Microsoft will finally end support for Windows 7 and 8.1 in early 2023. Google takes this as an opportunity to withdraw the Chrome browser from these systems.
217 million – about as many users still have Windows 7 or 8.1 installed on their computers. Not only will the completely outdated operating systems soon no longer receive security updates. Google will also cut off support for its Chrome browser.
No more Chrome for older versions of Windows
In concrete terms, this means that Google will no longer release any further Chrome updates for Windows 7 and 8.1. According to Google support page the last version, Chrome 110, is scheduled to be released on February 7, 2023. Although users of older versions of Windows can still access the Internet via Chrome. However, they no longer receive functional and even more important security updates.
This means that affected users are using both insecure operating systems and an insecure browser. Not only security gaps in Windows itself, but also in applications such as Google Chrome will then no longer be patched. This makes it easy for hackers.
But not only security gaps could cause problems in the future on Chrome versions that are no longer supported. Also, certain browser extensions, features, and even website access will eventually become unavailable. Developers often only provide their extensions for secure versions of Chrome. It is also questionable how long Google will continue to support the password manager function for version 110. Ultimately, changes in the display of websites can mean that content is no longer displayed correctly.
The solution: Upgrade to Windows 10 or 11
Microsoft had extended support for Windows 7 and 8.1 several times to give those who were reluctant to upgrade enough time to switch to a newer version. Windows 7 even has its own “Extended Security Update program get one that contains at least the most necessary security patches. Windows 8.1 also only runs on extended supportwhich only provides bug fixes and security updates.
But that will finally end on January 10, 2023. On this date, Microsoft will turn off life support for Windows 7 and 8.1. Users who then stay with the discarded operating systems are on their own. TECHBOOK therefore strongly recommends upgrading to version 10 or 11 in order to be able to use Windows and Chrome safely. You can find out how to do this here: Instructions for upgrading to Windows 10.