Google Chrome To Stop Working On These Windows PCs

Google has announced that support for Chrome on Windows 7 and 8/8.1 will end with the next update, Chrome 110.

The last version update will be Chrome 109, available from Feb. 7, 2023.

"You'll need to ensure your device is running Windows 10 or later to continue receiving future Chrome releases," Google said.

"This matches Microsoft's end of support for Windows 7 ESU and Windows 8.1 extended support on January 10th, 2023," the blog post announcement further reads.

For those unaware, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for Windows 7 and 8.1, starting Jan. 10. This includes support for WebView2, the tool that allows developers to embed web-based content into their apps.

Microsoft announced the end of support date for the Edge web browser on Windows 7 and 8/8.1 last year.

It's important to note the older versions of Chrome will continue to work, but will not receive any further updates released for users on these operating systems -- Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. Users are advised to upgrade to newer Windows as security updates are important for the OS.

Google had planned to release the updated Chrome 110 version in July next year, but due to the current pandemic situation, the tech giant decided to postpone the release.

Why update Chrome?

There are many good reasons to update your Google Chrome browser. Here are the six most important ones:

1. Security - New versions of Chrome are released regularly, and each new version includes security updates and new features. Outdated versions of Chrome can pose a security risk. That's because older versions may not have the latest security updates, which means they can be more vulnerable to malware and hacking.
2. Speed - Chrome is designed to be fast and efficient. By updating to the latest version, you'll ensure that your browser is running at peak performance.
3. New features - With each new update, Google adds new features and improvements to Chrome.
4. Compatibility - Updating Chrome ensures that your browser is compatible with the latest websites and web standards. This is especially important if you rely on Chrome for work or school.
5. Stability - Newer versions of Chrome also tend to be more stable and less buggy. So, if you're having problems with your current version of Chrome, updating to the latest version may help resolve those issues.
6. Fewer crashes - Newer versions of chrome are also less likely to crash.
7. Support - Google Chrome is backed by a team of experts that can help you in case you are stuck with a problem.