Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google’s Chrome browser leaves behind Windows 7 and 8.1.
- To access new versions of Google’s Chrome browser, users will need to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11.
- The next Chrome browser update is expected to arrive in February 2023.
If you’re still using Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, it might be time for you to update. Google has decided enough is enough and is ending Chrome support for outdated versions of Microsoft’s operating system.
When new updates come out, some people like to install the updates immediately, some like to wait, and some choose not to update at all. This is especially the case with major OS version updates. For those still holding out with Windows 7 or 8.1, it looks like Google is going to force you to make a choice.
On Google’s Chrome Help blog, the company says it will end support for Windows 7 and 8.1 with the arrival of Chrome 110. Expected release February 7, 2023, Chrome users will need to be on Windows 10 or 11s want to continue to receive access to new versions of Chrome.
If you are still using Windows 7 or 8.1, you will still have access to the Chrome browser. However, you won’t have access to any of Google’s improvements to Chrome until you update your operating system.
Essentially, Google asks what matters more to you: Windows 7 or Chrome?
From a security perspective, it is always recommended to update as soon as possible to fix bugs and vulnerabilities. So if you don’t want to worry about viruses and other issues, maybe it’s time to accept the inevitable and upgrade.