It’s finally, almost, nearly the end for Windows 7 and 8…soon
Microsoft Edge is finally ending Windows 7 and 8/8.1 support
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Windows 7and 8/8.1 just got another nail in their coffins with the news that another vital app won’t receive future updates for theoperating systemsin future updates.
Microsofthas announced its Edgebrowserwill end support for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 within the next few weeks, coinciding with the company’s scheduled end of regular security support on January 10, 2023.
“Microsoft Edgebrowser version 109 and WebView2 Runtime version 109 will be the last respective versions to support these operating systems,” the company noted in ablog post.
Another one bites the dust
“We also encourage developers to end support forWindows 7andWindows 8/8.1,” Microsoft added. “We acknowledge that this may not be easy for some developers to do, however ending support for these operating systems will help keep end users safe from potential security threats and risks as both operating systems go out of support on January 10th, 2023.”
The move also follows the news that theworld’s most popular browser is ending supportfor Windows 7 and 8.1.GoogleChrome announced in October 2022 that it will be dropping the software in early 2023 as it looks to streamline its focus onWindows 10and above.
Google Chrome110, which is currently expected to launch on February 7, 2023, will be the last version to support the older software.
Following a lengthy warning period, Microsoft’s extended support forWindows 7 was droppedin January 2020 as the company transitioned to its three-year extended security update (ESU) period. Windows 8.1 also reaches the end of its support period in January 2023, and will not see the launch of an ESU program, marking the end of its life.
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RIP Windows 7 – Microsoft’s best operating system ever?>Microsoft 365 patches for Windows 7 to end in 2023>Check out the best Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 deals this month
However the issues may not be solved so simply, as recent figures claim that Microsoft is also having issues inmaking sure users switch to its latest Windows builds.
Data from Statcounter foundWindows 11only accounts for 15.44% of all Windows systems - but over 70% of users are still running Windows 10, with Windows 7 still maintaining a dedicated user base of just under 10% of devices despite its lack of support.
ViaArs Technica
Mike Moore is Deputy Editor at TechRadar Pro. He has worked as a B2B and B2C tech journalist for nearly a decade, including at one of the UK’s leading national newspapers and fellow Future title ITProPortal, and when he’s not keeping track of all the latest enterprise and workplace trends, can most likely be found watching, following or taking part in some kind of sport.
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