Google has announced the end-of-support date for its Chrome browser in Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. As of February 2023, Windows 7/8/8.1 will no longer be supported by Google Chrome. The browser will continue to work okay but no security updates will be released for those platforms after that date.
Chrome 109 is the last version of Chrome that will support Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. Chrome 110 (tentatively scheduled for release on February 7th, 2023) is the first version of Chrome that requires Windows 10 or later. You’ll need to ensure your device is running Windows 10 or later to continue receiving future Chrome releases ~ source
Chrome is the by far the most widely used browser, currently dominating market share at around 65%, which makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. Chrome has suffered more than its fair share of critical vulnerabilities and keeping the browser up-to-date constitutes by far the best defense against cyber attacks. When those automatic updates dry up early next year, the risks of running an unsupported Chrome browser in an unsupported operating system will progressively increase as time goes on.
It’s unclear at this time if Google’s decision will affect other Chromium-based browsers, such as Brave, but experts are predicting a flow-on effect.
Firefox Support
At this point in time Mozilla is undecided on when to end support for Firefox in Windows 7/8/8.1 with two options under consideration:
- End support in February 2023 – in line with Chrome
- Extend support until August 2023 – when the next Firefox ESR version is slated for release
I suspect the latter option might appeal to Mozilla as the extended period of support might sway quite a few Chrome users on Windows 7/8/8.1 platforms to switch over, at least for the time being. One thing is for sure, support for Firefox in Windows 7/8/8.1 will end sometime next year.
I realize some users get so enamored with a specific operating system that they are reluctant to move on but this is just the type of situation they will all eventually have to face, as more and more software developers end support for these outdated operating systems.
Time to move on people.
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Jim. Sometimes moving on is not the that easy. My ancient computer is unable to run beyond 8.1, so I promptly replaced it. But instead of junking this working computer, thought of putting it to some use in the spare room. Found it could still connect to the internet via WiFi USB so was planning to reinstall 8.1 from scratch next month and use it just for surfing and watching YouTube videos. Should I be okay with this decision, Mindblower!
Mindblower, just curious, have you tried upgrading to Win 10? The min. requirements are not that hard to meet:
Processor 1 GHz or faster
RAM 1 Gb 32bit, 2Gb 64bit
Storage 16 GB 32bit, 20 Gb 64 bit
John. It is not those items which prevent the 10 upgrade. Ran a program (name escapes me) several months after 10 was out, and something to do with (forget now) said this computer fails to run 10. Thanks for reaching out, Mindblower!
Hey MB,
I wouldn’t recommend using an out-of-support operating system online.
For what you have in mind, I would suggest installing a Linux distro on that machine – Cinnamon Mint, Kubuntu, or Zorin Free. They will do everything you want, are under constant development, and very secure.
I would also backup John’s advice – if a machine is capable of running Windows 8.1, I cannot think of any reason why it shouldn’t be able to run Windows 10.
Thank you for the suggestions. Plan on doing so this weekend, Mindblower!
I cannot believe what happened this morning. I first tried clicking to retain my data, which caused the computer to hang for a very long time. Did a reboot and tried the process again this time saying remove my data, and everything successfully installed, with my data being retained. Best is I received Windows 10 Pro version. At boot up I have the option to select 10 or 8.1 for a few seconds before 10 loads automatically by-passing all login screens as before. Had I done this before, could have saved myself of purchase of another computer, but this will give me a chance to learn 11 (which is a pain) and I get to use this Windows 10 computer in the spare room just for surfing. Removed all saved logins and passwords which are no longer required. Mixed feeling, but a big thank you, Mindblower!
Mindblower,
Glad you got Win 10 loaded on there.
It was going to happen. I always see people complaining when things like AVs stop supporting an old no longer updated OS but they are at risk even with an AV.
Let’s hope by the time windows 10 is no longer supported I can afford a replacement. Had my pc since 2013 and could do with a new one