Do not use Windows to store your crypto.

[NotATether]

Windows is the most used desktop operating system by a large margin.

It also has the most malware of all platforms.

That's because it's been around for decades, and similarly viruses for it have also been around and working for decades as well because each Windows version is backwards-compatible with previous versions.

This means that viruses can easily be used to infect newer systems even as Microsoft pumps hotfix after hotfix.

What this means for you, is that most of these malware will contain crypto-stealers. You don't want one of those on your computer.

It is better to use Mac OS or Linux instead of Windows if you have any wallets.

[Sim_card]

Windows is the most used desktop operating system by a large margin.

It also has the most malware of all platforms.

That's because it's been around for decades, and similarly viruses for it have also been around and working for decades as well because each Windows version is backwards-compatible with previous versions.

This means that viruses can easily be used to infect newer systems even as Microsoft pumps hotfix after hotfix.

What this means for you, is that most of these malware will contain crypto-stealers. You don't want one of those on your computer.

It is better to use Mac OS or Linux instead of Windows if you have any wallets.

Thanks for the information, what I want to ask is that does this malwares with crypto stealers also in the old windows because I have an old windows laptop that I am using, or it is only to new window computers in the market. So that I can know what to do next, because I have my wallet on my laptop.

[bitbit97]

Always thought that it does not matter which operation system, antivirus or wallet user uses, because he gets hacked not based on what has chosen, but based on what he did. Even if user has super protection system, one reckless click can change everything. I think it is enough to follow security measurements and be cautious, to safely store crypto. As nobody will hack you unless someone find out you have funds.

I have both MacOS and Windows systems. Access wallets from both systems, but lost funds due to wallet hack because I did not pay attention where I go in the internet and what info I copy or connect to.

[Lucius]

Always thought that it does not matter which operation system, antivirus or wallet user uses, because he gets hacked not based on what has chosen, but based on what he did. Even if user has super protection system, one reckless click can change everything. I think it is enough to follow security measurements and be cautious, to safely store crypto. As nobody will hack you unless someone find out you have funds.
~snip~

To a large extent, I share your opinion, because most of the incidents that happen to crypto users have nothing to do with the OS they use, but with the fact that they simply make a wrong move that hackers use to empty their wallet. So let's say a part of crypto users gets "hacked" because they save their backups (seeds/private keys) in e-mail or the cloud or as an ordinary text document on the desktop.

There is no doubt that Windows is the OS that is by far the most exposed to attacks, but even if it is another OS, it still boils down to the fact that it is not recommended to store your cryptocurrencies in desktop/mobile hot wallets. It's simply too much of a risk and that's why hardware wallets exist.

[Sim_card]

Always thought that it does not matter which operation system, antivirus or wallet user uses, because he gets hacked not based on what has chosen, but based on what he did. Even if user has super protection system, one reckless click can change everything. I think it is enough to follow security measurements and be cautious, to safely store crypto. As nobody will hack you unless someone find out you have funds.
~snip~

To a large extent, I share your opinion, because most of the incidents that happen to crypto users have nothing to do with the OS they use, but with the fact that they simply make a wrong move that hackers use to empty their wallet. So let's say a part of crypto users gets "hacked" because they save their backups (seeds/private keys) in e-mail or the cloud or as an ordinary text document on the desktop.

There is no doubt that Windows is the OS that is by far the most exposed to attacks, but even if it is another OS, it still boils down to the fact that it is not recommended to store your cryptocurrencies in desktop/mobile hot wallets. It's simply too much of a risk and that's why hardware wallets exist.

I agree with you that hardware wallets are the best to store bitcoin, but in my case I am not a rich guy that buys bitcoin with huge amount, but the bitcoin that I receive from my signature campaign is too small to send to a hardware wallet due to transaction fee in future. So what I do is to receive my coins in a hot wallet, and when it has accumulated to $500, or if transaction fee is high, when the TX is low, I do consolidate my transactions and send it to my hardware wallet. If I want to spend some bitcoin I also take from my electrum online wallet.

[Rubel007]

I have both MacOS and Windows systems. Access wallets from both systems, but lost funds due to wallet hack because I did not pay attention where I go in the internet and what info I copy or connect to.

Sometimes this happens where my operating system is fine but I am logging into a phishing site without my knowledge. Due to carelessness, many have accepted this type of hack. We cannot hold any operating system responsible for wallet security. Here we have to be careful. However, it is certain that MacOS will provide better service than Windows operating system, especially a user can be relatively safe from the problems caused by malware.

[Cryptsafe]

Windows is the most used desktop operating system by a large margin.

It also has the most malware of all platforms.

That's because it's been around for decades, and similarly viruses for it have also been around and working for decades as well because each Windows version is backwards-compatible with previous versions.

This means that viruses can easily be used to infect newer systems even as Microsoft pumps hotfix after hotfix.

What this means for you, is that most of these malware will contain crypto-stealers. You don't want one of those on your computer.

It is better to use Mac OS or Linux instead of Windows if you have any wallets.

I appreciate the fact that you take your time to update us on safety of our assets with respect to using our gadgets.  I like the fact that you  make out time for this and. I also believe many members here have been able to learn from you when it comes to safety and precautionary measures to follow.
But I am becoming more curious about antivirus that could be developed to prevent malwares from stealing our wallet information from our gadgets . Would this be possible  to develop such antivirus specifically for wallet theft and hack detection?

[bitbit97]

I have both MacOS and Windows systems. Access wallets from both systems, but lost funds due to wallet hack because I did not pay attention where I go in the internet and what info I copy or connect to.

Sometimes this happens where my operating system is fine but I am logging into a phishing site without my knowledge. Due to carelessness, many have accepted this type of hack. We cannot hold any operating system responsible for wallet security. Here we have to be careful. However, it is certain that MacOS will provide better service than Windows operating system, especially a user can be relatively safe from the problems caused by malware.

All these malware are harmless unless user himself click/open/run them. Nothing harmful will happen until user makes the first move. If you claim that MacOS is better in security, then why antiviruses programs arent so popular and developed as for Windows. The fame of MacOS super security is created only by large number of Windows users. Less people use MacOS, less cases of security breach. One good feature that MacOS has is a document preview when you press SPACE. That does not force to open or run a file. Just look what is in it. In general, all security problems that users have are made by themselves, not by specific OS.

[milewilda]

Windows is the most used desktop operating system by a large margin.

It also has the most malware of all platforms.

That's because it's been around for decades, and similarly viruses for it have also been around and working for decades as well because each Windows version is backwards-compatible with previous versions.

This means that viruses can easily be used to infect newer systems even as Microsoft pumps hotfix after hotfix.

What this means for you, is that most of these malware will contain crypto-stealers. You don't want one of those on your computer.

It is better to use Mac OS or Linux instead of Windows if you have any wallets.

When it comes to security then i do love MacOS on which this is what im using considering that when it comes to this manner then it is really that less risky but in overall its not always that recommended that you should really be that storing your private keys on your own PC no matter what the OS would be then it would really be that too risky on doing so.
It would really be better that you should be having at least airgapped device or having that hardware wallet or even writing on a piece of paper is much more safer than on storing
your PK's on your PC.

[robelneo]

I agree with OP but still, Windows is the most used and popular OS among internet users I still use Windows but I make sure that I am well aware of the many issues why Windows gets hacked and I implement the best security measures that I discover.

It's not the OS but more so on how you interact online and how you behave online, do not use cracked software, avois clicking links with .exe and most importantly update your machine and install the best AV in the market.

[MUGNIA]

I have both MacOS and Windows systems. Access wallets from both systems, but lost funds due to wallet hack because I did not pay attention where I go in the internet and what info I copy or connect to.

Sometimes this happens where my operating system is fine but I am logging into a phishing site without my knowledge. Due to carelessness, many have accepted this type of hack. We cannot hold any operating system responsible for wallet security. Here we have to be careful. However, it is certain that MacOS will provide better service than Windows operating system, especially a user can be relatively safe from the problems caused by malware.

All these malware are harmless unless user himself click/open/run them. Nothing harmful will happen until user makes the first move. If you claim that MacOS is better in security, then why antiviruses programs arent so popular and developed as for Windows. The fame of MacOS super security is created only by large number of Windows users. Less people use MacOS, less cases of security breach. One good feature that MacOS has is a document preview when you press SPACE. That does not force to open or run a file. Just look what is in it. In general, all security problems that users have are made by themselves, not by specific OS.

From your explanation, I understand a little about the problem of malware, so the disease will not come if we don't just click on a site.
By the way, can I be given an explanation of the characteristics if the site we click on is phishing

[Lucius]

I agree with you that hardware wallets are the best to store bitcoin, but in my case I am not a rich guy that buys bitcoin with huge amount, but the bitcoin that I receive from my signature campaign is too small to send to a hardware wallet due to transaction fee in future. So what I do is to receive my coins in a hot wallet, and when it has accumulated to $500, or if transaction fee is high, when the TX is low, I do consolidate my transactions and send it to my hardware wallet. If I want to spend some bitcoin I also take from my electrum online wallet.

It makes sense, as long as you consider your hot wallet safe, and as long as you can afford to lose that $500 in case something bad does happen. Given that, according to my calculation, you still need several months to collect that amount, you have nothing left but to be careful - although I see no reason why you should not receive your payments directly to the address that is part of your hardware wallet - and considering that you can have several accounts on HW, you can create one wallet only for sig campaigns, and then when a sufficient amount is collected, simply send everything to your main account.

[Faisal2202]

It is better to use Mac OS or Linux instead of Windows if you have any wallets.

I understand the motive of the post but why did you just come up with this idea, does something happen with Microsoft OS or you just don't like it, I know it is vulnerable to many viruses, but IMO we should never say other OS are not vulnerable, although they are definitely the best choice for us. Although not everyone afford Mac OS but yeah Linux can.

But most people involved in crypto are not using laptops, I know its strange, but I have seen more people involved in crypto with no desktops or laptops then those involved in crypto with smartphones. I might be wrong. BTW, I am also facing some problems with my laptop from yesterday don't know the reason, all of my browsers shuts them down automatically. Well, I thought something is happening and I am unaware of that, and this post come in front of me. looking forward to know more.

[TomPluz]

Currently, I am using Windows OS for my laptop as it is for me the most handy and one that came with my laptop for free therefore I am more exposed to it and since I am technically-challenged guy it would be difficult for me to shift to other less popular OS as they can come with some learning curve necessary to utilize them properly. However, I am not using any wallet on my desktop because I prefer apps-based and browser-based ones. Now, with security in mind, am I safe or can there be things I need to do to make myself and my small digital assets be hidden from thieves online?

[Freemind]

Thanks for the information, what I want to ask is that does this malwares with crypto stealers also in the old windows because I have an old windows laptop that I am using, or it is only to new window computers in the market. So that I can know what to do next, because I have my wallet on my laptop.

The older the version of Windows you have installed on your laptop (Windows 7 was released in 2009 and Windows 10 in 2015), the greater the risk of vulnerabilities and security breaches. Windows 7 ended support on January 14, 2020, and Windows 10 will end support on July 29, 2025. In fact, it's not just that Windows focuses less on security (which is also true) but the large amount of software available that is not open source, so no one can review the code.

A possible solution to this problem (at least it is what I would do) would be to make a backup copy of your wallet and install another, more configurable operating system. In my case, I have been using Unix-like systems, such as BSD and GNU/Linux, for many years. The choice is yours.