Google Chrome’s Latest Version Will No Longer Support Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1.
Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 7 two years ago, yet a significant number of users continue to rely on this nearly 14-year-old operating system. However, those who remain on this platform will be unable to use the latest version of the Chrome browser.
According to an announcement from Google, Chrome version 109 is the last version that will support Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2. Starting from Chrome 110, which is expected to launch on February 7, the browser will only be compatible with Windows 10 and above.
Chrome will stop supporting Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. (Image: Gizchina)
Google stated that their schedule aligns with Microsoft’s extension of support for the older operating systems until January 10. Therefore, Techreport predicts that Google will also cease all updates for Chrome on Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 this week.
After support ends, users can still use Chrome 109 on Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. However, it is essential to be aware of security issues, as any new vulnerabilities that arise will not be patched. If upgrading the operating system isn’t possible, an alternative is to consider switching to a different web browser.
Initially, Google planned to stop supporting Chrome on older Windows operating systems starting July 2021. However, this was postponed to 2022 and then further extended to January 2023.
Launched in 2009 and 2012, Windows 7 and Windows 8 received completely opposite receptions from consumers. While Windows 7 achieved success comparable to the legendary Windows XP, Windows 8 was a forgettable failure for the Redmond tech giant.
In response to the negative feedback from users, Microsoft released the Windows 8.1 update a year later. Despite numerous changes, the unfavorable impressions associated with Windows 8 lingered. Windows 8.1 never captured more than 19.1% of the Windows market share, while both Windows 7 and Windows 10 reached higher numbers within just eight months.
According to Statcounter statistics, as of December 2022, Windows 7 still accounted for 11.2% of Microsoft’s global operating system market share, while Windows 8.1 had a mere 2.6%. In total, Techreport estimates that there are over 100 million active computers running the versions of Windows that Chrome will soon stop supporting.
