Should I use Windows 7?

Using Windows 7 as a file server in 2025 comes with significant security risks because Microsoft ended free security updates for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020, and no new patches or fixes are available after that. Without these updates, unpatched vulnerabilities remain open to exploitation by attackers.

While having a good antivirus and firewall helps reduce risks, it is not sufficient to fully protect a machine running an unsupported OS like Windows 7. Antivirus software mainly protects against known malware signatures, but it cannot fix or shield the machine from zero-day vulnerabilities or exploits targeting the OS itself. The firewall adds a layer of network protection, but if the OS services or applications have vulnerabilities, attackers can still bypass it.

If the machine is isolated from the internet and only serves restricted file sharing within a trusted local network with strong security measures (such as strict access controls and limited user privileges), the security risk is somewhat mitigated but still present.

Recommendations:

• Use reputable antivirus software compatible with Windows 7 and keep it updated.
• Use the built-in or third-party firewall and configure it tightly.
• Apply best practices for securing file servers like strong authentication, NTFS permissions, and disabling unnecessary services.
• Consider operating system alternatives such as a lightweight Linux-based file server, which receives security updates and has less telemetry.
• Avoid using Windows 7 for any internet-facing or sensitive operations.

In sum, antivirus and firewall alone cannot make Windows 7 a secure file server in 2025, but combined with good network isolation and security practices, it may be acceptable for low-risk use cases. However, upgrading or switching to a supported OS is highly recommended for security and compliance reasons.