Is it still possible to activate Windows 7?

I recently had my old Dell Inspiron laptop (year of construction: 2009) repaired after my hard drive had left two years ago. Now there's a new one. However, the one who brought my device back to me privately has unfortunately brought up the now outdated "Windows 7" operating system.

Now, of course, every time I use it, my laptop complains that the operating system has not yet been activated, so that some functions are only available to me to a limited extent (for example, my desktop background is automatically removed every 5 minutes and replaced by a message that the activation is still pending).

Now the question: since "Windows 7" is virtually "dead", how likely is it today, 11 years after using the laptop for the first time, to successfully carry out such an activation? Is it still possible to get any registration codes? Or do I just have to live with the fact that this device has had its "heyday" and befriend the idea of sending it to my well-deserved retirement?

Thank you for your interest in my concern in advance.

One question: what's wrong with Windows 10?

Because this would make your PC run, certainly not a high-end gaming machine, but office creates it easily…

Because Windows 7 is no longer supported, there are no more security patches… This can have nasty consequences

Windows 7 can still be activated. Is simply no longer supported.

And how do you get the necessary registration codes?

For example, through Amazon.

Here is an example link: https://www.amazon.de/...07HDNW1NZ/

But if you get a new license, I would still recommend Windows 10. Would cost more, but it simply offers more features and security. However, it must be noted that the hardware can also handle Windows 10.

If it shouldn't work, then rather Windows 7. ^^

In principle, I have already got a replacement - a new model from Samsung, built in 2018. I only use the older laptop for three reasons that are trivial for me.

1) pure coziness, because I'm more familiar with W7 than W10.

2) many older programs no longer work on my Samsung / W10. On the Dell / on W7, however, yes.

3) since my Dell device, unlike my Samsung laptop, still has an integrated CD-ROM drive and I would therefore like to use it as a smorgasbord for music, photos, etc., despite its age and slight defects. Quasi as an external hard drive. (Also so that the repair was not entirely for the A… Flow.)

Call it "naive". But I once heard that with Windows 10 it should be much easier to get sensitive data on the computer or "spy on" someone than with Windows 7. Is that so?

Don't worry, I'm not calling you naive.

You are actually safer with Windows 10 than with Windows 7. As already mentioned, Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft. Say: No more updates (also no security updates, etc.). Accordingly, Windows 7 systems are easier to access than Windows 10.

But if you are only offline with the device, you can also be safe with Windows 7.

When it comes to security, however, Linux and Mac are ahead because they are generally not used as often as compared to Windows systems.

Look at the bottom of the laptop. There should be a sticker with the product key. If the activation no longer works, Microsoft has switched off the Windows 7 activation server.

P.S. With the Windows 7 product key, you can still activate Windows 10 for free. When activating Windows 10, it is recommended to create a Microsoft account if you don't already have one. The Windows 10 activation is then saved there permanently. If you have to reinstall Windows 10, just log in again with your Microsoft account. Then it is automatically activated again.

If you turn off all desktop effects in Windows 10, it will even run faster than Windows 7.

If Windows 10 can't be installed (e.g. The requirements are not sufficient), you can do the following:

Install the Cloudready operating system. This is a customized Chrome OS that turns any device into a Chromebook. Here is the download: https://www.neverware.com/freedownload#intro-text You need the USB Maker and an empty formatted USB stick. Then simply boot the created stick. The Cloudready Installer erases the hard drive completely. Cloudready runs extremely fast even on devices over 10 years old. The browser and Chrome apps start without delay. OK Google and Google Cloud Print is also supported.
Install the PrimeOS operating system. This is a customized Android with a start menu and taskbar. It is adapted to the keyboard and mouse. The Google Play Store is there. Here is the download: https://primeos.in/download/ You need the Standard Edition. This is for PCs and laptops from 2007 to 2013. To do this, download the ISO image and then write it with Rufus https://rufus.ie/ on an empty formatted USB stick. And then boot the stick. The installation is initially in English. After installation, you can switch to German in the Android settings.
Install the Linux distribution Linux Mint. I recommend the Xfce edition. This has a desktop with a start menu that runs even on devices over 10 years old. Here is the download: https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php Then also write the ISO with Rufus on an empty formatted USB stick and then boot the stick. Linux Mint is one of the most used distros. It is easy to install and set up even by laypeople.

You can still activate normally. If your key shouldn't spark at first, call a hotline. And I still find windows 7 BEST. The guy who did that knew something about his job.

My opinion!

Safer? Well, if you lock up all burglars in your own house, no one can break into you. The logic is of course also applicable to everything else. Let a wolf bite you and you've got it behind you.

Umm ok? XD

Achso Okey, it should work with Win 7 with the key… But I would consider whether you do it, because W7 will not be supported anymore, so I would not find it "illegal" now… 😅

But is your decision, I could live with a few messages.

My experience of having actually tried to activate a clean copy of Win 7 recently, is that the activation fails, and when you call the number to get a code, it only offers win 10 activation. Looks like the Win 7 activation servers are no more.