Windows 11 has just received its first major update and support for two older versions of Windows is about to end. Google Chrome is also dropping support for older versions of Windows, removing it from millions of computers.
When Windows ends support for older Windows versions, other software manufacturers often stop their updates as well. Above all, Google with the Chrome browser . We show what affected users can do and what alternatives there are.
TWO VERSIONS OF WINDOWS AFFECTED BY END OF SUPPORT
In January 2023, two Windows versions will reach the end of their support. The first system – Windows 7 – was already announced for private users in January 2020. Now the company version follows with paid support. At the same time, Microsoft is also ending support for Windows 8.1. This is the end for both private and corporate customers.
Microsoft recommends users to upgrade to a newer version of Windows. Regardless of whether you remain loyal to Windows or not, we also expressly advise against using the two systems after support has ended. At least if the computer is connected to the Internet. Because without security updates, serious security gaps remain open and your data is at risk.
Most customers follow the recommendation and switch to another system. Windows 7 runs on only 11 percent of all Windows computers. Windows 8.1, on the other hand, does not even reach 3 percent.
NO MORE UPDATES FOR GOOGLE CHROME
Google has now also announced that it will discontinue the Chrome browser for Windows 7 and 8.1. With Chrome Version 110, which will be released on February 7, 2023, users of the two Windows systems will no longer receive any updates. Although the browser can still be used with an outdated version, you should refrain from doing so for security reasons.
Windows 10 and Windows 11 are not affected. There are still updates for both the system and Chrome.
CHROME USERS HAVE THESE ALTERNATIVES
The most obvious alternative is to switch to a modern operating system. For example, Windows 10 will be supported at least until 2025. A switch to Windows 11, on the other hand, is often associated with a new purchase due to the increased hardware requirements. In our guides, we show you how to switch from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 . We also tried the alternative systems Linux and Chrome OS Flex .
If you cannot do without Windows 7 or 8.1 for any reason, you should look around for an alternative browser. Other browsers that also rely on Google’s Chromium technology should also no longer receive updates. These include Microsoft Edge , Opera, Vivaldi and Brave, among others.
A possible alternative could be Firefox. Mozilla’s browser has not yet announced end of support for the two platforms and is unlikely to do so anytime soon. This is how Windows XP users were still supplied four years after the end of support. However , there is no guarantee for this.
