Over the last few years it has suffered with a large number of critical vulnerabilities, with dozen of zero-days fixed. And software that no longer gets updates is best uninstalled, as it poses a security risk.Ĭhrome is the most widely used web browser by far, with a market share of about 65%, which makes it a very tempting target for cybercriminals.
This means Chrome will continue to work on these platforms but will cease receiving critical updates and new features.
In early 2023, Chrome will officially end support for Windows 7 and 8.1 with the release of Chrome 110, which the company "tentatively" expects to happen on February 7. The sunsetting of Chrome for legacy Windows versions closely matches Microsoft's support deadline for Windows 7 ESU and Windows 8.1 extended on January 10, 2023. ESU updates only contain security fixes, nothing else, and are designed to provide a lifeline for organizations that can't move away from old products. Browsers based on Chrome, such as Brave, are likely to be similarly affected.Īlthough Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 7 almost three years ago, it has maintained a "last resort option" in the form of its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. It previously said it would stop offering Chrome updates for the OS in 2021, then this year.After keeping Chrome running on early Windows versions for two extra years, giving IT administrators time to update, Google has decided it won't delay any further: Unless organizations upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 next year, they won't be able to use Chrome. The company pointed out that its timeline matches up with Microsoft ending extended support for Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 on January 10th.Īs it turns out, however, Google will support Chrome on Windows 7 longer than planned. Still, Google had to wind down support at some point. That might be difficult for those whose systems don't support more recent versions of Microsoft's OS, businesses that are still stuck on Windows 7 or 8.1 and folks who can't afford to buy a new computer. On a support page that revealed the news, Google suggested upgrading to Windows 10 or Windows 11 to keep getting Chrome updates. You'll still be able to use older versions of Chrome on Windows 7 and 8.1, but you'll no longer be able to install newer builds, which will include new features and security updates.
Chrome 110, which is scheduled for release on February 7th, will not work on either of the operating systems. Google has announced it will end Chrome support on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 early next year.
0 kommentar(er)
