Google has announced that older versions of its Chrome browser will no longer be supported on older Windows PCs starting January 15th. This is due to the release of Chrome 110, which is set to be one of the biggest upgrades in Chrome’s history.
Where Will It Lose Support?
With older versions of Windows losing security support from Microsoft, Google has decided to stop offering support for Chrome on PCs running Windows 7 and 8.1.
The first version of Chrome that will require Windows 10 or later is Chrome 110, tentatively scheduled for release on February 7th, 2023.
“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,”
Google had mentioned last year the change, which is going to come into effect this month.
Can Older Windows Still Use Chrome?
This means that users of these older PCs will need to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 in order to continue using Chrome, as it will still function on these operating systems but will not receive updates from Google, leaving the user at risk for virus attacks and other security vulnerabilities.
The discontinuation of support for these older Windows versions aligns with Microsoft’s own end of support for Windows 7 and 8.1.
Conclusion
Chrome version 110, set to be released in the coming weeks, will be the last version compatible with these older Windows versions. Google’s decision aligns with Microsoft’s discontinuation of support for Windows 7 and 8.1.
Users are encouraged to upgrade their operating system or device in order to continue using the latest version of Chrome.
