It’s finally, almost, nearly the end for Windows 7 and 8…soon
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Windows 7 and 8/8.1 just got another nail in their coffins with the news that another vital app won’t receive future OS updates in future updates.
Microsoft has announced that the Edge browser will end support for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 in the coming weeks, coinciding with the company’s planned end of regular security support on January 10, 2023.
“Microsoft Edge browser version 109 and WebView2 Runtime version 109 will be the last respective versions to support these operating systems,” the company noted in a statement. blog post (opens in new tab).
Another bites the dust
“We also encourage developers to end support for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1,” Microsoft added. “We recognize that this may not be easy for some developers, but ending support for these operating systems will help protect end users from potential security threats and risks as both operating systems will no longer be supported on January 10, 2023.”
The move also follows news that the world’s most popular browser is ending support for Windows 7 and 8.1. Google Chrome announced in October 2022 that it will be dropping the software in early 2023 as it appears to be streamlining its focus on Windows 10 and above.
Google Chrome 110, currently expected to launch on February 7, 2023, will be the last version to support the older software.
After a long warning period, Microsoft’s extended support for Windows 7 ended in January 2020 when the company moved to the three-year Extended Security Update (ESU) period. Windows 8.1 will also reach the end of its support period in January 2023 and no ESU program will be launched, marking the end of its life.
However, the issues are not that easy to fix as recent numbers claim that Microsoft is also having trouble getting users to switch to the latest Windows builds.
Data from Statcounter showed that Windows 11 only accounts for 15.44% of all Windows systems – but more than 70% of users still use Windows 10, while Windows 7 still has a dedicated user base of just under 10 % of devices despite the lack of support.
Through Ars Technica (opens in new tab)