Windows compared: Windows 7 vs Vista vs XP

There are plenty of reasons to like Windows XP, but security isn't one of them. The operating system still receives regular patches, and will continue to do so until 14 April 2014, but it's missing Windows Vista's reassuring security developments. The result? XP is now notably less safe to take online than it once was.

The counter-argument is that it's less irritating to use, and it's true that Vista's User Account Control (UAC) is too eager to prompt you when you make system changes. However, the idea of limiting what malware can do is a good one and so although it's much-loathed, UAC does make you safer on the web.

Windows uac

SAFE HANDS: For all its irritations, Windows Vista's UAC will keep your system secure - and the utility is improved in Windows 7

What's more, UAC acts as the foundation for other useful features, including Internet Explorer's Protected mode. This places strict limits on what IE can do, preventing it from writing to most of your hard drive or the Registry without your permission. ActiveX controls, toolbars and other add-ons inherit the same high level of security, so any malware you encounter won't be able to install further nasties.

Windows 7 features a much more customisable UAC that is noticeably less irritating. Multiple security levels mean that you can choose how many alerts you see – so easily annoyed users can pretend that UAC doesn't exist while resting safe in the knowledge that their system is protected from third-party meddling.

Encryption is the other big development in recent years. BitLocker delivers full volume protection in Vista, and Windows 7 extends this to removable devices. Unfortunately, this feature only comes with high-end editions of Windows, so low-end Windows 7 and Vista users will be in the same position as their XP cousins.

The real value of modern Windows security comes in its low-level changes, though. System services are more isolated and run with fewer privileges, reducing the damage that malicious code can do. A new TCP/IP stack offers improved encryption and authentication options, and Address Space Layout Randomisation loads system files as random memory addresses, making it far harder for basic malware to exploit key system functions.

There's no question that Windows Vista is more secure than XP, then. Windows 7 keeps the best Vista features, while adding additional controls to reduce the hassle of UAC and Security Center alerts, making it the marginal victor here.

Scores

XP: 3 / 5

Vista: 4 / 5

Windows 7: 4.5 / 5

TOPICS
Latest in Windows
Printer
No, your printer isn't possessed: a Windows 11 23H2 bug could be making it print random characters when connected via USB
Man having Windows 11 problems with his laptop
Fed up of adverts creeping into Windows 11? You won’t like Microsoft’s latest update, then, although it does provide some important bug fixes
Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop display showing the Windows 11 login screen
Shock, horror – I’m not going to argue with Microsoft’s latest bit of nagging in Windows 11, as this pop-up is justified
A laptop on a desk with the Windows 11 background on its screen.
Microsoft is adding image editing and compression to its Windows Share feature - and I couldn't be happier
AOC Agon Pro AG276FK gaming monitor tilted slightly to the side, showing the Windows desktop screen
Windows 11 users get ready for more ‘recommendations’ from Microsoft – but I’m relieved to say these suggestions might actually be useful
Microsoft Store logo on a blurred background
There's finally a fix for an annoying Microsoft Store bug that's older than Windows 11
Latest in News
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #1147)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #378)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #644)
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough