In a recent blog post, Google announced its intention to end support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 where the Chrome web browser is concerned. The plan here is to end complete support come February 7, 2023, with the release of Chrome 110.
Google Chrome to drop support for Windows 7/8.1
All users must then ensure their computers are running either Windows 10 or Windows 11 in order to download and install the latest version of the Google Chrome web browser.
Google is doing this due to Microsoft’s planned end of support for both operating systems coming on January 10, 2023. Now, if you are not willing to upgrade to Windows 10 or Windows 11, then worry not since older versions of Chrome will still work, but they will no longer receive the latest security updates.
Additionally, we are not sure how long it will take Google to force developers to longer support older versions of the web browser with their extensions.
“Older versions of Chrome will continue to work, but there will be no further updates released for users on these operating systems,” according to James, Chrome Support Manager. “If you are currently on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, we encourage you to move to a supported Windows version before that date to ensure you continue to receive the latest security updates and Chrome features.”
At the moment, Windows 7 has a 10 percent market share, while Windows 8.1 has 2.7 percent. So, when combined, both operating systems still command a strong user base still choosing to live in the past. But as time goes by, they will have little to no reason to not upgrade to a new version of the popular operating system.
With the Google Chrome web browser having over 65 percent market share, we expect most Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users to finally decide to upgrade in the near future as reality begins to dawn on them.
