- Google had to extend Chrome support for Windows 7 and 8.1 earlier this year.
- The browser will still work on devices running those Microsoft OS’, but you won’t be able to install newer versions of Chrome from next year.
- No precise date in 2023 has been outlined at the time of writing.
The sun is setting when it comes to Google supporting Chrome on older versions of Windows, with Windows 7 and 8.1 in particular highlighted in a recent support page post advising users to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 before that happens.
No precise date has been mentioned by Google, but the end of support is said to be happening early next year and may coincide with the rollout of the latest version of the browser, Chrome 110.
“With the release of Chrome 110 (tentatively scheduled for February 7th, 2023), we’ll officially end support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. You’ll need to ensure your device is running Windows 10 or later to continue receiving future Chrome releases. This matches Microsoft’s end of support for Windows 7 ESU and Windows 8.1 extended support on January 10th, 2023,” noted Google’s aforementioned support page post.
For those worried that Chrome simply will not work on their Windows 7 or 8.1 device when the sunsetting date passes, Google was careful to point out that Chrome will still function as an accessible browser, however, you will not be able to install future versions of it.
Added to this will be the loss of security patches and general fixes/updates.
