Microsoft plans to discontinue technical support and security updates for Windows 7 and 8.1 on January 10, 2023.
This will happen in just one week, and it will coincide with the release of Microsoft Edge 109, the final version to support the outgoing operating systems.
Edge isn’t the only browser that has dropped support for Windows 7 and 8.1. Google announced in October that Chrome support for Windows 7/8.1 would end on February 7th.
Both browsers will continue to function on these devices, but they will no longer receive security updates or new features. On January 10, WebView2, which allows developers to embed web content in their apps, will also be phased out.
The deadline next week is too soon for those who still have Windows 7-based machines, which are estimated to number around 100 million by 2021.
To be fair, Microsoft announced the end-of-life date for Windows 7 and 8 when Windows 11 was released.
These operating systems will continue to function normally, but the inability to update will expose users to viruses and security issues that emerge later.
Last October, a Lansweeper survey of 27 million Windows computers discovered that more PCs were running XP, 7, and 8, rather than Windows 11.
Microsoft gave users plenty of notice and announced that Windows 7 support would end in 2020.
Only those who purchased an additional three years of extended security patches will be able to receive updates.
Windows 10 and 11 are free to download for devices running Windows 7 or 8.1. Microsoft recommends that you replace your device before January 10th to avoid security issues.
Even if you don’t have a compatible device (Intel 8th gen or higher), Windows 11 runs quite well, so there’s no need to worry about software issues.
To read our blog on “How To do Adaptive streaming in Windows 10,” click here
