened is using a lot of memory and is stuck, select it and then End Process. Save your work first.

A traditional hard drive may also gain from Disk Defragmenter (under Start then All Programs then Accessories then System Tools). Do not defragment a solid-state drive.

A problem that started after a change

System Restore puts Windows settings and programs back to an earlier date. It does not remove your documents.

  1. Select Start then All Programs then Accessories then System Tools then System Restore.
  2. Select Next. Choose a restore point dated before the problem began. Tick Show more restore points if you need older ones.
  3. Select Scan for affected programs to see what will change, then Close, Next and Finish.
  4. Wait. The PC restarts and reports whether the restore worked.

If you see no restore points, System Protection may be turned off for the drive, and there is nothing to restore to.

Windows will not start properly

  1. Restart the PC. As soon as the maker's logo disappears, and before the Windows logo appears, tap F8 repeatedly. Do not hold it down.
  2. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to choose Last Known Good Configuration (advanced), then press Enter. It starts Windows with the last settings that worked. It helps only straight after a failure.
  3. If that fails, restart, tap F8 again, choose Safe Mode and press Enter. Sign in. A coarse-looking screen is normal.
  4. In Safe Mode, use System Restore as above, or copy your files to a USB drive.
  5. If Safe Mode also fails, restart and tap F8 again, then choose Repair Your Computer if it is listed. This opens System Recovery Options, where Startup Repair checks for problems that stop Windows starting.

Stop if the drive makes clicking or grinding noises

Switch the PC off. Each minute it runs can damage the drive further. Ask a trusted repair shop whether the files can be recovered.

The internet or Wi-Fi does not work

  1. Right-click the network icon near the clock and select Troubleshoot problems. Follow the prompts.
  2. Restart the router and modem. See how to restart your router and modem the right way.
  3. Open Start then All Programs then Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, then select Run as administrator. Type this command and press Enter: 
    ipconfig /flushdns
  4. If it still fails, see Wi-Fi connected but no internet.

Newer Wi-Fi security

An old PC may not join a network set to WPA3 only. Do not weaken your router for one old computer. Use a network cable instead, or leave the router in a mode that allows both WPA2 and WPA3.

Websites show security errors

No setting fixes this. Many sites now use security standards that old browsers cannot meet, and Microsoft Edge version 109 was the last for Windows 7. Do not click past certificate warnings. Use the PC offline or move to a newer system, such as ChromeOS Flex if the hardware allows.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still get updates for Windows 7?

Not for consumers from Microsoft. Support ended on January 14, 2020. Paid updates for business customers ended in January 2023.

Should I reinstall Windows 7?

Only with your own disc and license, and after a backup. See how to install Windows 7. A new install still has no security updates.

Is it safe to keep using Windows 7 offline?

It is far safer if the PC never connects to a network and you only plug in drives scanned on another computer.

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Official resources used

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